The cultural center is situated on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the ocean and lots of lush vegetation. Ten pavilions of various sizes ranging in height between 9 and 24 meters high are situated asymmetrically along a main path. Each pavilion serves a various function or evokes certain themes and includes permanent or temporary exhibitions. Some contain studios for traditional activities, such as music, dance, painting and sculpture. Also housed at the center is an auditorium, an amphitheater, the administrative departments, research areas, a conference room and a library.
The pavilions themselves were inspired by traditional Kanak huts, but were not copied exactly – they’re more of a modern take on the traditional architecture. Built from iroko wood as well as glass, steel, and bamboo, they respect traditional construction methods according to the most sophisticated engineering studies. Operable roof skylights and a screen of laminated wood facilitate natural ventilation using the wind to push hot air out of the top, while a bamboo wall filters light into the interior.
If you want to see a classic example of green architecture before the eco building movement was even born, check out the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center by Renzo Piano on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Built to honor the Kanak as
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Originally designed in 1991, the Tjibaou Cultural Center was finally completed in 1998.
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Located near the capital city of New Caledonia, Nouméa, the Cultural Center sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the ocean and lush vegetation.
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Renzo Piano designed the center’s individual structures to resemble Kanak Huts and honor the native people’s culture.
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But they are not built exactly like the traditional architecture. Piano’s version of the traditional village pays homage to the tradition of the culture without falling into a parody of it.
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In all, ten pavilions of varying heights make up the village along a main axis.
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Each pavilion serves a different purpose may hold temporary or permanent exhibitions or even studios for traditional activities such as music, dance, painting and sculpture.
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Constructed of local iroko wood as well modern materials like glass and steel, the pavilions may look traditional but utilize modern engineering.
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Each pavilion has a curved wall consisting of a system of movable curtains, a wall of laminated wood and an additional bamboo wall, which filters light.
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The movable curtains or operable skylights allow hot air to escape out and the laminated wood screen lets air move freely around the structure improving the natural ventilation.
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Steel girders hold the structure together.
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Visitors tour the facilities.
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Inside, visitors can experience traditional Kanak culture.
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Children gather to learn in one of the center’s pavilions.
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