Renzo Piano’s Gorgeous Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center Inspired by Native Architecture

If you want to see a <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/20/habitat-67-montreals-prefab-pixel-city/" target="_blank">classic example of green architecture</a> before the eco building movement was even born, check out the <a href="http://www.adck.nc/" target="_blank">Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center</a> by Renzo Piano on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. Built to honor the assassinated Kanak leader, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Marie_Tjibaou" target="_blank">Jean-Marie Tjibaou</a>, as well as the culture of the Kanak peoples, the cultural center is modeled after a traditional Kanak village, and the pavilions were inspired by Kanak huts. Using traditional materials coupled with modern materials and technology, Piano also utilizes clever <a href="../sustainable-building" target="_blank">green building strategies</a> to keep the pavilions cool and integrate the center with nature.

Originally designed in 1991, the Tjibaou Cultural Center was finally completed in 1998.

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.

Renzo Piano designed the center's individual structures to resemble Kanak Huts and honor the native people's culture.

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.

In all, ten pavilions of varying heights make up the village along a main axis.

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.

Besides the pavilions, the center also includes an auditorium and an amphitheater. Housed in a second series of huts are, aside from the administrative departments, research areas, a conference room and a library.

Constructed of local iroko wood as well modern materials like glass and steel, the pavilions may look traditional but utilize modern engineering.

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.

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.

Steel girders hold the structure together.

Visitors tour the facilities.

Inside, visitors can experience traditional Kanak culture.

Children gather to learn in one of the center's pavilions.

The beautiful handiwork on the interior.

A classroom in the center.

The library of the cultural center.