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- Tjibaou Cultural CenterIf 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.1
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterOriginally designed in 1991, the Tjibaou Cultural Center was finally completed in 1998.2
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterLocated 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.3
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterRenzo Piano designed the center's individual structures to resemble Kanak Huts and honor the native people's culture.4
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterBut 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.5
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterIn all, ten pavilions of varying heights make up the village along a main axis.6
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterEach pavilion serves a different purpose may hold temporary or permanent exhibitions or even studios for traditional activities such as music, dance, painting and sculpture.7
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterBesides 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.8
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterConstructed of local iroko wood as well modern materials like glass and steel, the pavilions may look traditional but utilize modern engineering.9
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterEach 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.10
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterThe 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.11
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterSteel girders hold the structure together.12
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterVisitors tour the facilities.13
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterInside, visitors can experience traditional Kanak culture.14
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterChildren gather to learn in one of the center's pavilions.15
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterThe beautiful handiwork on the interior.16
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterA classroom in the center.17
- Tjibaou Cultural CenterThe library of the cultural center.18