Kaira Looro 

Shortlisted

Kaira Looro competition

What if the cultural center sought to represent as a symbol of the disparate history by offering an iconic appearance that addressed the core elements of its own history? 

The response to a cultural center has always been, but not limited to, housing the culture itself inherently in practicing manners, they’re usually well-meaning and on occasion quite representative, but to what extent this one entity can represent the uniqueness of one’s culture, that’s the perspective specially practiced in this design. This cultural center is the illustration or can be an extension of their anfractuous history, extolling their traditions, encouraging people to think of it as a testament or proper response to their history, not just a plaque that over time goes unnoticed. While this approach might be difficult in some instances, the case of the cultural center in Casamance presents a rather obvious sight: a monumental emblem of culture. 

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave

I am the dream and the hope of the slave. 

I rise 

I rise 

I rise. 

~ Maya Angelou