Rwanda Chapel
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The chapel represents both a monument for the local community, and a place for people to bond and unite, regardless of the tribe or history.
The building itself is composed of two ellipsoidal prisms, which lie in the axes of an imaginary Latin cross, positioned centrally around the holy place of the chapel.
The inner element is massive, symbolizing the strength and stability of the soil to which, being traditionally farmers, members of the Hutu tribe are especially attached.
It is surrounded by a lighter, perforated element that seems to be in constant movement – the main characteristic of the cattle breeding Tutsi tribe.
The Tutsi element is made of concrete and forms an open-air public space, an amphitheater, which can be used not only for the spiritual rites, but also for various secular activities.
The vaults above the entrances are also made of concrete. They connect and unite, both symbolically and physically, these two basic elements of the chapel.
The interior of the chapel is made of brick, which is still commonly used as a primary construction material in Rwanda. Bricks can be locally sourced, involving the people of the local community. The participation of the local community in building of the chapel will strengthen their personal connection to this monument.
The brick wall pattern represents the traditional Rwandan art of Imigongo. Motifs are created through indentations and voids in the wall.
Location: Rukomo, Rwanda
Status: Project
Source: Open competition
Project time: 2019
