Archinect - News2024-05-15T14:10:19-04:00https://archinect.com/news/article/150356548/woven-eucalyptus-screens-define-be_design-s-komera-leadership-center-in-rural-rwanda
Woven eucalyptus screens define BE_Design’s Komera Leadership Center in rural Rwanda Niall Patrick Walsh2023-07-13T12:36:00-04:00>2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/84/84feccbb358dd3ae867f7b69e0481bb2.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>New York / Kigali-based BE_Design has completed a facility in rural eastern <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/87772/rwanda" target="_blank">Rwanda</a> designed to provide health, education, and mentorship programs to young women. The <a href="https://komera.org/leadershipcenter" target="_blank">Komera Leadership Center</a>, which also serves family development initiatives and <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1452309/community-architecture" target="_blank">community gatherings</a>, is described by the team as “a much-needed community and education hub for local residents.”</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/73/73a301d983e79660c496346e86a5ca07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/73/73a301d983e79660c496346e86a5ca07.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image credit: Bruce Engel</figcaption></figure><figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a8/a89c05dc534e330a1f8e1a0c09a86fd4.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a8/a89c05dc534e330a1f8e1a0c09a86fd4.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a><figcaption>Image credit: Bruce Engel</figcaption></figure></figure><p>At the heart of the building, a flexible space functions as a gathering hall or a series of classrooms depending on its configuration. Large, hinging translucent panels divide the space into three classrooms when closed, or a large meeting hall when opened at 90 degrees. When fully opened to 270 degrees the space can accommodate larger events such as performances and ceremonies.</p>
<figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/57/57d01850c21238113967bccc1ee36728.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/57/57d01850c21238113967bccc1ee36728.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image credit: Bruce Engel</figcaption></figure><figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ab/aba6fb394de10fc168fa9352c8015cd4.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ab/aba6fb394de10fc168fa9352c8015cd4.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a><figcaption>Image credit: Bruce Engel</figcaption></figure></figure><p>The material composition, formed primarily of woven eucalyptus screens and brick patterns, is inspired by the traditional “Imigono” art originating from th...</p>