Studio Libeskind unveiled their design for the proposed Ngaren: Museum of Humankind in Loodariak, Kenya. Commissioned by Dr. Richard Leakey, a renowned Kenyan paleoanthropologist, conservationist, and politician, the museum will be the first center of its kind that is dedicated to the research, discovery, and exploration of over 2 million years of human history. It'll also showcase Dr. Leakey's life work of fossil discoveries that have helped reveal the history of human evolution.
Working with local Kenyan architects, Studio Libeskind is overseeing the design and construction of Ngaren. The museum will emerge from within the dramatic landscape of Rift Valley, where Kamoya Kimeu — a member of a team led by Dr. Leakey — first made the significant discovery of Turkana Boy, which is the most complete early-human skeleton ever found by far.
Described by Studio Libeskind as a vertical stalactite, the museum's monolithic forms were inspired by ancient hand axes that were the first tools of early humans. Inside, the building will house a series of interactive, “architecturally dynamic and provocative” exhibition spaces that will “enhance and enliven” the artifacts, said Daniel Libeskind in a statement.
“Ngaren is not just another museum, but a call to action,” Dr. Leakey commented. “As we peer back through the fossil record, through layer upon layer of long-extinct species, many of which thrived far longer than the human species is ever likely to do, we are reminded of our mortality as a species.”
Libeskind and Dr. Leakey also launched a crowdfunding campaign for the museum, which has currently raised $4.06 million out of a $7 million goal. The museum is scheduled to break ground in 2022 and open to the public in 2024.
8 Comments
Daniel, if you can get away from titanium, you can get away from pointy ends, don't be afraid.
A "vertical stalactite"? Not to be an old lady English teacher but a 'stalactite' drops from the roof of a cave while 'stalagmite' rises from the floor of a cave. Both are vertical.
Careful. Proofreading and critiquing (even the most obvious errors) can get your post axed around here. Old-lady English teachers, take note!
Um yeah, about that;
Volunteer The hairy-chested dykes will be triggered by this.
How are people expected to travel to this location?
pointy....what a surprise
calligraphy of the land.
First glimpse?!?!? ... Let’s hope this stupid idea is the last glimpse and that Daniel Libeskind’s pretentious and ignorant architectural excrement will never spoil this serene landscape.
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