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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
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Other Projects by Mariam Issoufou Architects
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
Type
STATUS
Concept
BUDGET
Undisclosed
The EJS Center’s building design is a response to the history of Liberia, its cultural and architectural heritage, and its climate, as well as acknowledging the country as the seat of immense trauma throughout its history. The project is an introspection on the challenges faced and on the strength and hope brought about by inspirational leaders such as Madam Sirleaf. The first woman Head of State on the continent, her ability to bring communities together, and be supported by those communities in return, particularly women, was an important component of the conceptual vision of the project. The objective was to design a building that captured the sense of humility, service to a people, grounded in cultural authenticity and great vision that symbolizes Madam Sirleaf’s work. The result will be a place that serves as a beacon in the world and aims to energize and instill a sense of self-pride and optimism in its visitors, particularly Liberians.
To fulfill this vision, the design of the EJS Center took its inspiration from Liberia’s architectural heritage, paying close attention to the traditional palava huts. Their originally tall, exaggerated pitch roofs were a direct response to the local climate as a mechanism for managing Liberia’s heavy rainfalls. The ceilings inside these dwellings featured beautiful yet functional woven designs. Grouped together, as they were in rural settings, the collection of huts would look visually striking and embody a sense of community. They served as an important reference in the design of the complex and were reimagined for a civic purpose.
The resulting buildings have similar exaggerated slanted roofs, which also help with natural ventilation, allowing the heat and moisture to escape through the roof. Liberia is a green and lush country, which inspired a complex with ample green spaces. The vegetation not only beautifies the surroundings with indigenous plants but also aids in the management of storm-water.
On approach, the reflective pool at the entrance creates a calming feeling before one enters the community and exhibition spaces. The project’s collection of buildings is aerated by courtyards that serve as additional spaces for gathering and workshop programs. Its series of exhibition rooms are complemented by community amenities that allow for conferences, workshops, as well as access to a library and learning center. The café overlooking the ocean opens up on a large plaza amenable to functions and community celebrations.
The project is sustainable at its core, developing a series of simple strategies for minimizing energy consumption and material waste. The design maximizes natural light over artificial lighting, through the addition of abundant skylights and windows, which helps to circumvent Monrovia's lengthy electricity shortages. Opportunities for natural ventilation keep the interiors cooler in the hotter months and provide a lower reliance on artificial cooling. This effort in lowering energy consumption will be enhanced by the use of solar panels to provide a sizable portion of the electricity for the Center’s day-to-day operations.
Importantly, the project will use local materials such as raw earth bricks, fired clay bricks, rubber wood and woven palm leaves in abundance. This strategy sets the stage for incorporating local builders, manufacturers and craftswomen in the project to help promote economic sustainability. Rather than importing materials and skills, the construction of the Center will be a process of building a contemporary, state of the art project in direct partnership with the people of Monrovia.
To fulfill this vision, the design of the EJS Center took its inspiration from Liberia’s architectural heritage, paying close attention to the traditional palava huts. Their originally tall, exaggerated pitch roofs were a direct response to the local climate as a mechanism for managing Liberia’s heavy rainfalls. The ceilings inside these dwellings featured beautiful yet functional woven designs. Grouped together, as they were in rural settings, the collection of huts would look visually striking and embody a sense of community. They served as an important reference in the design of the complex and were reimagined for a civic purpose.
The resulting buildings have similar exaggerated slanted roofs, which also help with natural ventilation, allowing the heat and moisture to escape through the roof. Liberia is a green and lush country, which inspired a complex with ample green spaces. The vegetation not only beautifies the surroundings with indigenous plants but also aids in the management of storm-water.
On approach, the reflective pool at the entrance creates a calming feeling before one enters the community and exhibition spaces. The project’s collection of buildings is aerated by courtyards that serve as additional spaces for gathering and workshop programs. Its series of exhibition rooms are complemented by community amenities that allow for conferences, workshops, as well as access to a library and learning center. The café overlooking the ocean opens up on a large plaza amenable to functions and community celebrations.
The project is sustainable at its core, developing a series of simple strategies for minimizing energy consumption and material waste. The design maximizes natural light over artificial lighting, through the addition of abundant skylights and windows, which helps to circumvent Monrovia's lengthy electricity shortages. Opportunities for natural ventilation keep the interiors cooler in the hotter months and provide a lower reliance on artificial cooling. This effort in lowering energy consumption will be enhanced by the use of solar panels to provide a sizable portion of the electricity for the Center’s day-to-day operations.
Importantly, the project will use local materials such as raw earth bricks, fired clay bricks, rubber wood and woven palm leaves in abundance. This strategy sets the stage for incorporating local builders, manufacturers and craftswomen in the project to help promote economic sustainability. Rather than importing materials and skills, the construction of the Center will be a process of building a contemporary, state of the art project in direct partnership with the people of Monrovia.
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