Kéré Architects unveil the design concept for the Thomas Sankara memorial in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Thomas Sankara, the former president and influential leader, is being honored through the 87 meter tall structure, for his powerful legacy, resilience and unwavering opposition to injustice. The memorial is designed to reflect the transformative nature of revolution, balancing the themes of change and renewal.
The memorial is built on the site where Sankara and his comrades were assassinated in 1987. The original building is preserved at the heart of the memorial, surrounded by water to create a space for quiet reflection and remembrance.
A structure includes a purposefully long and demanding ramp which visitors are invited to climb, an metaphorical and interactive experience encouraging visitors to not fear the challenge road to change and revolution. The ramp leads visitors to a restaurant and vantage point, rewarding them with panoramic views of the city. A suspended funicular ensures accessibility for all. The complex also includes a media library, workshops, restaurants, and offices, interconnected by a green promenade that embodies Sankara's principles of universal education, agricultural self-sufficiency, and social equity.
The first phase, the memorial is under construction and expected to be completed in 2025. Kéré's design aims to create a space for learning, gathering, and contemplation, serving as a lasting tribute to Sankara's enduring legacy.
Source: Kéré Architecture
