Submitted by ma0 on Wed, 01/01/2025 - 18:30
Elongo
Masai Mara Conservation Centre
\ click on the image to see the slideshow
date: 2024
design team: ma0 \ Alberto Iacovoni
site: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
result: \
A shield for the Masai Mara: the building shape evokes the profile of a giant leaf, or better, that of the traditional Masai shield, the Elongo with its characteristic double-arched profile. This curvilinear perimeter of the building helps to open up views towards the surrounding landscape, and to respect the existing trees and shrubs.
The required 20 parking slots are placed behind the new building, allowing to create a gathering space in between the Centre and the Oloololo Gate.
The Centre is a porous building divided by two perpendicular passages in four portions, one of which is a covered portico extending in an open space facing the Gate.
The two exhibition spaces suggest the possibility of a narrative split in two main interpretive themes – landscape and wildlife on one side, and local heritage on the other. Immersive and interactive technologies will be coupled with the show of authentic artifacts, to augment their comprehension in an engaging and interactive way.
