Kéré Architecture's Benin National Assembly is inspired by the West African palaver tree

Kéré Architecture has revealed its design for the parliament of the Republic of Benin's new national assembly building. According to the architects, "the project takes inspiration from the palaver tree, the age-old West African tradition of meeting under a tree to make consensual decisions in the interest of a community." The assembly hall is located on the ground level. The "crown" holds the offices and auxiliary spaces, which are set back from the deep facade to filter sunlight. The "trunk" is hollow and creates a central courtyard that facilitates circulation and natural ventilation throughout the space. A central spiral staircase connects the ground and upper levels, and the top-level roof terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. A large portion of the site will be dedicated to a public park that will display Benin's native flora in addition to providing new recreation space. Moreover, new government service facilities will be integrated into the park's top...