EARTH
I
n the tradition of the Dogon there is a
doubtless spiritual connection between
men, culture and nature. Their minimalism
in building with clay, the plasticity and
immediacy of the detail are remarkable. It is
“wealth in restrictions”. Nuances, personality
and soul define the building; a majestic
gesture is not necessary.
The Dutch design is inspired by this
architecture tradition. Yet it is realized with
rather modern technology and built by local, newly
trained masons. The contractor and the craftsman
work closely together with the students of the
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Technical College in Sevaré. They are involved in all
stages of the construction process in order to improve
and to refine the construction methods, linked to
already existing techniques, traditions and know-how.
The building with a barrel vault has a porch on each
side as structural support for the impressive vault
of 7 metres. The porches also provide the necessary
shade from direct sunlight for the public. The roof
has been covered by a thin layer of red earth, mixed
with 6 % cement in order to achieve a water proof
and water resistant layer. The gargoyles on the
roof, locally manufactured ceramic tubes, provide