Adjaye Associates Designs Eight Rammed Earth Domed Structures For Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library in South Africa

Sir David Adjaye and his eponymous architectural and design firm-Adjaye Associates- has conceptualized a 5,400-square-metre Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library that will feature eight rammed-earth domes. Set to be constructed in the suburb of Riviera at Johannesburg, South Africa, the library will pay tribute to the nations' second post-apartheid president, Thabo Mbeki and other noteworthy African historical figures. It has also been designed to commemorate ancient and contemporary African history. The new library space, which is an epitome of learning, research, excellence, dissertation and cultural interaction, will attribute an array of functions such as a temporary exhibition space, research centre, museum, auditorium, reading room, shop, digital experience centre, seminar rooms, cafeteria, office space, women's empowerment centre and an archive centre. Read more about the project below at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

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David Adjaye believes that the new library with its numerous facilities will be an "anchor point" for national and international scholars. "The architecture of the library taps into the collective memory of the continent through the establishment of a new historical centre for African consciousness in which knowledge, education and sustenance are nurtured in the

Rammed Earth Structure

The firm will utilize the locally sourced compressed mud to create the rammed earth domed structures to ensure a lower carbon footprint.

Also, the frames feature timber cladding which will be obtained from native wood species. The building also features terrazzo flooring that will be crafted from local stone.

Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library in South Africa

The roof of each domed structure will contain distinctive geometric holes, envisioned to form diverse lighting conditions and "a distinct atmosphere for each of the programs".

Rooftop Solar Panels To Generate Electricity

To make sure that there should be minimal carbon emissions, the architecture firm plans for using rooftop photovoltaic panels that will help to produce electricity for the library.

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The firm incorporated a geothermal heating system that will function in tandem with the thermal mass of the thickened walls. It allows maintaining the temperature of the building by storing the day heat and releasing it later at night to warm the building.

Two Levels

The library covers an area of 5,400-square-metre and will contain two levels- the upper and lower levels.

The upper level will be clad with the rammed-earth domes that evoke the feeling of traditional African storehouse for grains. In contrast, the lower level will be hidden beneath the ground.

Multifunctional Library

The building possesses various facilities, including a reading room, a museum, an auditorium, seminar rooms, temporary exhibition spaces and a research centre.

There will also be a cafeteria, office space, shop and digital experience centre. It also contains an area dedicated to the empowerment of women. Further, to store the artefacts belonging to notable African figures, there are also some archival spaces.

Interior Details

The firm has not yet unveiled the interior details for the Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library. However, the renderings suggest that the rammed earth will be exposed inside too and harmonized with minimal, dark wood furniture.

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An internal corridor will connect all domes that will extend the length of the entire building to offer a new public space in service to the community.

This will be attached to the subterranean level through a spiral staircase on one side. The internal den will be imitated outside by a large walkway that encloses the library, which is proposed as a public space for the community.

British-Ghanian architect Adjaye founded Adjaye Associates in 2000. He was recently bestowed with the RIBA Gold Medal for 2021.

Project Details

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