LIBRARY OF MUYINGA BY BC ARCHITECTS

When architecture shows us the way

It’s always good to remember that architecture can actually changes things. With all these luxurious houses and pools, we tend to forget that architecture can also be used to build hospitals, schools or, in this case, libraries in places other than Brazil or California! Places like Burundi! However, the problem with practical buildings is that function often comes first, which doesn’t do justice to these projects. Belgian architecture firm BC Architects finally put this silliness to an end with the Library of Muyinga.

With a budget of only 40,000€, the firm did a study of architectural practices in Burundi to design the building. In order to ensure the respect of local traditions, fieldwork was conducted in the region, which gave them insight into the local techniques and materials. As such, the architects could deal with the various constraints of the environment (weather) and the culture of the country. Using compound and local materials made the process eco-friendly, but BC Architects didn’t stop there. They involved the local community in the construction process. An architectural success to be remembered.