The Nigerian architectural studio, SI.SA, led by architect Seun Oduwole, has proudly announced that the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History has been shortlisted as a finalist for the World Architecture Festival Award. This recognition marks a significant achievement for the studio and highlights the project’s cultural and architectural importance.
Located in Lagos Island, Nigeria, the John Randle Centre is part of a broader urban regeneration initiative aimed at revitalizing the area. The project includes the restoration of a historic 1928 public swimming pool and the creation of a 1,000 square meter exhibition gallery dedicated to Yoruba history and culture. The design of the Centre draws inspiration from traditional Yoruba architecture, incorporating elements such as a fractal building form, dyed tyrolean finishes, and a metallic screen symbolizing a weave. Additionally, the Centre will feature a green roof to harmonize with the landscape and reduce thermal load, enhancing its environmental sustainability.
The permanent exhibition at the Centre will celebrate the rich heritage of the Yoruba people, showcasing their language, rituals, festivals, and deities. This initiative aims to preserve and promote Yoruba culture, ensuring that its legacy is cherished and understood by future generations. The John Randle Centre is poised to become a vital cultural landmark, attracting Yoruba and African people from around the world, while also boosting tourism in Lagos.
SI.SA will present the John Randle Centre project at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore this November, where the project will compete against other innovative architectural designs from around the globe. This recognition is a testament to the studio’s commitment to blending contemporary architecture with cultural heritage, making the Centre a beacon of Yoruba identity and pride.
For more details on the John Randle Centre and other projects by SI.SA, visit their website.