Kéré Architecture has revealed its ambitious design for the Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewés (CCSE) in Notsè, Togo, a 7,000-square-meter cultural and spiritual hub commissioned by the Kothor Foundation. The center, Kéré Architecture’s first project in Togo, aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, and spiritual practices of the Ewé people. Construction began in October 2024, with completion expected by February 2026.
Celebrating Ewé Culture Through Architecture
The CCSE is strategically organized around two historically significant landmarks: the ancient Agbogbo wall, which once encircled the Ewé kingdom’s capital, and the Agbogbodzi Sanctuary, a site dedicated to the Ewé people’s principal divinity. Kéré Architecture’s design embraces the site’s sacred and historical essence, creating a space where architecture becomes a medium for cultural preservation and community celebration.
At the heart of the design is a striking spiral tower representing a symbolic connection between the heavens, the ancestors, and the divine. This vertical form serves as a spiritual beacon, anchoring the site in the Ewé people’s cosmological beliefs.
A Masterplan Rooted in Heritage and Sustainability
The project features a carefully curated mix of structures, including a sanctuary, temples, exhibition halls, an open-air amphitheater, restaurants, an auditorium, and a reconstructed royal palace. The low-rise buildings are seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, winding around the Agbogbo wall and interspersed with shaded patios and vegetation to promote natural ventilation.
The design also pays homage to traditional Ewé craftsmanship. The main entrance is inspired by the Ewé stool, a symbol of royal authority, while the use of red laterite bricks—locally abundant, durable, and climate-appropriate—ensures the buildings reflect and respect the region’s cultural and environmental context.
Exhibition Spaces and Cultural Programming
The CCSE’s exhibition halls will house Ewé cultural artifacts alongside contemporary works, offering visitors a comprehensive narrative of the Ewé people’s past and present. These spaces are illuminated by a sophisticated system of natural light shafts, which filter daylight to create a serene and ambient atmosphere. Additional cultural amenities include restaurants serving traditional cuisine and an open-air amphitheater for performances, storytelling, and community gatherings.
A Visionary Approach to African Architecture
Francis Kéré, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect behind the project, expressed his pride in contributing to such a meaningful endeavor. “The Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewés will demonstrate how architecture can be a catalyst for communities to celebrate their cultures,” he said. Kéré emphasized that honoring traditions through thoughtful design has the power to illuminate a brighter future for Africa and the world.
Kokou Djifanou Kothor, founder of the Kothor Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “To honor our traditions is to place the light of the past into the hands of the present in order to illuminate the future.”
Context and Broader Impact
This landmark project joins Kéré Architecture’s portfolio of culturally resonant designs across West Africa, including the Benin National Assembly and the Goethe Institute in Dakar. Each of these projects demonstrates Kéré’s dedication to integrating traditional practices with sustainable and innovative architectural techniques.
With the Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewés, Kéré Architecture once again proves that design can be a powerful tool for preserving cultural identity while fostering a sense of community and belonging. Upon completion, the center is expected to become a vital hub for cultural exchange, education, and celebration, ensuring that the rich legacy of the Ewé people endures for generations to come.
