House of Traditional Leaders, Bisho

Type: Government & Institutional

Project Description:

The brief called for a “Parliament” for the Traditional Leaders of South-East Africa, which included provision for executive and administrative offices, meeting rooms, display areas, including a main chamber with a public gallery, facilities for translators and stenographers, and a VIP reception and hospitality section. The precinct was to be modern, but with a distinct African identity, inclusive of the various kingdoms and clans represented. The concept was inspired by traditional warfare formation, homestead composition, shapes dictated by traditional building methods as well as the hierarchy of traditional leaders (kings and chiefs) in relation to their subjects. The interior was heavily influenced by traditional symbolism, decorations, clothing, beadwork, and patterns.