Book Description

"Kaira Looro Competition - Sacred Architecture" is an international architectural competition which has as project theme the architectural celebration of the cult in a remote place on earth, where the shortage of materials and high-performing technology pushes the architecture to the branch of sustainability and integration with landscape and culture. Kaira Looro, that in Mandingo language means "Architecture for Peace", is not just architecture, but it also represents the link to a culture, a spirituality and research of interiority.Introspection, spirituality and divinity are the elements around which the sacred architecture revolves. The light and the lightness of the materials join sacred and profane, creating an architecture that, through spaces and forms, try to invite humans to an introspective research . This book collects and describes the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes and also 5 mentions and 10 finalists of the competition, nominated by the jury. The competition is organized by the Nonprofit Organization "Balouo Salo" with the collaboration of the University of Tokyo, Kengo Kuma & Associates, CNAPPC, Embassy and Consulate of Senegal, Sedhiou Government, the City of Tanaf and others. The sponsor Four Points by Sheraton Catania provided cash prizes for the winning projects. The winning project and the finalists are named by an internationally renowned jury made up of: Kengo Kuma, Ko Nakamura (University of Tokyo), A. Ghirardelli (SBGA ), A. Muzzonigro (Stefano Boeri Architects), R. Bouman (Mohn + Bouman Architects) C. Chiarelli (Arcò), A. Ferrara (Juri Troy Architects), Pilar Diez Rodriguez, R. Kasik (X Architekten), S. D'Urso (University of Catania), I. Gomis (Tanaf Mayor), I. Lutri (InArch), W. Baricchi (CNAPPC). The goal of the contest is to create a symbolic sacred architecture for the whole nation which can improve the precarious conditions of the project area. All proceeds, derived from membership contributions of the participants, are donated to the humanitarian project "A Bridge for Life" in Senegal, to save 80,000 people now at risk of survival. The book also collects 11 projects developed during the Kaira Looro workshop. These projects are focused on the traditional economies of the Casamance region and specifically the Valley of Tanaf. Each proposal, seen in the general master plan, will have to consider the guidelines based on local socio-cultural peculiarities. All of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the non-profit Balouo Salo.