Situated in Taungdwingyi, central Myanmar, this groundbreaking community center, initiated by local investors keen on community development, seamlessly integrates diverse cultural and commercial programs. Through participatory workshops involving engineers and residents, the project crafted a user-oriented program.
The architectural design expands the public realm, featuring a promenade along an open-air staircase that winds through upper floors, providing glimpses and panoramic views of the cityscape and pagodas. Amid political unrest and a lack of cultural policy, the center signifies a grassroots commitment to offering spaces for cultural and expressive activities. Addressing Myanmar’s climate challenges, the project employs low-tech bioclimatic rural architecture, incorporating passive elements like sunshades and open atriums for natural cooling.
Locally sourced adobe bricks minimize the carbon footprint, while on-site amenities such as a wastewater treatment and rainwater collection ensure sustainability. First step in a long-term program, this pilot project seeks to harmoniously blend cultural enrichment with environmental responsibility.
Location:FranceArchitect: François Le PivainArchitecture Office:François Le Pivain, Statement Architecture, New South + Etienne ChobauxContractor:Structural Design Group, M.K.S. M&E design, MKAE engineeringClient: Swann Arr GroupPhotographer: Nyan Zay Htet, François Le Pivain
