CREATIVE

Bahai Temple Kinshasa

Rendering of the Bahai Temple in Kinshasa, conceptualized by the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The temple features a distinctive orange facade with intricate lattice patterns allowing light filtration, surrounded by lush palm trees and well-manicured gardens with pedestrians walking along the pathways and small yellow ground lights enhancing the serene atmosphere.
CLIENT

Bahai Religion

COMPLETION DATE

February 2019

LOCATION

Kinshasa, Congo

We were invited to participate in a closed competition to design the regional temple for the Bahia faith in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bahai Temple Kinshasa project involved the master planning of the entire site in addition to all supporting buildings.

For our design concept, while retaining the typology required, we drew inspiration from the Kabu (also known as the Bakuba) people living in the southeastern democratic republic of Congo between the Kasai and Samkuru rivers for the design of our  proposal.

The Kuba people are known for their textiles featuring distinctive geometric patterns. Their textile patterns demonstrate a taste for interrupting the expected line; they compose through juxtapositions of sharply differing units and abrupt shifts of form, which inspired the project. 

Interior view of the Bahai Temple in Kinshasa, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The space is illuminated by natural light filtering through the ornate orange lattice work of the high ceiling, with rows of wooden benches for congregants, and tall windows with matching wood shutters that complement the warm, welcoming atmosphere inside the temple.
An individual walks through the striking entrance of the Bahai Temple in Kinshasa, designed by the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The towering orange lattice structures create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, framing views of the palm-lined promenade and tranquil reflecting pool, capturing the essence of a serene and spiritual environment.
A look inside the dome of the Bahai Temple in Kinshasa, a creation of the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The image shows the stunning design of the temple's ceiling with its orange hues and intricate lattice patterns that create a kaleidoscope of light and shadow. The focal point is the radiant sunlight streaming through the oculus at the dome's apex, casting a warm glow and creating a spiritual ambiance.
Aerial view of a temple's expansive grounds, designed by the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The temple's star-shaped structure is highlighted, with its orange lattice walls forming a striking contrast against the lush greenery of the surrounding gardens. A reflective water feature encircles the building, while walkways lead to the temple, inviting visitors to this serene and spiritually significant location. Tosin Oshinowo designed this project for the competition
Rendering of the Bahai Temple in Kinshasa, conceptualized by the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The temple features a distinctive orange facade with intricate lattice patterns allowing light filtration, surrounded by lush palm trees and well-manicured gardens with pedestrians walking along the pathways and small yellow ground lights enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Panoramic view of a temple, set against the backdrop of the sprawling landscape, as designed by the leading architectural design studio in Lagos, Oshinowo Studio, led by Tosin Oshinowo. The temple stands out with its vibrant orange color and unique, geometric lattice structure, centrally located on a circular pavement amidst the greenery of the surrounding fields and palm trees, under the vast sky, indicating a place of calm and reflection in the heart of the community.
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