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Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center

Noumea / New Caledonia

Commissioned to honor Jean-Marie Tjibaou, the New Caledonian political leader assassinated in 1989, the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre celebrates Kanak culture by fusing ancient traditions with modern architectural innovation. Understanding Kanak history, environment, and beliefs was pivotal to the project, ensuring the design harmonized with its cultural and natural context. Collaborating closely with local communities, Jean-Marie Tjibaou’s widow, Marie-Claude Tjibaou, and anthropologist Alban Bensa, the process was deeply informed by local insights and expertise, resulting in a thoughtful and culturally resonant architecture.

A row of tents sit on a small island in the middle of a body of water
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. Pierre Alain Pantz

 

Drawing inspiration from the Kanak people’s deep connection to nature, the project pursued two primary objectives: showcasing the Kanak’s exceptional craftsmanship in building and incorporating modern materials—such as glass, aluminum, steel, and contemporary lighting technologies—alongside traditional materials like wood and stone.

The Centre consists of a series of “huts,” small pavilions, and tree-filled spaces. Situated on the Tina Peninsula, a spit of land surrounded by water on three sides, the site features lush vegetation interwoven with trails and paths. Amidst these pathways are “villages”: clusters of buildings with semicircular layouts that define open communal spaces, fostering a strong connection to their natural and cultural context.

 
An aerial view of a tropical island surrounded by water and trees
© ADCK / Sergio Grazia
A black and white drawing of a city with a lot of buildings and trees
© RPBW / ADCK
A large building is reflected in the water of a lake surrounded by trees
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. John Gollings - Gollings Photography
An aerial view of a small island in the middle of a body of water
© ADCK / Sergio Grazia
 

 

The structure and functionality of traditional New Caledonian huts were reimagined and adapted both architecturally and socially. The Cultural Centre features ten huts of varying sizes, ranging from 20 to 28 meters in height, all interconnected by a footpath.

Each hut serves a distinct purpose: the first group houses exhibition spaces; the second includes research areas, a conference room, and a library; the third contains studios for music, dance, painting, and sculpture. The curved shapes of the huts echo traditional Kanak designs, but instead of woven vegetable fibers, they are constructed with wooden ribs and slats. This blend of tradition and innovation provides modern technological benefits while retaining a cultural essence. Termite-resistant and low-maintenance iroko wood was selected for its durability, ensuring the structures’ longevity in New Caledonia’s tropical climate.

A woman sits at a table in a library reading a book
© ADCK / Michel Denancé
A lake with a large building in the background
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. John Gollings - Gollings Photography
A row of buildings with a blue sky in the background
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. John Gollings - Gollings Photography
A wooden fence with a tree in front of it
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. William Vassal
A black and white drawing of a building surrounded by trees
© RPBW / ADCK
 

 
 

The buildings employ an advanced passive ventilation system, eliminating the need for mechanical air conditioning. A double outer facade with slatted wood allows air to flow freely between the layers, enhancing natural circulation. The external facade features angled apertures specifically designed to capture monsoon winds from the sea, the region’s prevailing air currents. Adjustable louvers regulate airflow—opening to admit fresh air during light winds and closing for protection during stronger gusts. This innovative approach was tested using scale models in a wind tunnel to ensure optimal performance.

 
A black and white drawing of a woman standing in front of a building
© RPBW / ADCK
Two men are working on a wooden structure with a blue sky in the background
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. Pierre Alain Pantz
A group of people are working on a wooden structure
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. Pierre Alain Pantz
A large body of water with trees in the background
© RPBW / ADCK, ph. Pierre Alain Pantz

Project Details

Status

1991 - 1998

Client

Agence pour le Développement de la Culture Kanak

Design

Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects

Competition (1991)

Design Team

P. Vincent (partner in charge), A. Chaaya (architect in charge) with F. Pagliani, J. Moolhuijzen, W. Vassal and O. Doizy, A. Schultz (models)

Consultants

A. Bensa (ethnologist); Desvigne & Dalnoky (landscaping); Ove Arup & Partners (structure and ventilation); GEC Ingénierie (cost control), Peutz & Associés (acoustics), Scène (scenography)

Preliminary design (1992)

Design Team

P. Vincent (partner in charge), A. Chaaya, D. Rat (architects in charge) with J.B. Mothes A. H. Téménidès and R. Phelan, C. Catino, A. Gallissian, R. Baumgarten; P. Darmer (models)

Consultants

A. Bensa (ethnologist); GEC Ingénierie (cost control); Ove Arup & Partners (structural & MEP engineering concept); CSTB (environmental studies); Agibat MTI (structure); Scène (scenography); Peutz & Associés (acoustics); Qualiconsult (security); Végétude (planting)

Design Development and Construction (1993-1998)

Design Team

P. Vincent (partner in charge), D. Rat, W. Vassal (architects in charge) with A. El Jerari, A. Gallissian, M. Henry, C. Jackman, P. Keyser, D. Mirallie, G. Modolo, J.B. Mothes, M. Pimmel, S. Purnama, A. H. Téménidès and J.P. Allain (models)

Consultants

A. Bensa (ethnologist); Agibat MTI (structure); GEC Ingénierie (MEP engineering and cost control); CSTB (environmental studies); Philippe Délis (exhibit design); Scène (scenography); Peutz & Associés (acoustics); Qualiconsult (security); Végétude (planting); Intégral R. Baur (signing)