Mapungubwe interpretation centre

Limpopo,South Africa

 Introduction
Appearing to have sprouted right from the ground like cluster of
musgrooms,the Mapungubwe interpretation center is a dynamic cultural hub
located at the confluence of the Limpopo and shashe rivers in Zimbabwe .the
center and surrounding park celebrates the indigenous peoples of the area
and the structure itself blends into the natural beauty of the mesa.designed
by Peter Rich Architects the domed building were build with local materials
by unemployed local workers, providing them with skills they carried over to
work on their own homes!

 Architect
Peter Rich Architect

 Client
South Africa National Park
 Design
2006 – 2007
 Completed
2009
Sun path diagram of south africa
Nearest Airport is polokwane
Mapungubwe to polokwane =214km
Mapungubwe to Johannesburg=520 km
Mapungubwe is a self-drive destination.
Plan of mapungubwe interpretation center
SITE PLAN
AN AERIAL SKETCH OF THE CENTER

THE HEAVY VAULTED CELLINGS OF THE DOMES CONTRAST WITH

THE DELICATE WALKWAYS THAT MEANDER THROUGH THE CENTER
VIEW OF SECTION

A SKETCH OF THE CENTER SHOWING THE MAIN SPACES AND THE

FLOW OF VISITOR TRAFFIC
SKETCH OF CROSS SECTION VIEW
THE CENTER IS A COMPOSITION OF TWO MAIN HOLLOW CAIRNS
THAT EVOKE THE ROUTE MARKERS FOUND IN SOUTHERN AFRICAN
CULTURE

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

NO STEEL REINFORCEMENT WAS NEEDED TO SECURE THE

VAULTED CONSTRUCTION –A 600 YEAR OLD SYSTEM
THE BRICK WERE MADE BY LOCAL EMPLOYEES
WORKERS CONSTRUCT THE ROOF USING LOCAL SOIL,ADDING
MASONARY TO THE SURFACE
Workers test vault

Worker constructing vault

Vault
Mapungubwe shells
DRAWING OF THEATRE

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EXBITION SPACE IS

CAVERNOUS,CHARACTERIZED BY THE EXPOSED TILES MADE
FROM THE LOCAL SOIL
Its pretty amazing when a cultural center can actually write
a piece of the story of the people it celebrates.
Inside the domes are daylit by a strong southern light that filter
In through an opening in ceiling.

Not only was the natural landscape of the mesa the inspirationa
for the design of the centre ,it was also the source of most of
the construction materials.
inside the interpretation center visitor learn about an ancient
civilization that traded gold and other goods at site