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Bamiyan Cultural Center

MMEK, in collaboration with Javier Salinas Arquitectos and our Costa Rica-based friends from A-01 – specialists in the field of urban and rural development – designed this proposal for a cultural center in the context of an international competition, which was organized by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The visitors passage through the target site is defined by the logic of the place, enabling a journey into Bamiyan’s present and past. The landscape flows through the building, blurring the boundaries of inside and outside program, both on the micro-scale of the building complex as well as the macro sale of the valley.

Following a popular Afghan proverb to express its cultural diversity, the different spatial typologies with their specific identities create diversified conglomerate united through the architectural layout, like the fingers united by the hand: Five fingers are brothers, not equals. The proper use of Afghan proverbs demonstrates respect and understanding of Afghan culture at a very high level.

Their use can lead to deeper personal connections that in turn help bridge very different religions, ethnicities, customs and traditions. Regardless of their many differences, people all over the world share many common feelings, opinions and hopes. Afghan proverbs highlight these similarities and show our common humanity.

With more than 1.000 teams participating in the competition, the proposal was selected as one of 50 finalist teams to engage in the development of the valley and additionally assist in reconstruction projects throughout Afghanistan.

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