THE ICONIC PALACE OF LOME: A JOURNEY THROUGH TOGOLESE HISTORY
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Faucibus dictum sapien imperdiet maecenas sit id dui.
Rédigé par
Aminata
Publié le
17/8/2024
A WHITE VISION IN THE MIDDLE OF RICH VEGETATION
Emblematic of the Togolese capital, the Lome Palace, also called Governor Palace, is a typical example of German colonial architecture. Located in the city's heart, it offers a stunning view of the nearby Atlantic Sea.
H.E. Faure E. Gnassingbé, the President of the Republic, led an ambitious rehabilitation project to renovate the building, which had been abandoned for many years. The restoration was a collaboration between the Togolese office, Sara Consult, Archipat, and Segond-Guyon Architects, the agency responsible for the French Lycée of Lomé or the French Embassy in Accra. Based on old photographs, 20th-century memorabilia, and archival research, the rework brings a new, beautiful addition to the Museums of West Africa.
The rework revealed the building's original structure, awakening the soul of this Palace while respecting its unique heritage.
A CENTER OR POWER
Built under German colonial rule in seven years, the Palace played a crucial role in the city's design, as 'The map of the main avenues was designed around this very building,' according to Sonia Lawson, director of the cultural center.
The Governor Palace was constructed from 1898 to 1905 by construction engineer FURTKAMP, following a decision of German governor August Köhler to build a Palace imposing enough to be seen from a distance of a thousand kilometers and impress boats. Initially the Palace of German Governors, it went to the French to become the main seat of the Togolese State after being the decor of the country's independence on April 27th, 1960. Serving as residence Residence for the official guests of the Republic of Togo from 1976 to 1991, it became the seat of the Primature in September 1991.
Center of political power from the beginning to the end of the XXth century, this place formerly closed to the public eye is now open to the public in a beautiful, contemporary space. The refurbished building, inaugurated in 2019, is now one of Africa's most important art centers, aiming at "Reinventing natural and historical heritage to foster creative talents in Africa."
Once an abandoned and crumbling building, the Palace is today a stunning white vision in the middle of rich vegetation.
THE PALACE
Impressive by its size, the 3600 m2 space is a relic of colonial architecture. Its many openings, typical patios, wooden shutters, arcades, and galleries surround the Palace and protect visitors from the sun. Mixing different styles with the architecture « de la tête haute,» the two-story concrete building recalls the metropolis whose aura it reflects.
The renovation considered the local environment, favoring sustainable materials and working with local actors who brought their know-how and techniques. For the materials, Teak is the primary material used as it is easily found in Togo and is one of the strongest woods in the world. Iroko wood, a durable material, was sourced to rehabilitate the vaulted galleries.
White and brown structure in the middle of this green forest, the renovated edifice also kept its German influence with large windows in neutral colors offering a broad view of the park. The original frame was rebuilt thanks to the use of archival images. The architects and their team restored the cement tiles dating from the German occupation, and some of the walls were kept intact, maintaining the architectural heritage.
Many elements have been kept to respect the structure's history, but the rebuilding includes contemporary touches such as screen walls, thin metal elements, and secondary elements in teak wood.
Large windows let the sun in during the peaceful walk between the exhibition rooms and hallways. Several terraces and a shaded patio strongly link the interior and exterior. The climb of the imposing staircase, whose fence was saved, leads to the top of the West side tower. There, a panoramic view of the capital rewards the visitors. In addition to its exhibition areas, the space incorporates a gallery shop, restaurants, and a library as part of the renovation. Revamped from an old colonial building to a beautiful, contemporary center presenting culture, design, and visual arts, the Palace of Lome finally allows the local public to reappropriate this heritage.
This new art center aims to present Togolese culture based on different pillars: to promote national and pan-African production, including artistic, from plastic arts to design and new media, culinary, scientific or technical, to preserve and share the richness of this exceptional environmental site in the heart of the capital, to raise cultural and artistic awareness in young people and educate them on the importance of biodiversity, and challenges of environmental issues.
THE 26 ACRES PARK
The park is an authentic setting for flourishing nature and a vegetal feast with 500 plants from Togo, Ghana, and Bénin, majestic century-old trees, and 40 bird species. The rehabilitated version was designed by landscape architect Frédéric Reynaud for a project deeply linked with its environment, highlighting the richness of the local biodiversity.
"The park's landscaping project aims to reinforce the site's assets: centennial trees extending the main avenue; large perspective opening to the Atlantic Ocean amplified by a series of basins; new entrance towards the city's contemporary development district. The botanical richness shall illustrate the landscape diversity of Togo, from the sea to the countryside," said the Segond-Guyon Architectes agency. Divided into four different sections, it offers a tropical setting with gradients of greens: The Garden of Sea Plants, The Grass Savannah, The Ocean Alleyways, and The Enchanted Forest, including a conservation space for endangered botanical species in Togo. Highlighting and learning with a Bird Observatory allows visitors to observe kingfishers, hawks, jackdaws, or coucals in the park.
A series of small pools accompany the alleyways until the nearby Atlantic in an impressive composition, enhancing the Palace's beauty. The art is still present, with sculptures and artworks by contemporary African artists scattered throughout the park.
An architectural symbol of the city, the Lome Palace, is a mark of its historical evolution, a one-of-a-kind site mixing art and nature at the heart of the town. Perfect for a stroll in nature, lulled by the singing of the birds, charmed by the smell of the vegetation, and refreshed by the fresh air of the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
Located in Larabanga, near Damongo in the Western Gonja District in the Northern region, a predominantly Muslim community. Close to the national park of Mole, the « Mecca of West Africa » is worth the stop as one of the most revered religious places in the country. With its white facade in the middle of the bush and the red color of the ground, the edifice contrasts with the warmth of the arid land.
382 avenue de la Marina
Lomé, Togo
Légende de l'image
Légende de l'image
MORE ARTICLES
