Far removed from any desire for post-colonial supremacy, the Thread Cultural Centre was created in Senegal in the village of Sinthian, under the impetus of the “Fondation Josef et Anni Alberse” (legendary husband and wife artists, also teachers at the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College) and Dr. Magaye Be, who lives on site.
Opened in 2015, it focuses on therapy, environmental awareness and cultural expression. It is also designed to offer a “knowledge and artistic sensitivity swap” between international and local artists and the population. The most visible fruit of this dialogue lies in the building itself, designed by Japanese architect Toshiko Mori in conjunction with local artisans. As a result, its roofs are shaped and positioned to accommodate the winds of this region, where sand can rapidly become invasive. The same applies to the openings, designed to constantly air the interior in periods of intense heat.
