Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre:
The philosophy of the location
Grand-prize winner and winner of the category “Special Solution with Brick“ of the Wienerberger Brick Award 2012 is South Africa‘s Peter Rich, together with Michael Ramage and John Ochsendorf, for the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre in South Africa.
The Visitor Centre reinterprets ancient vaulting techniques and uses the most sophisticated, scientifically sound construction methods. In collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the architect analysed Mediterranean domes as a basis for the project. Beyond his architectural activities, Peter Rich researched extensively the settlements of the Ndebele, Bantwane and Tswana peoples: Peter Rich Architects took special care to involve the local population in the realization of the project. For the construction of the new complex, which mainly consists of vaulted pavilions of various sizes, the architects opted for the use of handmade bricks and tiles.
