New Office Works

African Heritage Hut

African Heritage Hut 

New Office

African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren

ENGINEERING & CONSULTING > STRUCTURAL
Silman Structural Solutions

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Moriah Adam, Elliott Riggen, Annabell Ren

DESIGN TEAM
Jasmine Chung, Jackson Janicki

GENERAL CONSTRUCTING
Human Scale

PHOTOGRAPHS
Annabell Ren, Elliott Riggen

AREA
150 Ft²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Chicago, United States

CATEGORY
Public Architecture

African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren
African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren
African Heritage Hut
© Elliott Riggen

Text description provided by architect.

The North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society (NLHCS) is dedicated to preserving and educating the community about North Lawndale's rich cultural heritage, its people, and its architecture.

New Office provided pro bono design services to help NLHCS create a structure for their existing African Heritage Garden Patio. 

African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren
African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren

The goal of this project is to design and construct a space that serves as a symbol of African heritage for the local community.

The design is inspired by a traditional African hut, featuring a skylight to connect with nature and the sky, and a hearth to serve as a gathering place and resting area.

African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren
African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren
African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren

The hut's plan is based on the Adinkrahene symbol, which consists of three concentric circles, symbolizing charisma, leadership, and greatness.

Today, the space is actively used by the local community for various events, offering a shaded resting area for gardeners and a venue for gatherings and celebrations.

This structure has become a vital part of the community, fostering connections and honoring cultural heritage.

African Heritage Hut
© Annabell Ren



African Heritage Hut
Site Plan
African Heritage Hut
Plan


African Heritage Hut
Longitudinal Section
African Heritage Hut
Cross Section
African Heritage Hut
Exploded Axonometry

New Office Works
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New Office Works
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