UNESCO House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), Senegal
As design lead and content development partner of an international team, Studio Tectonic provided planning and design at the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) in Senegal. Working under the project’s lead coordinator, International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, Studio Tectonic’s work on a comprehensive site assessment in 2015 led to a complete revitalization of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally opened in 1962, the historical slave trading residence on Gorée Island (a few kilometers off Dakar in Senegal), the site is redeveloping all interpretation and exhibits. A new visitor center is being developed adjacent to the existing residence. Exhibits and programs will contextualize trans-Atlantic slave trade and make connections to modern-day issues of slavery. The site is one of the most visited cultural attraction in Senegal. Completion pending.
The revitalization is co-supported by the Ford Foundation and Ministry of Culture in Senegal.
Client
Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves)
Location
Gorée Island, Dakar, Senegal
Categories
Cultural History
Exhibit/Site of Conscience
Exhibition
Master Planning
Memorial
Museum
Partners
International Coalition of
Sites of Conscience





