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

News

International Sites of Conscience

Evaluation and testing have been critical aspects of the exhibit planning and design. A complete temporary exhibit serves to bring the public a new interpretive approach to the site, yet also helps inform and provide feedback for the design team throughout the longer process of developing the permanent exhibits for the complete historical site.
Temporary Exhibit at the House of Slaves in Goree, Senegal
Temporary Exhibit at the House of Slaves in Goree, Senegal
Temporary Exhibit at the House of Slaves in Goree, Senegal
Temporary Exhibit at the House of Slaves in Goree, Senegal
Images of temporary exhibit: Linda Norris/International Coalition of Sites of Conscience