Concrete is a revolutionary material, with a combination of strength, lightness, and cost-efficiency that helped to usher in the era of the skyscraper, but Adjaye Associates' new design for the Ghana National Cathedral reshapes how people relate to the building facet. Rather than a heavy, grounded feel that often accompanies concrete buildings, the Ghana National Cathedral turns the material into a sculpture of fabric, with flowing lines that look like cloth draped over a thin frame.
Considering that concrete is the key distinguishing factor for the architectural style known as Brutalism, the elegance of Adjaye Associates' design should be all the more impressive. It's a fitting look for the building, as it stands as a testament to the "unity, harmony, and spirituality" of people of all faiths in Ghana.
Draped Cathedral Designs
Adjaye Associates' Ghana National Cathedral has an Elegant Concrete Form
Trend Themes
1. Sculptural Concrete - The use of concrete as a material in more fluid, dynamic designs that mimic fluid shapes and flowing lines is becoming more prevalent and presents an opportunity for innovation within the field of concrete construction and architecture.
2. Reclaimed Brutalism - Adopting the Brutalist architectural style, characterized by the use of raw concrete and minimalist forms, as a base for more refined and elegant designs is a trend that is gaining traction and offers an opportunity to repurpose and contemporize existing concrete structures.
3. Spiritual Architecture - Designing places of worship that prioritize the spiritual experience of the congregation through the use of innovative materials and dynamic, uplifting forms presents an opportunity for creating transformative built environments for religious communities.
Industry Implications
1. Concrete and Cement Manufacturing - Exploring new production methods and formulations for concrete that can achieve more sculptural and elegant shapes could provide a competitive edge in the market and a platform for collaboration with innovative architects and contractors.
2. Architecture and Design - Taking inspiration from the fluid, draped forms of the Ghana National Cathedral's design could lead to more innovative approaches to building design and a renewed interest in the use of raw and minimalistic materials such as concrete.
3. Religious and Spiritual Communities - Incorporating innovative architecture and design that focuses on transcendent experiences may enhance the spiritual experience of religious communities, encourage attendance and offer new possibilities for worship spaces to better connect with their congregation.