Palais de Lomé, Lomé, Togo, Africa (1898)

Artist/Designer: , , , Frédéric Reynaud

Project Location: Lomé, Togo

Figure 1: Exhibition room, transparency and connection between interior and exterior spaces ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 2: Exhibition room, “Togo des Rois” ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 3: Exhibition room, “Togo des Rois” ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 4: Corner around the patio ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 5: Archway ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Celine )

Figure 6: Patio and corridor ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 7: East elevation ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 8: South elevation during restoration ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Studio Erick Saillet )

Figure 9: Grounds ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Newki8 )

Figure 10: Gardens ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Patrick B )

Figure 11: Gardens ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Patrick B )

Figure 12: Gardens ( Source | Accessed : August 11, 2023 | Photographer: Celine )

Style/Period(s):
Adaptive Reuse

Primary Material(s):
Glass, Wood, Concrete

Function(s):
Garden, Restaurant, Exhibition, Retail Store, Concert Hall, Community, Cultural Center

Related Website(s):

Website's About Page | Accessed : August 11, 2023

World Architecture Article | Accessed : August 11, 2023

YouTube Tour | Accessed : August 11, 2023

Interview with Sonia Lawson | Accessed : August 11, 2023

Significant Date(s):
1890-1899, 1898, 1900-1909, 1905, 1960-1969, 1960, 1970-1979, 1970, 1976, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 1991, 2010-2019, 2012, 2019

Additional Information:
Publications/Texts in Print:

Additional Information:
The Palace was built and occupied by German, and then French, colonisers. After Togo gained independence the building was used to house the President, guests, and the Prime Minister before being left in the 1990s and abandoned. Over the years it deteriorated until 2012 when massive renovations began. The new Palais de Lomé is meant to be a place for the Togolese people to celebrate their country and culture, and with this it has exhibition halls, a bookstore, and more.

Project Description:
The building kept some historical features, like cement tiles from the German occupation, with new features, like air conditioned exhibition rooms.
There is an 11ha park with native plants designed by landscape architect Frédéric Reynaud.

Building Address:
382 avenue de la Marina, Lomé, Togo

Supporting Designers/Staff:
Sonia Lawson - Director of the Art and Culture Centre
Ernst Schmidt - Architect of original building

Significant Dates:
1898 - Construction began
1905 - Construction completed
Until 27 April 1960 - German and French governors' resided in the Palace (stopped when Togo gained independence)
1960-1970 - Togo's president resided at the Palace
1976-1991 - Guests of the Republic of Togo resided in the Palace
1991 - Prime Minister's residence
1990s - Building left abandoned and deteriorated
2012 - Restoration began
Late 2019 - Restoration completed

Associated Projects:

Tags:
Restoration, Cultural Centre, Lomé, Togo, Africa

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