Existing conditions

Design Concept

The design concept is rooted in a "non-formal" architectural philosophy that celebrates heritage by being in direct symbiosis with the site's energy. The primary layout lines are derived from soil fragments and cracks, articulated as a set of distinct programmatic volumes that follow the ground's natural levels. This fragmented, sand-colored aesthetic ensures the project remains a timeless addition to the valley, acting as a quiet observer to the legendary mountains forming the background.

Structure and Engineering

Architecturally, the project references the carved and cave architecture that defines the historical Buddhist identity of the Bamiyan region.

• Wall construction: Load-bearing walls are composed of rammed-earth modules of varying diameters, bonded with mortar to form a stable structural system.
• Structural stability: The global stability of each building module is achieved through the geometry of diamond-shaped, inclined walls, which provide inherent structural bracing.
• Perforation and openings: Selected brick elements are omitted to create perforations and openings, allowing natural light and natural ventilation.

Sustainability (Regeneration / Resilience)

The project approaches sustainability through cultural and ecological harmony.

• Material strategy: Locally sourced rammed earth reduces embodied energy and connects the architecture to the landscape.
• Environmental performance: Rammed earth provides thermal mass for passive climate control.
• Landscape integration: A natural material palette preserves visual and environmental stability.
• Regenerative approach: The center protects the site’s energy, acting as a resilient and respectful intervention.

Concept diagrams

Urban Integration and Spatial Experience

The spatial journey unfolds as a carefully sequenced transition between public and private realms embedded within the natural landscape. Open courtyards invite communal use, while progressively more enclosed spaces lead visitors toward inward-focused areas for research and contemplation, reinforcing a meditative experience. By connecting local communities with global visitors, the project creates a civic space that reads as an organic extension of the Bamiyan Valley’s historic fabric. The arrangement of building volumes forms a series of intermediate spaces, courtyards, and sheltered connections that allow for fluid movement between interior and exterior environments.