Human Activities

Start Construction Research Centre

19 Juni 2016

The IHA and the CATPC are very proud to announce the start of the construction works for LIRCAEI, the Lusanga International Research Centre for Art and Economic Inequality.

The Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) designed a masterplan for the development of this research centre, that is situated on a former Unilever plantation in Lusanga, DRCongo. It lays out a matrix for the gradual development of a new infrastructure, intertwining the local communities and habitat with the newly developed functions and activities.

LIRACEI will bring a new infrastructure to the plantation: a conference hall, library & media centre, artist studios, a community centre and a museum space. The existing housing will be improved, new houses are being build, water clearance, sanitation, sustainable energy production, and an Internet connection are brought in. The site will be completed with an experimental plantation and proof garden, set up by the CATPC.

All these elements together will provide the research centre with a solid base for sustainable economic development for plantation workers and their families.