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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Mapungubwe Interpretive Center reflects the natural landscape in its materials and the cultural landscape in its form.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Pools reflect sun and cool air.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": People gather in the theater.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": The park headquarters is striking.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Materials draw from the land.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Visitors enter through trees.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Workmen make earthen tiles.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Tile vault has little formwork.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Masonry vaults temper heat.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Mapungubwe draws visitors along a path that moves through the museum and into the landscape to better explain a culture and its context.

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    Project entry 2008 Africa Middle East - " Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa": Winning Author, Peter Rich, of the Holcim Awards 2008 Africa Middle East Acknowledgement

The Stabilized earth visitors’ center, Mapungubwe National Park, builds relationships amongst people as well as between people and the environment. The building’s form uses materials and techniques which reflect the landscape and cultural traditions of place. The innovative construction uses stabilized earth tiles in a system of lightweight vaulted spaces.

Last updated: February 29, 2008 Musina, South Africa