The Melody of Stories (T.M.o.S) - A Griot's Library
Synopsis
The Melody of Stories - A Griot’s Library (T.M.o.S) is a building within 'The African Expo of Dreams (T.A.E.o.D) framework. It is a beautiful concept that draws on concepts from cultural African narratives while implementing sustainable construction techniques into its design.
A Griot is a west African storyteller who maintains the tradition of telling stories verbally. The Melody of Stories runs with the narrative of Griots who have deceided to create an archive of the many stories they hold within them and of the continent of Africa itself while creating a hub where others storytellers are free to express themselves.
The scheme invites people from around the world to create stories through Art, Music, Film and beyond. These stories are exhibited, showcased and performed in amphitheatres situated within the building. The form of the building is inspired by the fact that stories are told underneath the canopy of trees in parts of Africa. The elements within the building are canopied by a leaf-like ETFE roof supported by a tree-inspired structural system.
The unique concept of this proposal is built upon the premise that African countries are invited to design buildings within the proposed infrastructure, thus creating a dynamic cluster of buildings that showcase a beautiful fusion of African cultures through architecture.
Early Concepts
Initial Drawings
