Notsè, a historic city in West Africa and the ancestral heart of the Ewé people will soon be home to an extraordinary African architectural landmark. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré and his Burkina Faso-based firm, Kéré Architecture, the Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewés (CCSE) spans 7,000 square metres. This ambitious vernacular architecture project, commissioned by Fondation Kothor, aims to honour the rich heritage of the Ewé people, reshape perceptions of their ancestral traditions, spirituality and sustainability and establish Notsè as a global cultural destination.

Located 80 kilometres north of Lomé, the national capital, Notsè holds profound historical significance as the origin and departure point of the Ewé people during their exodus to other regions of Togo, Benin and Ghana. The city is home to the Agbogbodzi Sanctuary, which houses the principal divinity of the Ewé people and the remnants of the ancient Agbogbo wall that once encircled the city. This rich historical tapestry forms the foundation for the CCSE, a space where the legacy of the past is reimagined for future generations.

“The centre is not just a space; it is a narrative, one that invites visitors to experience the legacy and spiritual depth of the Ewé people,” shares the Burkinabe-German architect.

This drawing board features CCSE’s architectural plan that harmoniously integrates sacred, cultural and functional spaces, embodying the interconnected philosophy of the Ewé people. At its heart lies the Agbogbodzi Sanctuary, a spiritual nexus linked to an open-air amphitheatre that hosts the Agbogbozan festival. Adjacent to this is the reconstructed royal palace, which, along with the museum’s exhibition spaces, offers a comprehensive journey through Ewé history and contemporary architecture.

The museum, designed to celebrate the knowledge and craftsmanship of the Ewé people, stands out with its skylight-illuminated interiors. These natural light shafts create a serene ambience, enhancing the storytelling experience. The main entrance, inspired by the symbolic Ewé Stool, serves as an emblem of power and unity, encapsulating the centre’s mission of bridging tradition with modernity.

Sustainability is at the core of the project, as the principal architect and his team integrate eco-conscious design elements. Crafted from locally sourced red laterite bricks; renowned for their durability and ability to regulate temperature; the buildings are thoughtfully designed to thrive in their local environment. Low-rise structures with lush patios optimise ventilation, ensuring energy efficiency while blending seamlessly with Notsè’s natural landscape.

Pathways across the site are paved with patterns reminiscent of traditional Ewé pottery shards, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural essence of the space. This integration of vernacular materials and techniques reflects the architect's commitment to respecting and preserving local heritage while adapting to contemporary needs.

Extending beyond its architectural innovation, the centre encapsulates the Ewé philosophy of interconnectedness, expressed vividly during the festival; a celebration of unity, fraternity and cultural pride. The centre is designed as a spiritual hub and a platform for community interaction and global cultural exchange. Facilities such as the temple, auditorium, restaurant and reception area ensure CCSE becomes a dynamic space fostering dialogue and shared experiences.

“The Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewés is a bridge—a place where the Ewé culture can be shared with the world while remaining deeply rooted in its origins,” adds the Pritzker-winning designer.

While the project is still being developed, its vision represents a profound commitment to preserving and promoting Ewé culture. Kéré Architecture’s thoughtful landscape design integrates traditional and modern elements, the use of sustainable materials and careful spatial planning, underscoring the Kothor Foundation’s dedication to creating a meaningful and enduring cultural landmark.

The Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewésis a vital cultural touchstone for the Ewé people. By preserving their traditions, spiritual practices and historical narratives, the centre seeks to revitalise a heritage that has shaped generations. It serves as a space where ancestral wisdom and contemporary expressions of Ewé identity coexist, fostering pride and continuity within the community.

At the same time, the centre aims to educate and inspire a global audience, bridging cultural gaps through dialogue and shared experiences. Through the Agbogbozan festival, the reconstructed royal palace and immersive museum exhibits, the CCSE redefines Africa’s role in global culture; not merely as a repository of history, but as a thriving epicentre of creativity, spirituality and innovation.

Through its design, the centre reflects the interconnectedness of the Ewé philosophy, emphasising unity, sustainability and resilience. It stands as a beacon of cultural revival, ensuring that the Ewé heritage is not only preserved but also celebrated and understood by future generations.

Project Details

Name: Centre des Cultures et Spiritualités Ewés
Location: Notsè, Togo
Typology: Private – Place of worship and Cultural Centre
Client: Fondation Kothor / LA GMA SA
Architect: Diébédo Francis Kéré, Kéré Architecture
Design Team: Jaime Herraiz Martínez, Andrea Maretto, Léa Sodangbe
Engineering Team: Nataniel Sawadogo, Jean Sawadogo, Moïse Zannou, Lucien Tonde Kéré Architecture SARL, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Collaborators: Ingenovatech, Burkina Faso
Contributors: Jeanne Autran-Edorh, Philippe Chazée, Yonas, Tukuabo, Leonne Voegelin, Sika Azamati, Daniel, Meléndez, Bagré Annicé, Onadja Augustin
Project Management: Jaime Herraiz Martínez, Nataniel Sawadogo, Alimadjai Boukari
Area: 7000 m2
Status: Under construction
Design: 2022 - 2024
Year of Completion: 2024 - ongoing