GBN
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Ministry of Parks
Gabon Natural Ecosystems

Ministry of Parks

Map of Gabon illustrating the 13 national parks that cover 10% of the countryMap of Gabon illustrating the 13 national parks that cover 10% of the countryMap of Gabon illustrating the 13 national parks that cover 10% of the countryMap of Gabon illustrating the 13 national parks that cover 10% of the country
Map of Gabon illustrating the 13 national parks that cover 10% of the country

The identity of ‘Ministry’ reinterpreted as an entity that mediates the public and the government while presenting an optimistic future. Buildings do not last long in the rainforest. Regardless, as a series of pedestrian bridges and a gateway to Libreville, the building serves as the link between park systems and established neighborhoods and will remain a useful part of the built fabric instead of a privatized workplace. Dedicated in 2002, Gabon’s 13 national parks cover 10% of the country. As 'Africa's Eden', Gabon is trying to modernize while simultaneously preserving some of the most unique and last remaining rainforest habitats on the planet.

Map of Gabon illustrating the 13 national parks that cover 10% of the country

Diagrams

Plans

Landscape

Institutional

RELATED RESEARCH IMAGES

RELATED PROJECT IMAGES

Drawings of the Libreville avenue masterplan and the selected site for the GBN Ministry of Parks at the intersectionDrawings of the Libreville avenue masterplan and the selected site for the GBN Ministry of Parks at the intersectionDrawings of the Libreville avenue masterplan and the selected site for the GBN Ministry of Parks at the intersectionDrawings of the Libreville avenue masterplan and the selected site for the GBN Ministry of Parks at the intersection
Trio of elevations of the three unique facades of the triangular final form of the GBN Ministry across the intersectionTrio of elevations of the three unique facades of the triangular final form of the GBN Ministry across the intersectionTrio of elevations of the three unique facades of the triangular final form of the GBN Ministry across the intersectionTrio of elevations of the three unique facades of the triangular final form of the GBN Ministry across the intersection
Chart showing the relationship of demand and population of Forest Elephants requiring protecting by the GBN Ministry of ParksChart showing the relationship of demand and population of Forest Elephants requiring protecting by the GBN Ministry of ParksChart showing the relationship of demand and population of Forest Elephants requiring protecting by the GBN Ministry of ParksChart showing the relationship of demand and population of Forest Elephants requiring protecting by the GBN Ministry of Parks
Collection of GBN massing study models for forms that straddle the highway intersection with a single multi-functional massCollection of GBN massing study models for forms that straddle the highway intersection with a single multi-functional massCollection of GBN massing study models for forms that straddle the highway intersection with a single multi-functional massCollection of GBN massing study models for forms that straddle the highway intersection with a single multi-functional mass
Model photo of stacked and flexible visitor spaces to be programmed by the GBN Ministry of Parks for various usesModel photo of stacked and flexible visitor spaces to be programmed by the GBN Ministry of Parks for various usesModel photo of stacked and flexible visitor spaces to be programmed by the GBN Ministry of Parks for various usesModel photo of stacked and flexible visitor spaces to be programmed by the GBN Ministry of Parks for various uses
Aerial of the corner of the GBN model showing the layers of gardens and public spaces and the stacked ecotourism helipadsAerial of the corner of the GBN model showing the layers of gardens and public spaces and the stacked ecotourism helipadsAerial of the corner of the GBN model showing the layers of gardens and public spaces and the stacked ecotourism helipadsAerial of the corner of the GBN model showing the layers of gardens and public spaces and the stacked ecotourism helipads
Urban site plan of the GBN Ministry of Parks merging with the functions of each urban force adjacent to the projectUrban site plan of the GBN Ministry of Parks merging with the functions of each urban force adjacent to the projectUrban site plan of the GBN Ministry of Parks merging with the functions of each urban force adjacent to the projectUrban site plan of the GBN Ministry of Parks merging with the functions of each urban force adjacent to the project
Plan drawing animation showing the various occupiable spaces within the triangulated GBN Ministry of Parks footprintPlan drawing animation showing the various occupiable spaces within the triangulated GBN Ministry of Parks footprintPlan drawing animation showing the various occupiable spaces within the triangulated GBN Ministry of Parks footprintPlan drawing animation showing the various occupiable spaces within the triangulated GBN Ministry of Parks footprint
Animation showing how the GBN Ministry massing reacts to the various related forces of Libreville as an extension of the cityAnimation showing how the GBN Ministry massing reacts to the various related forces of Libreville as an extension of the cityAnimation showing how the GBN Ministry massing reacts to the various related forces of Libreville as an extension of the cityAnimation showing how the GBN Ministry massing reacts to the various related forces of Libreville as an extension of the city
Model showing the GBN located at the intersection of the highway, park, and neighborhood reacting to each forceModel showing the GBN located at the intersection of the highway, park, and neighborhood reacting to each forceModel showing the GBN located at the intersection of the highway, park, and neighborhood reacting to each forceModel showing the GBN located at the intersection of the highway, park, and neighborhood reacting to each force
Animation comparing the importance of linking the National Parks with ecotourism to preserve parksAnimation comparing the importance of linking the National Parks with ecotourism to preserve parksAnimation comparing the importance of linking the National Parks with ecotourism to preserve parksAnimation comparing the importance of linking the National Parks with ecotourism to preserve parks
Layered animation showing the circulation and programs of the GBN within the massing shell created by the urban forcesLayered animation showing the circulation and programs of the GBN within the massing shell created by the urban forcesLayered animation showing the circulation and programs of the GBN within the massing shell created by the urban forcesLayered animation showing the circulation and programs of the GBN within the massing shell created by the urban forces
Model photo of the hinge point between the helipads and the roof botanical garden of the GBN Ministry of ParksModel photo of the hinge point between the helipads and the roof botanical garden of the GBN Ministry of ParksModel photo of the hinge point between the helipads and the roof botanical garden of the GBN Ministry of ParksModel photo of the hinge point between the helipads and the roof botanical garden of the GBN Ministry of Parks
Unrolled section perspective drawing of the triangulated massing of the GBN Ministry of Parks showing the continuous usesUnrolled section perspective drawing of the triangulated massing of the GBN Ministry of Parks showing the continuous usesUnrolled section perspective drawing of the triangulated massing of the GBN Ministry of Parks showing the continuous usesUnrolled section perspective drawing of the triangulated massing of the GBN Ministry of Parks showing the continuous uses
Entrance and public open space of the GBN museum program looking out on large beach boardwalk belowEntrance and public open space of the GBN museum program looking out on large beach boardwalk belowEntrance and public open space of the GBN museum program looking out on large beach boardwalk belowEntrance and public open space of the GBN museum program looking out on large beach boardwalk below
Animated diagram of the various forces concentrating on the GBN Ministry site at the point of collisionAnimated diagram of the various forces concentrating on the GBN Ministry site at the point of collisionAnimated diagram of the various forces concentrating on the GBN Ministry site at the point of collisionAnimated diagram of the various forces concentrating on the GBN Ministry site at the point of collision

OTHER PROJECTS

University Island is a swirling shapeshifter, in both the landscape and the architecture, that offers it’s undefined field of opportunities to the students and anticipates that each will discover and produce their own individual relationship with the island and their education.
The Urban Test Object (UTO) serves as a large-scale intervention that accelerates our relationship with the future city. Rather than solving issues like density, infrastructure, or access, the UTO heightens awareness of the rapid urban transformations shaping our future.
Scaffolding is often seen as a temporary urban necessity—functional, but rarely celebrated. This project reimagines scaffolding as an architectural intervention and public art piece throughout Española Way, transforming it into a vibrant, interactive element in Miami Beach’s urban fabric.
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OTHER RESEARCH