Holy Epiphany Church in Nianing, Senegal

Biomimicry for protecting structures against the elements

In Senegal, about 60 miles south of Dakar, the small town of Nianing and its surrounding region are characterized by an abundance of shellfish. The beaches along the coast are full of them, as is the nearest cemetery. The architecture agency IN SITU drew inspiration from its seashells, in particular cymbium, a sea snail widely used in Senegalese cuisine, to design the envelope of the Holy Epiphany Church. Comprising seven vaults and a 45-meter-high bell tower, the Holy Epiphany Church soars upwards, facing east, open to the west to capture the cool breeze of the trade winds, and closed to the north and south to protect the structure from the sun and desert winds. IN SITU architecture also draws inspiration from African termite hills. Like the chimney of a termite mound, the church steeple remains connected to the central nave, drawing warm air up and out of the building, while creating a draught in the lower parts.