is located in the Central African Cultural and Art Center in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is one of the key projects of the "Eight Major Actions" of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The main body of the building consists of the cultural center and the National Academy of Arts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This "China-Africa" cultural and artistic palace is a vivid testimony of the friendship between China and Africa from generation to generation. Behind it, there is also a story of China-Africa friendship that belongs to two generations.
On the Triumphal Avenue in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo (DRC), the Central African Cultural and Art Center designed and built by Chinese architects rose from the ground. For Tang Wensheng, the center’s chief designer, this project has a particularly special meaning.
Tang Wensheng, chief architect of Central South Architectural Design Institute: The leader of asked if he wanted to try the Central African Culture and Art Center project. When I heard that it was from Africa, I was particularly interested in this project.
In 1985, Tang Wensheng’s father, as a Chinese expert, went to Somalia for three years to help build local farms. Through the letters home sent by his father, the distant land of Africa left an impression of both intimacy and mystery on Tang Wensheng, who was in high school at that time.
Tang Wensheng, chief architect of Central South Architectural Design Institute: At that time, I supported my father to go to Africa. I told him, don’t worry, I will definitely give you a college entrance examination in these three years of high school, and I will not let you down. The first Somali word he taught me was "friend." He said that Africans called him "Chinese friend". I remember that very clearly.
Because of the Central African Culture and Art Center, Tang Wensheng had the first opportunity to participate in the design of an African project after nearly 30 years in the industry, following in the footsteps of his father and becoming connected with Africa. His father's knowledge of Africa also gave him a lot of inspiration.
Tang Wensheng, chief architect of Zhongnan Architectural Design Institute: ’s father is in Africa, and he said that he can actually turn on the air conditioner most of the time. Generally, as long as there is a shed to cover the sun and the bottom is open and ventilated, it will be cool. In my building, except for spaces that must be closed, such as the large theater and small theater, I try to use an open approach in all other classrooms, including dormitories. The surrounding enclosure structure is made of cement lattice bricks, which are hollow and can form good ventilation. These comprehensive methods are used to reflect the characteristics of green, low-carbon and environmental protection.
Tang Wensheng’s mobile phone still has a video of his first trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for research six years ago. Local teachers and students welcomed him and his colleagues with a song "Jasmine". And he naturally hummed the African folk songs his father taught him when he was a child. At this moment, music and friendship transcend time and national boundaries.
Tang Wensheng also integrated his feelings and understanding of China-Africa friendship into the design of the art center.
Tang Wensheng, chief architect of the Central South Architectural Design Institute: The exchanges and cooperation between the people of China and Africa have been passed down from generation to generation. We made the auditorium of the Grand Theater into a circle. We know that the most famous musical instrument in Africa is the African drum. In Chinese culture, the circle symbolizes reunion, unity and friendship. In fact, it is in line with China-Africa friendship, respects regional culture, and can integrate Chinese cultural elements.
At present, the Central African Culture and Art Center project is about to be officially delivered. Kinshasa, the “City of Music” recognized by UNESCO, has added a new “art palace”. Tang Wensheng hopes that this building, which carries the friendship between China and Africa, can illuminate the "musical dream" of the young generation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and plant the seeds of friendship.
Regin Miladin Nagalula, a student at the National Academy of Arts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: I know that the Central African Cultural and Art Center is very good and is the holy place of art in our hearts. We will have good training and everything will go well. We still have a lot of opportunities, so I'm happy.
Balufa Kaninda, a member of the expert team of the Special Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: After the National Academy of Arts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo moves into its new location, it will benefit from new buildings and high-level infrastructure.I think China should be thanked for this magnificent project.
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