A model Project for Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro

Basilica Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro

Summary

Introduction

Building presentation

Virtual project of modeling

Synthesis

Introduction

During my career in History of Art and Archaeology, I was interested by Ancient time, Modern time and neo-classical movements because I love classical pictures realized with academical rules.

My project will be a virtual modeling of a piece of art which is classical in its  structure and baroque cause of its monumental appearance: Bacilica of Our Lady of Peace located  in Yamoussoukro (Center of Ivory Coast, West Africa).

Here you can see the geographical location of Yamoussoukro.

Introduction

The purpose  of this creation is a virtual visit of the building for a better diffusion on internet. For now , we can only find some pictures . Indeed, a virtual visit can increase the level of knowledge  information we actually have . Moreover, it is good for occidental populations which often forget pieces of contemporary art in west Africa. Finally, it will give a better profile of Ivory Coast than a country known for  political conflicts and unstable security environment .

3D technology will help us to realize a virtual visit of the basilica. We are supposed to show it on the official website of the basilica. All people in the world will visit and discover it. In fact, it is the biggest Christian building in the world. Maybe with this project it will be added  on the UNESCO list in history of art lessons because we studied “San Pietro” basilica of Roma but not its twin in west Africa. Of course, it is also a  touristic project development.

The work will be focused on the external side of the  first building, under the dome, and on the column opening at the entrance. The garden will not be covered because it is not so significant . To succeed  in the principal building modeling will be already good because we have not so much time,experience and pictures of this building.

Building presentation

The basilica of Our Lady of Peace is the most important building in  Yamoussoukro, official capital of Ivory Coast. 

Here you have an aerian view about the basilica

Building presentation

Its architect was the Lebanon Pierre Fakhoury. He won  a competition between 1984 and 1986. His project was chosen by the first president of the country, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, the 4^th of February 1986. In autumn 1989, the basilica was finished. Construction began the 10^th of August 1985 with the benediction of Jean-Paul Second. 

Here you can see the basilica under construction without the dome

Building presentation

The basilica area represents 130 ha with 800 000 m² of earthwork. Foundations are built up  with 156 stakes. Esplanade has a shape of open arms and it is very welcoming. Its area is 30 000 m² with 128 columns. The floor is in concrete, covered by Italian, Spanish and Portuguese marbles. 

At the left you have a picture taked from the side of the basilica, and at the right you have a picture taked from the front of the opening column