The Théâtre Populaire Désiré Bonogo, founded in 1986 by Thomas Sankara, has embodied a strong symbol of Burkina Faso’s culture and history for decades. Witness to memorable cultural and artistic moments, this emblematic place once brought generations together around the values ​​of cultural identity, creativity and artistic expression.
However, time and hazards have left their mark on this venerable infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for a complete rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation of the Théâtre Populaire Désiré Bonogo is not limited to the restoration of its physical structures; it represents a commitment to the preservation of Burkina Faso’s cultural identity. By reviving this historic place, we are committed to perpetuating its legacy and offering future generations an innovative space where creativity and artistic expression will continue to thrive.

The Théâtre Populaire Idea(l) a student ideas competition
Ten years after the first architectural study developed by the studio Perspective , the CDC notes that the context is changing and it is desirable to update the approach, to diversify the artistic, architectural and conceptual points of view in the discussion on the sustainable rehabilitation of the Théâtre Populaire and in the entire field of sustainable architecture and design in general in Burkina Faso. With an ideas competition, the CDC aimed to introduce a public debate on the sustainability of architecture, design and urban planning on an individual and global scale.
In 2019, the CDC, in collaboration with its partners unlimitedJCA and Inspirilli Awards, launched The Théâtre Populaire Idea(l), a student ideas competition for the sustainable rehabilitation of the Théâtre Populaire. The emphasis was on innovative, conscious, respectful and courageous visions that value local potential and materials.

The competition attracted 146 proposals from 252 students in architecture, design, civil engineering, landscape architecture, theatre, scenography and fine arts from 43 countries around the world. After two-round jury process the propostion designed by Martinez Cristian Fernando, and Ariel Fernando Mende was selected as the winning project. Since 2020, local team made a feasability study and contextualisation of their idea.

Find it here. This technical file aims to present the rehabilitation project in detail by highlighting the objectives, the material, financial, structural needs and its benefits for the Burkinabe community and culture.