The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre is a visitor center in Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo, South Africa. It stands near Mapungubwe Hill, a World Heritage site. Peter Rich Architects designed it for South African National Parks, and it was completed in 2009.
The building covers about 12,200 square feet (1,130 square meters) on a site of about 29,600 square feet (2,750 square meters). Its roof is formed by ten free-form vaults, plus barrel vaults and domes, in a triangular layout linked by ramped walkways. The largest vault spans about 48 feet (14.5 meters). The plan was inspired by a motif etched on stones found on the site.
The vaults are made of earth tiles laid on edge in fast-setting gypsum mortar. Local labor and materials kept the impact low. The center was shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in the 2011 to 2013 cycle.
This building has no Wikipedia article. Facts come from Aga Khan Development Network, ArchDaily.
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