Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano with the concept of celebrating the vernacular Kanak (also, Canaque) culture of New Caledonia. The centre is composed of 10 units called "cases," all of different sizes and different functions, but with the consistent form of vertically positioned shell-like structures which resemble the traditional huts of a Caledonian Village. They were given a deliberate "unfinished" appearance as a reminder that Kanak culture is still in the process of becoming - a belief held by the deceased Canaque leader, and inspiration for the site, Jean-Marie Tjibaou.