# Former President Brick Mausoleums Kéré Architecture Designed the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum By Amy Duong | Published 2025-05-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thomas-sankara-mausoleum References: [kerearchitecture](http://kerearchitecture.com/)  Berlin-based design firm [Kéré Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goetheinstitut) has just finished the design of the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It was constructed as a commemoration of the country's previous president who was assassinated in the 80s. The mausoleum was made with [locally sourced laterite and clay bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucca-clay-museum), which construct the resting place of Thomas Sankara. He was known for his efforts in fighting for women's rights, economic independence of the country, and environmental initiatives. The studio founder [Diébédo Francis Kéré](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dibdo-francis-kr) explains, "This is the first time I have been asked to take on the responsibility of constructing a building in memory of a great figure. It has now been transformed into a space of encounter and recreation, that fosters remembrance, respect, and hope. The mausoleum will be a space that belongs to the people." Image Credit: Kéré Architecture ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 41% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Commemoration Architecture:** Structures honoring historical figures are embracing eco-friendly materials and practices, reflecting a shift towards sustainability in legacy projects. - **Community-centric Spaces:** Mausoleums are evolving into multifunctional spaces, promoting public interaction and community engagement beyond traditional purposes. - **Cultural Preservation Through Design:** Architectural projects are increasingly prioritizing local materials and cultural heritage, intertwining modern design with traditional craftsmanship. ### Where This Applies - **Architectural Design:** Incorporating local materials and sustainable practices in projects is transforming architectural design into a field that champions environmental and cultural integrity. - **Cultural Heritage Preservation:** Designing spaces that commemorate historical figures while serving community needs is creating new opportunities within cultural heritage preservation. - **Sustainability in Construction:** Adopting sustainable building practices and using locally sourced materials in high-profile structures highlight the construction industry's shift towards environmental responsibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Brick Volume Cylindrical Mausoleums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shah-muhammad-mohshin-khan-mausoleum.md) - [Former President-Honoring Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-masm.md) - [Earth-Brick Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goetheinstitut.md) - [Perforated Brick Health Clinics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ineza-clinic.md) - [Artful Cultural Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-des-cultures-et-spiritualits-ews.md) - [Tree-Covered Vertical Mausoleum](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hollywood-forever-cemetery.md) - [Reflective Memorial Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-of-trees.md) - [Rammed Earth Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-museum-ehrhardt.md) - [Luxe Fashion Brick Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maroquinerie-de-louviers.md)