Atelier Masomi has converted a former mosque into a library and community centre that sits opposite a new mosque it designed for the rural village of Dandaji, Niger.
Niamey-based Atelier Masomi designed the library within the former mosque, which had fallen into disrepair and was no longer large enough to support the village's growing population, to save it from demolition.
"I knew the mosque was something of a jewel. Both architecturally [and] because I found out that the mason who designed that mosque won an Aga Khan award for architecture for a very similar mosque," said Atelier Masomi founder Mariam Kamara.

"We really wanted to bring it back to where it had been. Essentially the building was melting. It hadn't been maintained in more than 20 years. The facade had completely disappeared," continued Kamara. The mosque was transformed into a library at the suggestion of members of the community, with the original mason's assistant on the project enlisted to help with restoration of the facade of the old mosque.

All of the facades have been rebuilt, as well as large sections of the roof and an upgrade of the internal structure.
All structural additions to the new library can be removed or reorientated. The bookshelves create dividers for private and group study spaces, and a wood and metal mezzanine floor was added to create extra space. Additional classrooms have been added to allow for community meeting spaces and adult literacy classes.
...