Olufemi Nathan-Marsh

The Dùndún Center is a Yoruba cultural center that serves as a temporary repository for Yoruba artifacts, with the aim of removing them from a colonial context and presenting them in a way that celebrates them and honors their cultural significance. In addition to housing artifacts, the center is used for exhibitions, meetings, and performances. Target users are both the Nigerian diaspora community and tourists from other cultural backgrounds. The inspiration for various design elements in the space is the talking drum (dùndún) and Adire textiles, both of which are of great significance in Yoruba culture and craft. The center serves as a hub for Yoruba communities in New York City, promoting cultural awareness and exchange. Through carefully designed materials, forms, and spaces, the center provides a setting for a rich, immersive experience that celebrates and preserves Yoruba heritage while fostering a sense of community and connection.