Interractive visit of the Chasselay memorial
The "Tata of Chasselay" is the only national necropolis in France dedicated to the "Senegalese Riflemen," soldiers from French colonies who fought and died for France during World War II. This memorial incorporates traditional architectural elements from French colonies, synthesizing diverse cultural and religious symbols in its design. While this attempt to unify diverse cultures within a single monument aims to honor the soldiers' heritage, it also raises questions about individuality and identity.
The architecture of the Tata is officially inspired by the architectural style of French Sudan (present-day Mali), though its name is derived from traditional Senegalese fortifications, which can also be found in Benin and Togo. This approach, blending elements from different regions of the former French empire, sought to acknowledge and commemorate the multicultural contributions of these soldiers. However, this amalgamation is not without critique, as it risks contributing to the erasure of individual histories and cultural distinctions in favor of a singular, cohesive narrative.
This project takes the form of a digital 3D platform that reconstructs the architectural elements of the monument. Its purpose is to provide digital access to the site, enriched with essential information about the traditional terminology and architectural styles that inspired its design. For example, the entrance and pillars are modeled after a specific Malian architectural style traditionally used exclusively in the construction of mosques.