The design for the groundbreaking new Invictus Centre which gave Prince Harry “goosebumps” has been revealed.
The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex was shown the plans for the latest facility, which will take his mission to help service men and women to a whole new level. The proposed space will provide physical and mental rehabilitation for wounded veterans in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
Harry has recently returned from a whirlwind tour of the West African country with his 42-year-old wife, Meghan Markle. During the trip, the Sussexes were invited to a party held by the Nigerian Chief of Defense, who showed them computer-generated images of the proposed centre.
In awe of the plans, Harry treated the reception to a heartfelt speech in which he explained that service personnel not being “defined by their injuries” was a growing belief among veterans. He added: “And that is what the new centre you’re building is all about. Seeing the plans for the new Invictus Centre gives me goosebumps.”
Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip
Nigeria Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa showed the Sussexes computer-generated plans of the new centre (AFP via Getty Images)Speaking about his visit to a military hospital earlier on in the Sussexes’ trip - where he met dozens of young soldiers who were recovering from military injuries - he said he had been reminded of the resilience of veterans. He said: “What this proved to me, what this reminds me of is the power of seeing what is possible, post-injury.”
The architect of the new centre which gave Harry “goosebumps” has revealed insider details about the proposal. Speaking to PEOPLE, renowned architect Kobina Banning described the space as a “healing place for veterans”.
Harry and Meghan recently returned from their jam-packed 72-hour trip to Nigeria (Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)Banning - who travelled with Harry and Meghan to numerous events during their visit earlier this month - revealed the enormous impact the centre would have on service personnel in Nigeria - a country with the largest army in Africa. He said the site would “give more hope” to military personnel as they would know that - if something were to happen to them - the facility would be there to “fall back on”.
He added: "It will help them heal but also is telling them they are not being left alone.” Explaining the design of the “pioneering institution”, Banning said: “The facility's design embodies the timeless beauty and functionality of traditional hollow squares, fostering a sense of unity, community, and openness. Here… soldiers embark on a transformative journey of healing, hope, and renewal."
The Sussexes spoke at numerous events during their whistlestop tour (Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)The centre will comprise a series of interconnected compounds, along with courtyards which will boast stunning panoramic views. The site will also provide meditation classes and indoor and outdoor gyms, which visiting families and friends will be able to enjoy as well.
Banning added: “Every corner of the path beckons with the promise of connection, camaraderie, and renewal.” Describing the stunning future site, Banning gushed: “Here, amidst the embrace of nature and community, lives are transformed, and the human spirit soars ever higher, undaunted by the challenges that lie ahead.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
