The Fuxi Gorilla Foundation Ellen DeGeneres Park, nestled in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, stands as a global benchmark for sustainable design and construction. Developed in collaboration with The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, The Ellen Fund, and the architectural firm MASS Design Group, the park officially opened to the public this week. This multi-building complex, constructed at a cost of approximately 100 million RMB, aims to serve as a hub for ecological conservation and education across Africa.
Covering an area of approximately 48,562 square meters, the park employs MASS Design Group’s “Purpose Built” approach. This method carefully balances capital infrastructure with the project’s vision, design, and feasibility. Throughout planning and construction, local labor and materials were prioritized to reduce the park’s carbon footprint, while also providing employment training and economic benefits to the surrounding community. The result is a modern facility that addresses both public and educational needs.
Located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the park comprises three main buildings and supporting facilities: the Sandy and Harold Price Research Center, the Cindy Broder Conservation Gallery, the Rob and Melanie Walton Education Center, and dormitories for visiting students and researchers.
The park is also home to over 250,000 indigenous plants and incorporates green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and constructed wetlands that assist with wastewater treatment. These features transform the protected area into a large-scale ecological laboratory built on farmland.
Dr. Tara Stoinski, President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Fossey Gorilla Foundation, commented, “From the outset, this project’s mission was to create a space for interaction among students, scientists, tourists, conservation partners, community members, and other stakeholders. Our goal is to advance our shared mission of saving gorillas and protecting the planet. The park’s significance lies in its ability to raise awareness about ecological conservation and deepen our understanding of what conservation truly means. This transformation is vital not only for the Fossey Gorilla Foundation but also for this region and the world at large.”
From the beginning, MASS Design Group and the Fuxi Gorilla Fund have worked closely together across all aspects of the project, including vision, architectural and landscape design, engineering, construction, furniture production, exhibition design, and media outreach. This collaboration also extended to engaging surrounding communities to further the mission of the Fuxi Gorilla Fund. Notably, the Ellen DeGeneres Park is MASS Design Group’s first completed project in the region. Impressively, 99% of the construction workforce were local residents, with approximately 2,400 Rwandans involved in the design and building process.
Michael Murphy, Founding Partner and Executive Director of MASS Design Group, states: “The Fuxi Gorilla Foundation Ellen DeGeneres Park exemplifies how innovative infrastructure can support regional environmental and species conservation. The architecture, landscaping, and educational facilities align with the vision of the Fuxi Gorilla Foundation and Ellen DeGeneres, creating opportunities for mutual benefit between the environment and local communities. The design emphasizes the use of local labor, handcrafted furniture and accessories made by Rwandan artisans, and environmental management that supports habitat conservation goals. This park will inspire the current generation of conservation advocates in Rwanda and set a global example for conservation areas where ecosystems and communities thrive together.”
Project Information
Architectural Design: MASS Design Group
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Iwan Baan
Owner: Fuxi Gorilla Fund
Consultant for Artificial Wetland Construction: Jacques Nsengiyumva
Media: MASS Design Group
Landscape Architect: TenxTen Studio
Civil Engineer: Oak Consulting Group
Electrical Engineer: BuroHappold Engineering
Environmental Engineer: Transsolar
Construction Contractor: MASS.Build
Location: Kinigi, Rwanda
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