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While architecture in Africa has often taken a back seat on the world stage, there are people working to give it more prominence and utility.
By Loren Ijeoma Uche-Okeke
The second prize was awarded to Clarisse Gono, Tsunxian Lee, Nathan Mehl, and Katherine Huang from the Philippines, for their
The second prize was awarded to Clarisse Gono, Tsunxian Lee, Nathan Mehl, and Katherine Huang from the Philippines, for their
I believe that this competition has an important role on a global level, because competitors are obliged to study and analyze very complex problems
I focused on entries that found the poetic in the pragmatic: simple things like using high-level water storage tanks to make an iconic statement for the building and its mission
In 2013, Italian architect Raoul Vecchio co-founded Balouo Salo, a non-profit organization that uses the architect’s training to alleviate social and environmental issues in Africa through initiatives including building and education. Later, Vecchio built on this experience to become the key figure behind the Kaira Looro Architecture Competition. Established in 2017, the competition aims to support the humanitarian activities of Balouo Salo, and to sensitize the international community to the value of architecture in the social sphere and the role of design in improving living conditions. In doing so, it also aims to give young and emerging architects visibility and opportunities for professional growth through internships and financial support. “I believe that this competition has an important role on a global level, because competitors are obliged to study and analyze very complex problems,” says Vecchio. “They’re also obliged to investigate new materials and how the use of a particular material composition can be perceived by local cultures.”
Among the jurors for this year’s competition are Japanese luminary Kengo Kuma, Milan-based Agostino Ghirardelli and Mphethi Morojele, founder of MMA Design Studio in Johannesburg. According to Morojele, the competition isn’t widely known about in Africa, and he himself only heard of it when he was approached to be on the jury.
Systematised and Adaptable Fabrication for Emergency (SAFE) House, made primarily from local bamboo and intended for community use after it has served its purpose as an emergency shelter
Systematised and Adaptable Fabrication for Emergency (SAFE) House, made primarily from local bamboo and intended for community use after it has served its purpose as an emergency shelter
Asked for his thoughts on the three winners of the 2020 competition, which called for designs for an emergency operations center in Sub-Saharan Africa, Morojele says, “I focused on entries that found the poetic in the pragmatic: simple things like using high-level water storage tanks to make an iconic statement for the building and its mission. I also looked at use of materials, attitude to climate, light, air, and water, and finally buildings that could be quickly assembled but that would have an ongoing life in the aftermath of the disaster.” MMA is one of the firms offering internships to the winning teams, and Morojele says he plans to engage the interns on some of MMA’s more difficult design projects, as it’s often beneficial to have new eyes on old problems.
“It’s wonderful to see competitions that focus on architecture’s humanitarian role in difficult circumstances, whether they be in Africa or elsewhere on the planet,” says the architect. However, he notes that “there is little information in the rest of the world about architecture and the training and practice of architects in Africa.” To this end, he says, “The hope is that in future there will be many participants from the continent, because this will mean many professionals are ready to invest their knowledge in the development of Africa.”
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