Curated by Olufèmi HINSON YOVO, the EUNIC Senegal cluster, in partnership with the European Union Delegation in Senegal, invites visitors to discover “ Architecture d’Afrique de l’Ouest: Patrimoines d’hier, Villes de demain ”. This captivating architectural exhibition will run until December 7 in theformer residence of the European Union ambassador to Dakar. Part of the prestigious 15th Biennial of Contemporary African Art, Dak’Art, and the 13th edition of Partcours, this unique event will highlight the architectural heritage of West Africa, bridging ancestral traditions and urban modernity.
“Architecture d’Afrique de l’Ouest”: a reflection on built heritage and urbanization
“ Architecture d’Afrique de l’Ouest: Patrimoines d’hier, Villes de demain ” is more than just an exhibition; it generates in-depth reflection on the region’s built heritage and the challenges facing the African cities of tomorrow. This event brings together artists and architects from the diaspora in a bold initiative to promote and share knowledge about West African architecture, while awakening the general public to the contemporary issues surrounding it.
Responding to urban challenges and promoting vibrant African cities
The exhibition takes place at a pivotal moment for African cities, which are undergoing rapid urban expansion in the face of a growth dynamic that often distances them from their historical roots. In response to the challenges of sustainable urban planning, heritage conservation and adaptation to climate change, West Africa reveals itself as an exemplary model of architectural resilience.
Enriching the dialogue on the evolution of these West African cities while preserving their cultural identity and built heritage, this exhibition highlights vibrant cities such as Dakar, Abidjan, Saint-Louis, Grand-Bassam and Accra. It showcases the value of local architecture and engages in a fascinating reflection on the necessary balance between tradition and modernity for the cities of tomorrow.
Rediscovering architectural knowledge
African architecture, often poorly documented, has seen the emergence of several remarkable initiatives, such as the exhibition dedicated to West African architecture at the 1977 FESPAC, orchestrated by David Aradeon, or the Venice Architecture Biennale under the direction of Lesley Lokko. Today, the Dakar Biennale stands out by offering an unprecedented platform through “Architectures d’Afrique de l’Ouest: Patrimoines d’hier, villes de demain”.
This exhibition examines French-speaking architecture in Africa, exploring the interconnections between ancestral traditions, colonial heritage and contemporary urbanity, while focusing on five thematic chapters that highlight the architectural styles that have left their mark on the region. In this way, it underlines the vital importance of built heritage in shaping the urban landscapes of yesterday and tomorrow.
A call to preserve architectural heritage
At a time when rapid urbanization is metamorphosing African cities, often threatening to sink their rich historical heritage, this expansion also exposes resilience in the face of far-reaching challenges, such as sustainable urbanism and climate change. Through “Architectures d’Afrique de l’Ouest: Patrimoines d’hier, villes de demain”,EUNIC Senegal and curator Olufemi Hinson Yovo – architect, designer and researcher from Benin, founder of SAH Studio in Cotonou – aim to raise public and decision-maker awareness of the importance of preserving West Africa’s architectural heritage, with a view to redefining architectural models that combine contemporary requirements with the lessons of the past.
“Architecture d’Afrique de l’Ouest: Patrimoines d’hier, Villes de demain”: architectural dynamics to discover and a captivating multimedia experience
This event is part of an urgent need to inform people about the social, historical and environmental dynamics shaping architecture in West Africa. Drawing on the work of architects, artists and historians, the exhibition aims to deepen understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the region’s architectural evolution. In this way, EUNIC and Olufemi Hinson Yovo encourage reflection on sustainable urbanism and the integration of heritage, offering a captivating immersion in vernacular, colonial, modern and future structures, while conveying an intergenerational message of hope.
“Architectures d’Afrique de l’Ouest: Patrimoines d’hier, villes de demain” unfolds as a veritable journey through time. Visitors will be able to explore the architectural landscapes of cities such as Dakar, Abidjan, Saint-Louis, Grand-Bassam and Accra through innovative devices such as multi-dimensional frames for fluid navigation, and immersive wall displays. Video projections will enrich the experience, creating a fascinating and engaging multimedia journey for all.
Participating artists and architects
Alyssa K. Barry, Amélie Essessé, Atelier Kọ, Cabinet G2AD architectes, David Adjaye, Folasade Okunribido, Francis Kéré, Francoise N’thépé, Iwan Baan, Joël Dégbo, Learning from Green Africa Buildings, Mariam Issoufou, Mouhamed Sarr, Nzinga B. Mboup, Nuits Balnéaires, Odyssées d’architectures, PostBox Ghana, Senamé Koffi Agbodjenou, Soleil à Adjovi, Suzanne Irshi, Ugochukwu Emebiriodo, Worofila, YAA Projects.
Program of the exhibition “ Architecture d’Afrique de l’Ouest : Patrimoines d’hier, Villes de demain ”
● November 08, 2024 / Opening
● November 09, 2024 / Round table
● November 23, 2024 / Children’s workshop
● December 05, 2024 / Presentation of the book “Dakar, métamorphoses d’une capitale” (“Dakar, metamorphoses of a capital”)
● December 07, 2024 / Closing ceremony to present the activities of the EUNIC Senegal cluster