Résorber l'habitat informel par la restructuration-rénovation urbaine et création de nouvelles zones d’habitation < Back Comment combler le déficit de logement au Cameroun Pondi Paul En 2015, le déficit de logements au Cameroun était estimé à 1,5 million d’unités dont 80 % se trouvaient en zone urbaine et essentiellement dans les deux principales villes du pays. Ce déficit est caractérisé par les nouvelles demandes, mais également par l'habitat précaire comme nous l’explique Pondi Paul président de l'ordre national des urbanistes du Cameroun. Pour lui combler ce déficit par une approche jumelée de Restructuration - Rénovation urbaine et la création de nouvelles zones d’habitation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxZNNaDowN0

< Back Les jardins de Ben M'sik : construits par la communauté, pour la communauté Tarik Zoubdi Ben M'sik, un projet de logements sociaux à Casablanca, vise à améliorer les conditions de vie de 240 familles du bidonville "Douar Khalifa" dans le cadre du programme "Villes sans bidonvilles". Le projet, inspiré par l'histoire et le patrimoine du Maroc, présente une faible profondeur, une double orientation et des vues dégagées sur un grand parc. Le projet est partiellement autofinancé, avec 47 % financé par le "Fonds de solidarité habitat et intégration urbaine" et 38 % par les futurs résidents. En 2003, les attentats de Casablanca ont fait 41 morts. Les terroristes étaient tous originaires du bidonville de Sidi Moumen. Manifestement, ces quartiers manquent des moyens les plus élémentaires. Ce sont souvent des terrains fertiles pour ce type de tragédie (criminalité, chômage, extrémisme, ...). Par conséquent, l'accès à un logement décent, à une éducation de qualité et à des services publics adéquats est une solution viable pour restaurer un minimum de "justice sociale". C'est dans cet esprit et dans le cadre du programme "Villes sans bidonvilles" que les logements sociaux construits à Ben M'sik ont été créés pour améliorer les conditions de vie de 240 familles du bidonville "Douar Khalifa" situé à proximité du site du projet. De plus, contrairement à plusieurs autres projets de logements, la proximité de celui-ci avec l'emplacement du bidonville concerné a évité le déracinement des habitants de leur environnement habituel, sans perturber considérablement leur quotidien. Vue globale-2022-Alessio Mei Photographie Le projet bénéficie d'un emplacement privilégié au milieu de plusieurs équipements et services locaux, notamment une mosquée, un centre de santé, un centre de jeunesse (en construction), un centre social, un complexe sportif local, un centre de formation professionnelle et plusieurs autres écoles. Tarik Zoubdi né le 22 février 1982, est un architecte marocain, diplômé de l'École nationale d'architecture en 2006, et titulaire d’un « Master of resilient, sustainable, and smart building and cities » de l'Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique en 2020. Son atelier d’architecture TZA a été fondé en 2008. En 2018, il remporte avec Mounir Benchekroun le Prix du jury et celui du public aux Architizer A+Awards dans la catégorie « Primary and High school »1 à New York2, et le Prix du meilleur bâtiment éducatif et culturel aux « Arab Architects Awards » à Beyrouth3. Depuis 2019, il est enseignant à l’École d’architecture de l’Université internationale de Rabat. La faible profondeur des bâtiments permet à 83 % des appartements de bénéficier d'une double orientation garantissant une abondante lumière naturelle et une ventilation transversale très efficace. De plus, la morphologie serpentine du complexe permet des vues dégagées sur le grand parc adjacent. Le vocabulaire architectural du projet s'inspire de l'histoire et du patrimoine du Maroc, de la beauté de sa lumière et de ses paysages naturels. Les formes, les couleurs et les textures permettent aux bâtiments de s'ancrer fortement dans leur contexte géographique et culturel, tout comme les maisons du quartier avec leurs teintes variées d'ocre. Ce respect exprimé envers l'identité locale permet une intégration du projet dans son environnement, facilitant son adoption par les futurs résidents et leurs voisins. Pour l'aspect bioclimatique, la ventilation naturelle transversale des appartements à double orientation rafraîchit les intérieurs. De plus, les jardins extérieurs inspirés des "Ryads" marocains seront couverts de végétation dense qui adoucit l'atmosphère en été, et laisse passer les rayons du soleil en hiver, grâce à la prédominance des arbres à feuilles caduques. Les passages sous les sabats stimulent la ventilation naturelle de ces "patios ouverts", évitant ainsi le phénomène d'îlot de chaleur. Prévus sur des terrains publics, le projet a coûté l'équivalent de seulement 230 euros le mètre carré, malgré l'installation d'ascenseurs dans tous les 18 bâtiments. L'ensemble de l'opération a été partiellement autofinancé jusqu'à environ 47 % ; grâce à la vente de la surface commerciale, 15 % du budget ont été fournis par le "Fonds de solidarité habitat et intégration urbaine (FSHIU)", et seulement 38 % seront fournis par les futurs résidents, principalement par le biais d'un crédit à long terme garanti par l'État à travers son fonds Damane Assakan. Previous Next

< Back Improving urban water services in Rundu, Namibia with the Digital Job Card Abigail Kemper; Dora Hegyi; Yuming Pan Rundu is a town in the North of Namibia, on the Okavango River. Despite having a perennial source of water, Rundu town residents often face water shortages, where the taps run dry. A representative of Rundu Town Council stated, “We cannot say with certainty why we are losing water”. The artisans and technical managers have a good sense of the areas where they attend to the most water leakages, defective meters and illegal connections, however the data or evidence of this is lacking. This limits the development of evidence-based plans and undermines the ability to justify budget requests or secure external funding. Together with Rundu Town Council, UNITAC identified the need for a digital solution to capture data by artisans attending to water and sanitation related jobs. The uptake of the Digital Job Card in Rundu Town Council is expected to enhance service delivery and water loss management by enabling accurate data collection, streamlined database integration, real-time performance monitoring via dashboards, and proactive task management through customizable notifications. Why do the taps run dry? Residents in Rundu do not understand why the taps run dry when their town is settled alongside the Okavango River, bordering Angola. The river sustains the community as a source of clean water as well as fish, and “Rundu is famous for its beach” according to local town representatives. It is an attractive tourist destination, and the urban population has grown at a rapid rate from 25,500 in 1999 to 118,000 in 2024, making it the second in size after the capital, City of Windhoek. Despite having a perennial source of water, residents often face water shortages. Approximately 50% of Rundu residents live in informal settlements according to the local authority. In Ndama Informal Settlement, communal stand pipes with prepaid water meters supply the community as well as private households from in formal settlement areas. Many households collect water on foot or with spaghetti pipes (illegal connections tapping into the municipal supply system). The formal and illegal connections experience low pressure in the pipes and as a result, inadequate and unreliable water supply. Borehole pump to supply the new school located south of Ndama Informal Settlement, by Kemper_2024 Rundu Town Council is responsible for upgrading informal settlements in the town boundary and delivering basic urban services to residents, businesses and organisations in Rundu as provided for in Section 30 of the Local Authorities Act (Act 23 of 1992) as amended for the administration of Local authority affairs within the proclaimed Local authority area of Rundu. This includes supplying water and sanitation services to informal settlement residents. At the same time, the Town Council is mandated to recover the costs and generate revenue from these services. However, the estimated water leakage index for Rundu is between 26 - 34%. This indicates a high rate of water losses for which no revenue is collected. Furthermore, the Town Council has accrued a debt of N$ 333 million (approx. USD 18.7 million) with the country’s bulk water supplier, NamWater as of March 2025 according to Petersen S (2025). A representative of Rundu Town Council stated, “We cannot say with certainty why we are losing water”. This is a multi-faceted problem which requires a deeper dive into the water supply and demand side issues. A detailed evaluation of the available data, interviews and site visits to Rundu were conducted by the United Nations Innovation and Technology Accelerator for Cities (UNITAC) between November 2024 – March 2025. The local authority and bulk water supplier, NamWater have plans to extend the water supply infrastructure. However, several data management and data collection issues remain. Installing bulk meters at each supply point will enable the town to check whether the total volume of water received from NamWater is as much as the Town Council is being billed for. The artisans and technical managers have a good sense of the areas where they attend to the most water leakages, defective meters and illegal connections, however the data or evidence of this is lacking. This limits the development of evidence-based plans and undermines the ability to justify budget requests or secure external funding. Additionally, on a household scale, some customers with water meters have raised concerns that the readings and charges on their meters are inaccurate. This is cited as one of the reasons why customers are not settling their accounts. A People Centered Smart City approach Rundu is one of four local towns in Namibia where the BMZ-funded UNITAC project “Just transitions in vulnerable places” is exploring digital and urban data solutions to improve enhanced evidence-based decision making. It builds on and supports the work of various existing urban initiatives in Namibia, aiming to improve the information base for effectively enhancing climate resilience of informal settlements through mapping, data collection, data management, data governance and provision of climate smart basic infrastructure in informal settlements. Since 2023, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has supported this project and the local adoption of digital and data solutions needed to upgrade informal settlements. The combination of national government support and the possibility to explore various use cases at the local government level has given the project legitimacy and flexibility to examine the unique needs of local towns and iteratively develop and collaborate with local stakeholders, such as the Namibia Housing Action Group and GIZ ISUD programme. Ideation and user testing workshops_Barnard_2025 Adopting a user-centered Design Thinking approach ensured that the development of digital and data solutions was not tech-driven but focused on real human needs, exemplifying UN Habitat’s People-Centered Smart Cities model. UNITAC and Rundu Town Council identified the delivery of water services as one of the main local challenges and priorities in Rundu related to building climate resilience in informal settlements. Based on several engagements with the Technical Management including the Finance Manager, user needs assessments and the detailed evaluation of available data, a solution for digitally capturing data by artisans attending to water and sanitation related jobs was desired. Similar challenges related to data management, but varying use cases and priority areas have been reported across different town councils and various departments. Following the design thinking process, a versatile digital tool named ‘Digital Job Card’ has been conceptualized, developed and tested to fulfill these diverse needs. The Digital Job Card is a web and mobile application designed to work both online and offline. The app digitalizes the process of creating and tracking job cards for different urban services or issues such as water infrastructure maintenance, electricity fault reporting, or building inspection for local authorities in Namibia. With this system, technical staff and clerks can track and report on the completion of their tasks or the status of an issue, allowing supervisors and managers to have sight of the data in near real time. The collected information can be used for monitoring processes, data management, analysis and visualisation, thereby improving information accessibility and evidence-based decision-making, planning and service delivery. The prototype was developed in collaboration with Rehoboth Town Council initially, another partner town of the project. Like Rundu Town Council, the technical management team participated in user needs and ideation workshops, as well as user testing sessions. The prototype was developed with scalability in mind. It was intentionally designed to be easily customizable by other towns and simple enough to adopt in the business processes of one division or multiple divisions of the local authority. The mobile application leverages KoboToolbox for offline data collection and enables town councils to create and edit forms autonomously. The app also integrates customised components for user authentication and real-time notifications. Apache Superset is used for data visualisation so that town councils can easily monitor KPIs, as well as detect operational bottlenecks, hence contribute to efficient resource management. With accurate records of water services and issues, Rundu will be able to improve service delivery The uptake of the Digital Job Card can have a very positive impact upon service delivery and improve the ability of Rundu Town Council to better manage water losses. The Council will also be able to communicate to residents, how and where the water network requires repair, and what options they have to purchase a water connection or collect water. This will go a long way to improving service delivery. There are four components of the tool, which have a positive impact on service delivery. The first component is data collection. More accurate location data is collected using GPS functionality of the Digital Job Card. Previously the artisan manually captured the address or description of the location, however the common names for street addresses did not always match the cadastral information and could not easily be mapped, limiting the ability to conduct any geospatial data analysis. Furthermore, digital forms adapted from paper-based system can be easily created and customized in a no code/low code environment. They support interactive question formats such as conditional logic, multimedia inputs and pre-filled options, which make data collection more efficient and accurate. Digital Job Card app streamlines data collection and storage, enabling structured, real-time input from the field with temporal and spatial dimensions. Data collected can be exported directly or through API by admin users for downstream analysis. User testing with artisans supervisors and technical managers in Rundu in March 2025_Kemper The second component is the dataset. Datasets collected through Digital Job Card APP brings town councils closer to establishing an integrated database, that consolidates various data sources, including cadastral and consumer information. The third component is the dashboard. The dashboard, like other business intelligence tools offers users an overview of important metrics or indictors. For example, the technical manager can monitor response times – calculated as the time from when the job was assigned to the time it was completed. The visualized data also serves the reporting requirements. Supervisors who used to manually generate charts and graphs to report the monthly or weekly activities of their service teams, can now do so at the click of a button. The fourth component is theommunication and workflow. Email and SMS notifications are set to the user’s preferences. For example, it may be set to alert the Manager when a new task is assigned and or completed, or only when the number of incomplete or unassigned tasks exceeds a certain threshold warranting attention from the Manager. This has a positive impact on more effective management and service delivery improvements. Previously, the workflow required artisans to collect request form in the front desk and obtain hand signature or in-person approvals upon job completion. This process can lead to delays, particularly when managers are not available or out of town. With 6-12 months of data collected by artisans using the Digital Job Card in the field, the Head of Water and Sanitation will be able to assess where specific jobs and issues are most prolific and in which season. It is expected that over time, evidence of where water leakages are most often repaired will indicate aging infrastructure. Evidence of where new water connections are installed, illegal connections are removed, or broken water meters are common, will all significantly contribute to the town’s ability to manage water losses and plan appropriate interventions. This data can also help motivate for budget and finances to prioritise such interventions. The Digital Job Card is ready for uptake in other towns with the same aim to improve service delivery The uptake of the Digital Job Card in Rundu Town Council is expected to enhance service delivery and water loss management by enabling accurate data collection, streamlined database integration, real-time performance monitoring via dashboards, and proactive task management through customizable notifications. Much hope rests in the possibility for innovation to address Africa’s challenges, (Adesida et al 2021) and this is a real-world example. However, the impact of this project will be determined by local commitment to use the tool in their daily operations. The value and quality of the data collected will only be as good as the users let it be. The uptake of the tool needs to be driven by the Technical Managers and supervisors who are responsible for using the tool and instructing artisans to use the tool. The Digital Job Card’s innovation lies in its simplicity. The application is easily customisable in a no code/low code environment and it is easily scaled to other towns and multiple business processes. It allows local authorities (especially secondary towns unable to implement city scale solutions) to take one step at a time in the direction of digital tools and services. This simple tool catapults the ability of local authorities to improve service delivery by communicating real-time service-related requests and status updates within the local authority and with customers. And by creating access to information and service performance data which informs better urban planning and sustainable infrastructure planning. Other towns and local governments are invited to contact unitac@un.org to find out more about implementing the Digital Job Card in their daily operations. Get the full African Cities Magazine 6 Download the full article here kemper-article-african_cities_magazine_6_english-20250826 .pdf Download PDF • 3.40MB Previous Next

< Back Cameroon museums: The language of symbols for cosmo-architecture The Route des Chefferies is a program in Cameroon that focuses on safeguarding and promoting heritage for over twenty years. It aims to restore and create spaces that promote the heritage of populations, chiefdoms, and the region as a whole. The program has led to the nomination of several traditional buildings to the World Heritage list with UNESCO. The contemporary architecture of the museums and heritage huts is inspired by the traditional aspects of the Grassfields, contributing to the scenographic development of the territory. The Museum of Civilizations is an interpretation center of Cameroonian civilizations, open to the public since 2010. It features a nautical base, beach volleyball court, playground, craft center, and a Garden of Civilizations. The Royal Museum of Foumban combines tradition and modernity, featuring the coat of arms of the Bamoun Sultanate. The Bamendjinda community museum highlights the specificities of the Bamendjinda chiefdom under the theme "Arts-Tradition and Slavery." The Route des Chefferies is a program of safeguarding and promotion of heritage in Cameroon, which, for about twenty years. It works in the restoration and creation of spaces aimed at promoting the heritage of the populations, the chiefdoms, and the region as a whole. This program, innovative in Africa, integrates a large pole dedicated to the development of the territory, to architecture, and to the design of heritage. This pole works on the cultural and tourist development of the territory by proposing buildings and places imbued with an «African» scenography that allows for the reinforcement of a rural cultural centrality. The urbanity here is specific because it navigates in a world where the living rub shoulders with the world of the ancestors, the invisible world. It also contributes to the rehabilitation of traditional buildings in danger, and participates in their safeguard in the case of various programs. Thus, since 2018, the restoration work carried out by several chieftaincies has led to the nomination of several traditional buildings (traditional palaces of Bandjoun, Bapa, Batoufam, Mankon, Bafut ...) to the list of World Heritage with UNESCO. The contemporary architecture of the museums and heritage huts (14 heritage huts have been built to date) is fundamentally inspired by the traditional aspects of the Grassfields, which will be recalled in the first part of this article, in order to contribute to the scenographic development of the territory, notably through the creation of cultural buildings detailed in the second part, all within the framework of work in communion with local craftsmen and artists, but also with the elements offered by nature in the Grassfields. The Museum of Civilization The Museum of Civilizations is an interpretation center of the civilizations of Cameroon open to the public since November 20, 2010. This building, located on the shores of Lake Dschang, has become an authentic place of leisure and culture thanks to its nautical base (2005), its beach volleyball court, its playground (2006), its craft center (2010) and very soon a Garden of Civilizations. After an introductory presentation of Cameroon over the centuries, the visitor is invited to discover the Cameroonian people in its identity both plural and fusional: the peoples of the forest with their totemic expression, the peoples of the sea with the revival of the Ngondo cultural festival, the Sudanese-Sahelian peoples with their lamidats, chieftaincies, sultanates and the peoples of Grassfield with their mysterious chieftaincies. It is an interpretation center that promotes an integrated approach to cultural heritage that allows visitors, especially local communities, to reconnect with their roots while learning about the cultures of other regions. This approach is part of cultural tolerance, an important vector of cultural diversity. The contemporary African architecture, signed by the architect Sylvain Djache Nzefa, founder of La Route des Chefferies, is characterized by the symphony of symbols: spider, buffalo, elephant woman, Abbia jettons, and local languages. The Museum of Civilization, with its multiple functions, is endowed with history, knowledge, and intelligence. In the world of the living, in the Bamileke cosmogony, men and animals dialogue, and this dialogue is also done in representation. Among the living, the one who possesses the sum of all experiences is the old man. Everywhere in Black Africa, the old man «was» considered to be the wise man, the connoisseur, the one who «held» the truth, through his multiple experiences. It is his knowledge that is symbolized through the spider. According to Pierre Harter: The spider-mygale, symbol of knowledge, often takes the form of a small single or double circle, with four crossed legs and not eight, which makes it possible to compose on certain mask headdresses or certain engravings of libation horns, a sort of diamond or square mesh net. The spider thus appears as the central element of the architecture of the Museum of Civilization: it is taken here as an architectural element that gives rhythm to the façade. The façade is treated as a mask through blue moldings. There is a desire to hide what is behind. Let us not forget that in the Negro-African, the masks speak; the wearer is possessed by his mask. Here, the wearer is the museum. The mask representing the spider expresses the contents of this building, that is, knowledge. The buffalo and elephant masks symbolize strength, power, grandeur, and wealth. Another façade of the museum is covered with alphabets and the word «welcome» written in several languages and dialects spoken in Cameroon. The eye is busy here capturing the multitude of information, codes, landmarks, which are symbols representing the objectives, the roles of the building namely: educate, preserve, transmit, innovate... Through these symbols, a man approaches what is knowledge, intelligence, society, cosmology, and cosmogony. The motifs used for the moldings on the facades are stylized forms of masks, motifs such as the spider, the buffalo, the woman, and the elephant. The act of building or conceptualizing objects and habitats is seen as a support for knowledge and understanding of the other. It leads to a review of all that is at stake in the constitution and foundations of the different civilizations of Cameroon. The visitor is thus led to question his cultural identity by a better knowledge of himself, which facilitates in principle the dialogue between civilizations. The Museum of Civilization is developing an African museographic experience that aims to put the public at the heart of the process through didactic support and contextual settings that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of Cameroonian cultures. It is not so much a matter of showing as of creating an experience of a visit by provoking sensations and emotions. Realized by a Franco-Cameroonian team, the content of the exhibition is based on a scientific and interdisciplinary approach (history, archaeology, ethnography, sociology, architecture, and heritage...). Dynamic and educational. The exhibition has been conceived, in space and time, in such a way as to integrate current events. With more than 500 objects, 1500 illustrations, video spaces, the museography integrates in an important way the traditional African materials worked in a contemporary approach by the local craftsmen (varnished or burned bamboo, banana bark, obom bark, cowries, beads, raffia, earth, coconuts...) This is the first time that we discover how traditional skills can be highlighted in contemporary scenography. The Museum of Civilizations does not find its justification in the existence of a collection of objects of its own; the pieces presented illustrate the discourse chosen by the designers and come mostly from loans and deposits of the chieftaincies. Royal Museum of Foumban The Bamoun Sultanate is located in the Western Region of the Republic of Cameroon in Central Africa. The Sultanate is at an altitude of 1200 meters and covers an area of 7,625 Km². The current Sultan, Ibrahim MBOUOMBOUO NJOYA, 19th of this dynasty, animated by the immeasurable concern to safeguard this rich multi secular heritage bequeathed by his ancestors, has undertaken for nearly two years, the construction of a new museum adapted to the museum rules and spacious enough to contain all the objects of the collection. The architect Issofa MBOUOMBOUO has thought of a symbolic architecture that combines tradition and modernity and which, in itself, is enough to be a museum. This symbolic architecture is a set composed of the coat of arms of the Kingdom such as: 1 - Double bell: Symbol of patriotism. It is an instrument used by the King to stimulate and galvanize his troops at the front. 2 - The spider: Symbol of work. The King wants his people to be as hardworking as the spider who spends all his time weaving webs. 3 - Snake with two heads : Symbol of the simultaneous victory of the Bamoun people on two fronts. It symbolizes the power of the Kingdom. The result of this masterpiece is the first vector of communication of this museum, through its cosmogonic architecture, following the example of the Museum of Civilization in Dschang. Heritage hut, community museum of the Bamendjinda chiefdom: art, tradition and slavery Its permanent exhibition, unique in the region and in Cameroon, highlights all the specificities of Bamendjinda under the theme «ARTS-TRADITION AND SLAVERY». The Bamendjinda chieftaincy has been marked by slavery, whether it be slave trade or customary slavery. Some cultures still commemorate this past. Its historical and social consequences are perceptible in its plastic production, in its cultural expressions, in the organization and functioning of its chieftaincy. SM TANEFO, the current chief of the Bamendjinda, actively participates in the work of memory on this part of the history of Cameroon. The Bamendjinda community museum plays a role in the collective memory at the social, cultural, educational, and economic levels. Through objects, illustrations, paintings, videos, and a library, this museum is accessible to the general public. It is playful, complete, and enhances the cultural heritage of the chiefdom. The visitor, through the decorations, is led to discover not only Bamendjinda from its origins to today, but also the history that has marked the social organization of the chieftaincies of the West and of Cameroon. The architect Sylvain DJACHE NZEFA once again highlights on the main façade of the museum a mask called «Katso mask» or «Batcham mask». This mask is generally used in secret societies and its presence on the façade is a sign of celebration of this object. Slavery is a historical phenomenon common not only to the Bamendjinda people, but to Cameroonians, Africans, and many others. It is our past, our history, our heritage, our future. This museum is the embodiment of the memory and cultural vitality of the Bamendjinda people. Heritage case of the Bapa chiefdom, rock village The permanent exhibition of this museum has 7 spaces related to the central theme: «MAN, NATURE AND BELIEFS». The spaces defined by the Bapa traditional chief, SM David SIMEU, are the following: Discovering: which presents the history and relations between Bapa and the neighboring villages, and the organization of the chieftaincy and the place of the secret societies; Soak up: presents the nature and physical geography of Bapa; Create and build, presents the different poles of activity found in Bapa, as well as the evolution of architecture, from bamboo constructions with interpretations of weavings, to earthen brick construction and spouted earth; Savor, highlights the gastronomy of the 4 cultural areas of Cameroon, the methods of conservation of traditional foods and the food prohibitions of the past and present; Warrior, presents the power to heal as well as the place of totemic animals in the Bapa culture; To think, invites us to reflect on the protection of the environment with a nod to CIPCRE, and also unveils the modified model of the Bapa chiefdom; Blending in, displays nature, the medicinal and edible plants that nature offers us, with a miniature map of the Bapa village, and the tchui waterfall. This museum is marked by its picturesque architecture, which values the conical roofs of the West, the stabilized earth brick and especially its entrance in the shape of a cave which calls upon the various caves and rocks found in the locality and its surroundings. The scenography here highlights the local know-how in a process of transformation of vegetable waste. Thus, the work carried out by the architects of the DRC with the craftsman Banana Fashon led to the innovation of wall coverings from: dried banana leaves, peanut shells, dried corn leaves, colored woven straws...These decorations extend the understanding of the theme of the exhibition which is to bring man closer to nature. In addition to the need to highlight the know-how and beauty of the Bapa culture, to perpetuate it for the education and edification of future generations are the main motivations of the chief. Drawing inspiration from traditional architecture in order to create the architecture of tomorrow is a guarantee of safeguarding and promoting traditional know-how. The Route des Chefferies, through a creative scenography of the territory, proposes a reinterpretation of the great architectural principles without denigrating them. It uses symbols, materials, and traditional elements to give a new vision of the territory. The Route des chefferies is currently working on new concepts within the framework of the Route des Seigneurs de la forêt, Route de l’eau and Route du sahel programs. Previous Next

< Back Planning for Africa’s urban expansion: insights from the Africapolis 2050 projections FADDA Margherita and SCHLIMMER Sina Urbanisation is one of the most pressing issues affecting socio-economic dynamics on the African continent. Over the next three decades, Africa’s urban population will experience rapid growth, doubling the number of people living in cities. According to data from Africapolis, between 2020 and 2050, the continent’s urban population will grow from 704 million to 1.4 billion, and 2 out of 3 Africans will live in an urban area. This rapid demographic growth translates into spatial transformations, notably the horizontal expansion of cities. Cities will on average double their urban footprints, leading to a rapid increase in the demand for land, housing, infrastructure, and services. As urban agglomerations expand, cities are confronted both with challenges and opportunities: authorities must plan, finance and manage growth at an astonishing pace and scale. At the same time, they have the possibility of building cities that are sustainable, productive and inclusive from the outset. Drawing on the findings and new projection methods from the Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 report, this article offers fresh insights into key urbanisation trends across the continent. It also highlights the urgent need to plan cities at scale in order to meet the basic needs of a rapidly growing urban population, including the provision of inclusive public spaces. The Africapolis database and Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics report series are produced by the Sahel and West Africa Club of the OECD (OECD/SWAC). From today to 2050: Projecting urban growth for 11 000 agglomerations Between 2020 and 2050, Africa’s population will grow by 900 million people. Eighty percent of this demographic growth will happen in urban areas. By offering spatial and demographic projections for the next three decades, the Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 (OECD/SWAC et al, 2025) report stresses the urgency of planning for Africa’s urban expansion. It aims to inform Africa’s decision-makers and urban planners, and to encourage them to take on boldly the challenge of planning Africa’s cities and peripheries. The urban expansion projections to 2050 used in the report are from the Africapolis database (OECD/SWAC). The report provides policy makers with detailed insights into urban population growth and spatial expansion in over 11 000 urban agglomerations in 54 countries. These projections reveal significant regional trends and spatial features that can inform urban planning at the national, metropolitan and agglomeration levels, shaping sustainable and liveable cities. The universal definition of urban agglomerations used by Africapolis offers a unique understanding of the evolution of African urban systems and provides an ideal input for projections. This is because population and urban footprints are measured consistently across countries and years. Africapolis projections provide a macro-level picture and enable comparisons at the continental and regional levels, which are crucial scales of analysis for decision-makers, citizens, researchers and professionals, especially planners. The granular information provided is a versatile tool to tackle multifaceted challenges and plan at the local level. Data is collected at the lowest level possible, and can thus facilitate and inform local decision-making. Africapolis: Defining urban Visualise urbanisation in Africa Covering the whole African continent, Africapolis maps over 11 000 urban agglomerations in 54 countries. Urban agglomerations are defined as continuously built-up areas (with gaps of less than 200 metres between individual buildings) with at least 10 000 inhabitants. Africapolis includes historical demographic data from 1950 to 2020 and spatial boundaries for every agglomeration in 2015 and 2020. Projections for both demographics and spatial boundaries are available at 5-years intervals and up to 2050. Africapolis captures the complete urban system in Africa to enable comparative and long-term analyses of urban dynamics. (OECD/SWAC, 2025), www.africapolis.org Africapolis website, Map of the projected urban expansion of Lomé, Togo, 2020-50 Making room for additional 700 million urbanites The key challenge facing Africa’s urban agglomerations is how to make room for their growing populations. Projected urban growth will pose major challenges for urban planning as it is outpacing the capacity of many central and local governments to provide housing, basic services, public space and infrastructure. At the same time, the need to build large parts of Africa’s future cities also presents an opportunity to plan cities that are better designed for the 21st century and better equipped to deal with major challenges such as climate change, housing and transport. Past failures and current thinking in other regions of the world offer lessons that urban planners and governments can learn from. However, there is also a need for African urban planners to develop and experiment with new ideas, and to integrate local realities and contexts into the design of the continent’s urban future. The need to plan now As most urban areas will be built in the next few decades, policy makers must stress the relevance, and strengthen the capacity and speed of urban planning. The way cities are built impacts every aspect of urban life, including access to jobs and services, public space, health, social interactions, safety, the cost of living and doing business. It shapes the interactions within urban areas and of urban areas with their surrounding ecosystems and hinterlands. By planning for urban expansion, agglomerations can avoid costly errors such as lack of green areas and public spaces, energy-intensive built-up forms and transport, and unhealthy housing conditions (GlobalABC/IEA/UNEP, 2020). On average, an African city is adding 7 urbanites per day, every day, until 2050. This results into a need to plan for all sorts of uses, including public spaces. As populations grow, land is required for housing, businesses, public services and utilities and transportation (OECD et al., 2025). In this equation, public spaces often struggle to be a priority. This observation is by no means limited to African cities, but a challenge shared by municipalities across the world. It is crucial to recognise the role of public spaces and to preserve them as cities grow (Anderson, Patiño Quinchía and Prieto-Curiel, 2022). Proactive planning, effective governance and innovative financing strategies are essential to ensure that cities can thrive and deliver on their potential to drive inclusive economic development. By acting now, Africa can manage its urban growth in ways that promote sustainability, inclusiveness and resilience. Average urban area growth by agglomeration size, 2020-50. Source: (OECD/SWAC, 2025), www.africapolis.org The increasing pressure on land and public spaces Rapid urban growth significantly increases the demand for land, especially in large cities where competition for space is intense. Here, the countryside is less accessible, resulting in higher risks of foreclosing easy access to public spaces. In smaller cities, despite the lower land pressure, it will be crucial to also preserve public spaces – a challenging task when considering restricted budgets and competing investment priorities. Data on public spaces is scarce, however, evidence available on green areas shows that these are lacking and disappearing as cities expand. An African level analysis of existing green spaces in the continent shows that as built-up environments grow, green spaces disappear (Anderson, Patiño Quinchía and Prieto-Curiel, 2022). Public spaces accomplish a wide variety of needs that span beyond the customary intended leisure and play activities, “they serve as extended living rooms, stimulating communal activities and providing people with space to socialise, relax, and transact. Public spaces are also a vital economic asset and major contributor to livelihoods in a context like Africa, where 85 per cent of the population work in the informal economy” (Roji, 2022). It’s essential that new public spaces consider local needs and realities, avoiding a blind enforcement of expensive, stereotypical and inappropriate planning models. The opportunities of planning ahead Urban expansion projections can inform the approach municipalities take to identify and preserve public spaces. By forecasting urban growth, and the number of inhabitants for the thirty years ahead, these projections can feed into public policies that are oriented towards securing land rights and land use planning, in areas where the pressure on urban land is still relatively low. This allows for the delivery of public spaces that are in line with the variety of local needs, whether those are political, social or economic. The analysis provided in the Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 report shows, for example, the large potential to secure and plan land at the peripheries of cities, which will be heavily affected by urban expansion. Where cities grow horizontally, and as urban footprints expand, there is a need to plan peri-urban land wisely and make sure that public and green spaces are going to be available. Part of these public spaces might be developed on land that is not suitable for other uses, thus preserving its ecological value whilst being of use, as it has been shown in other world regions (Rojas et al, 2022, Chen, 2025). African cities can innovate and explore new urban planning solutions through new technologies and data. Integrating climate, environmental and energy considerations into urban growth planning could lead to lasting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, reduced exposure to extreme weather, and more sustainable, resilient cities (Anderson, Patiño Quinchía and Prieto Curiel, 2022). This offers the opportunity to deliver public spaces whilst also preserving vulnerable natural areas. Urban governance for sustainable and liveable cities Urban governance has a critical role to play to accompany rapidly growing cities and tackle existing issues that hinder their economic potential. Urban governance refers to the processes, institutions and actors responsible for managing and overseeing the affairs of cities. In this context, a multitude of stakeholders, local governments and agencies, formal and informal entities collectively decide how to plan, finance and manage urban areas. Local governments play a key role in this context as they represent the needs of residents and are often in charge of managing the delivery of public spaces and services. Delivering public spaces in Africa’s cities Urban dwellers engage with public spaces for different purposes. Therefore, it is crucial that new public spaces are designed considering local needs and contexts, rather than imposing costly and generic models that may not reflect the realities on the ground. Recognising the variety of uses and adapting existing and new public spaces to ground realities can help obtain a shared support for their delivery. If the value of such spaces is recognised by the resident communities, there is a higher chance that their premises will be respected and protected against squatting or building (Diep et al, 2022). To reach this goal of creating adapted and locally owned public spaces, it is crucial to involve local stakeholders, including community leaders and customary authorities into the planning and governance frameworks. A multi-level governance approach, that considers the knowledge and added value of local leaders and community dynamics, is therefore key. Data management and ownership by local communities can further help achieve more accurate diagnostics of local needs. Mapping tools, forums and other services can be useful to identify issues and opportunities for urban development that would not be visible otherwise (Kollektiv Orangotango+, 2018). The recent initiative of Public Spaces for Africa ( www.africanpublicspaces.org ) aims to redefine what ideal public spaces look like for Africa’s cities. Collecting best practices and experiences of cities delivering public spaces can help shape practices and instruments to build on and improve (Roji, 2022). These exercises can contribute to developing clear visions for public spaces and eventually inform their governance. The role of land governance As mentioned above, securing land rights and land use planning are essential tools to plan for urban expansion, including public spaces, and key functions of land governance. In many African countries, the formal land governance system is unable to identify, consolidate, plan, service and deliver land for public, residential and commercial use at the scale required to manage urban growth effectively. This has profound implications for the ability of local governments to meet their land-use planning objectives. Approaches to urban planning and land management should prioritise stakeholder participation and local capacity to manage growth efficiently and inclusively. All this points to the urgent need to reinforce planning capacities at local and regional levels. Addis Abeba, by Leandry JIEUTSA 2022 Financing public spaces Rapid urban growth generates strong demand for investment in infrastructure and public services in cities. Current levels of spending do not meet the requirements, leaving large gaps in infrastructure provision and coverage of services. Africa’s cities need more funds for urban development. The availability of more funds alone, however, won’t solve the financing challenge. African cities need to better align investment spending with the needs and realities of their residents and businesses. Investments need to cover both formal and informal areas. Local governments, communities and economic sectors should be at the centre of investment planning (OECD et al., 2025). When considering the delivery of public spaces, it is essential to measure and understand the potential of government land. Public space delivery might be possible if the information on municipal ownership and vacancies is more readily available, and if communities are ready to step in to pressure for their delivery. Examples from other world regions show that when vacant public land is not made accessible, community action through mapping and lobbying can increase the availability of public spaces (Segal and Kravitz, 2019). Another crucial element for financing public spaces will be to consider incremental delivery. The wish to replicate stereotyped visions of public spaces, with lush green parks and fully equipped playgrounds, whilst desirable, might not be in line with available budgets, and might delay the delivery of more practical and still appealing public spaces. Gradual upgrades and implementation can represent a more sustainable solution for communities in search for accessible public spaces. Do you want to learn more about how Africapolis informs city planning in Africa? Africapolis is a unique database and data visualisation tool that measures and projects urbanisation trends in Africa from 1950 to 2050. It provides a detailed picture of Africa’s urban agglomerations at local, national, regional and continental levels, helping users to explore the size, location, and projected growth of cities. The platform offers indicators to compare urban population, levels of urbanisation, and the number of agglomerations across different geographies. Thanks to its cross-country comparability and comprehensive continental scope, Africapolis can inform decision- and policy-making across various sectors. It equips policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to better understand and address the challenges of urban and peri-urban development in Africa. It further provides useful insights for experts across sectors, with applications including urban planning, health, education, fiscal policy, environment, and gender equality. Source: (OECD/SWAC, 2025), www.africapolis.org Yaounde the capital city of Cameroon, by Leandry JIEUTSA 2022 Building liveable African cities demands action now Rapid urban growth incrases the pressure on land, intensifying tensions around the use of public spaces. Anticipating and planning for this growth is essential to secure well-located land for public use. Once cities are built, acquiring land for public spaces becomes complex and costly. Taking action today can help to avoid substantial retrofitting expenses and the loss of long-term benefits for urban residents. To ensure that public spaces effectively serve urban residents, their planning must be driven by local realities and needs rather than replicating imported models that may not align with community priorities or available financing. An incremental financing approach that allocates more resources after essential infrastructure is in place can support this process sustainably. Effective local governance will be crucial to design a clear vision of how public spaces should look like as cities expand. To deliver accessible and sustainable public spaces, it will be crucial to involve all stakeholders, especially resident communities. Decision-makers and communities can rely on the newly available Africapolis projection data on urban growth and emerging evidence on the accessibility of green areas within Africa’s cities to accompany policies and identify appropriate locations and types of public spaces (Anderson, Patiño Quinchía and Prieto-Curiel, 2022). Google earth erial view of Cotonou, 2025 Get the full African Cities Magazine 6 Download the full article here margherita-article-african_cities_magazine_6_english-20250826 .pdf Download PDF • 6.08MB Previous Next

< Back Le Burkina Faso, une référence en matière d'architecture africaine authentique Yoel Kime Mukena Mukalay L'architecture africaine reflète la diversité culturelle du continent, mêlant traditions locales et influences externes. Des styles vernaculaires uniques, comme l'architecture soudano-sahélienne au Burkina Faso, utilisent des matériaux locaux et intègrent des aspects communautaires et fonctionnels. Cependant, l'influence eurocentrique, héritée du colonialisme et accentuée par la mondialisation, menace cette identité architecturale. Les architectes africains cherchent à concilier modernité et tradition, à l'image de Diebedo Francis Kere, en incorporant des éléments locaux et durables dans leurs conceptions. Le Burkina Faso se distingue en préservant son héritage architectural, reconnu internationalement par l'UNESCO. Cet exemple inspire une approche continentale visant à préserver l'identité architecturale africaine tout en s'adaptant aux défis de la mondialisation. L'architecture joue un rôle crucial dans l'expression et la préservation de l'identité culturelle. Elle constitue une manifestation visuelle des valeurs, des traditions, de l'histoire et du mode de vie d'une communauté. Le design, les matériaux et l'esthétique utilisés en architecture reflètent souvent les contextes culturels, sociaux et environnementaux dans lesquels elle est créée. Dans le contexte de l'Afrique, comme d'autres aspects de la culture africaine, l'architecture africaine est exceptionnellement diversifiée. Tout au long de l'histoire de l'Afrique, les populations locales ont développé leurs propres traditions architecturales locales. Dans certains cas, des styles régionaux plus larges peuvent être identifiés, comme l'architecture soudano-sahélienne de l'Afrique de l'Ouest. Un thème commun dans l'architecture traditionnelle africaine est l'utilisation de l'échelle fractale : les petites parties de la structure ont tendance à ressembler aux parties plus grandes, comme un village circulaire composé de maisons circulaires. Selon les preuves disponibles, l'architecture africaine dans certaines régions a été influencée par des cultures externes depuis des siècles. L'architecture occidentale a influencé les zones côtières depuis la fin du XVe siècle et est maintenant une source d'inspiration importante pour de nombreux grands bâtiments, notamment dans les grandes villes. L'urbanisation dans les pays africains de l'ère post-coloniale a vu les styles architecturaux eurocentriques dominer. Quelques pays, dont le Burkina Faso, préservent et intègrent les méthodes de conception pré-coloniales aux côtés des pratiques modernes, en faisant un modèle d'architecture africaine authentique. Caractéristiques générales L'architecture africaine est façonnée par l'interaction d'éléments environnementaux tels que les ressources naturelles, le climat, la végétation, ainsi que par les caractéristiques économiques et démographiques régionales. Certains édifices anciens ont survécu au fil des âges grâce à la durabilité exceptionnelle de la pierre, qui a préservé d'autres matériaux de la destruction par la pluie, la détérioration ou les termites. Dans les villages précoces des Sotho et des Tswana en Afrique du Sud et au Botswana, ainsi que dans les cercles de fosses au Zimbabwe avec des kraals de vaches naines enterrés, les kraals en pierre ont été l'objet d'études archéologiques. Les abris avec des rebords en pierre et des chaumières sphériques à toit de chaume étaient courants parmi les Sotho du Sud au XXe siècle. Les Tigres d'Érythrée et du Soudan ont construit des fermes en pierre à deux étages rectangulaires et circulaires, bien que certaines populations touaregs du Niger préfèrent les maisons en pierre carrées. La majorité des civilisations rurales africaines construisent leurs habitations à partir de matériaux localement disponibles tels que l'herbe, le bois, l'argile, le bambou et le palmier raphia. Les tentes en peau d'animal sont utilisées dans les modes de vie nomades. Dans les plaines, les toits de chaume sont typiques, tandis que le bambou et le bois dur sont utilisés dans les régions boisées. Des éléments de construction importants sont également la terre et l'argile. Les différents types de sols donnent lieu à des conceptions d'habitation uniques, comme les maisons abritées des Iraqw en Tanzanie et les maisons partiellement submergées du Mali et du Burkina Faso. L'impact des influences politiques externes L'Afrique a subi l'imposition d'influences coloniales tout au long de son histoire, qui ont affecté son environnement architectural. Les influences islamiques et chrétiennes sont particulièrement visibles dans les parties nord du continent. En conséquence, des régions du nord jusqu'à la côte est abritent des mosquées impressionnantes et des œuvres d'art élaborées. Cela est particulièrement évident dans l'architecture marocaine, qui a été fortement influencée par les conceptions architecturales islamiques. Le paysage architectural de la région subsaharienne est caractérisé par un grand nombre de petites colonies aux conceptions de logements variées. On y trouve des éléments de design baroque, arabe, turc et indien. Les colons portugais ont eu un grand impact, notamment en Éthiopie, où les influences portugaises sont clairement visibles dans les styles architecturaux du pays. Après l'indépendance de l'Afrique, l'architecture coloniale a connu une montée, entraînant une duplication généralisée d'un seul style à travers le continent. Mais lorsque la mondialisation a pris le relais, l'attention s'est portée sur le style architectural cosmopolite largement utilisé, qui s'est répandu dans le monde entier. La Pyramide in Abidjan Ivory Coast by Rinaldo Olivieri from 1973.Credit Katre L'influence de la modernité sur le paysage architectural de l'Afrique L'Afrique est une région où les conceptions architecturales récurrentes sont le résultat de la mondialisation. Après l'introduction de l'architecture moderne dans les années 1920 et 1930, les conceptions contemporaines et traditionnelles ont coexisté. Les bâtiments en verre avec des influences occidentales ont été le fruit du développement post-colonial. Des changements significatifs ont été apportés au tissu urbain et à l'urbanisme. Les techniques architecturales ont été influencées par l'accessibilité des matériaux. La mode régionale a été modifiée par les nouvelles technologies, et l'époque post-coloniale a entraîné des changements dans la vie et les cultures des populations. Ces changements ont un impact sur l'architecture privée et publique. Les villes africaines connaissent actuellement une expansion rapide, avec une nette préférence pour les conceptions architecturales occidentales contemporaines. Néanmoins, de nombreux architectes s'efforcent avec assiduité de préserver l'architecture indigène historique du continent, tant dans leur propre pays qu'à l'extérieur. Notamment, des personnalités du Niger et du Burkina Faso, telles que Mariam Kamara et Francis Kéré, entre autres, se sont distinguées en travaillant sans relâche pour préserver et innover les styles architecturaux africains. Leurs efforts servent d'exemple d'un engagement envers la sauvegarde et la revitalisation de l'héritage architectural du continent. The Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi Kenya by Karl Henrik Nostvik from 1967-73.Credit...Iwan Baan Développement de l'architecture vernaculaire en Afrique, contexte du Burkina Faso Le Burkina Faso est l'un des rares pays africains à avoir maintenu son approche de conception traditionnelle tout en s'adaptant au monde moderne, alors que le changement continental en Afrique s'est généralement transformé en une modernisation profonde, négligeant les riches techniques historiques et le savoir-faire en matière de construction et de conception qui ont été accumulés au fil des siècles. Le Burkina Faso, un pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest, possède une riche histoire architecturale qui illustre les nombreuses influences culturelles et historiques qui ont façonné la nation. Le riche héritage des techniques de construction utilisées au Burkina Faso a évolué au fil du temps en raison des diverses cultures qui ont habité la région. Il est principalement lié aux arrangements domestiques et est lié à l'idée de la famille élargie, qui est la pierre angulaire de la structure sociale. Par conséquent, les changements sociaux et économiques qui ont lieu dans ces régions ont eu un impact profond sur l'architecture. Au Burkina Faso, chaque culture a développé ses propres modèles de logement particuliers qui représentent leurs modes de vie distinctifs et leur lien avec la terre. Ainsi, dans ce contexte, l'environnement construit sert d'exemple de l'importance culturelle et pittoresque des traditions folkloriques régionales. Le style architectural soudano-sahélien, qui est prédominant au Burkina Faso, se distingue par l'utilisation de briques de terre crue, de toits de chaume et d'éléments ornementaux tels que des écrans et des sculptures en bois. Ce design est populaire dans la région du Sahel et est influencé par les méthodes de construction traditionnelles des peuples autochtones. Un exemple notable de l'architecture soudano-sahélienne peut être trouvé à la Grande Mosquée de Bobo-Dioulasso, située dans la deuxième plus grande ville du Burkina Faso. Elle illustre la tradition architecturale régionale avec sa construction élaborée en terre crue, ses motifs ornés et son minaret imposant. Actuellement, ces zones rurales du Burkina Faso, qui abritent plus de 70 % de la population du pays, conservent encore partiellement ce patrimoine vivant. Les communautés peuvent prendre en charge leurs besoins en logement par leurs propres moyens lorsque les méthodes de construction traditionnelles sont préservées. Les habitants construisent leurs propres maisons à partir de matériaux facilement accessibles, obtenant parfois de l'aide auprès de constructeurs locaux. Le logement populaire doit également faire face à la nécessité de s'adapter aux transitions sociales, économiques, culturelles et environnementales actuelles qui ont un impact différent sur les zones rurales à travers le monde. Grâce notamment au travail de l'architecte renommé Diebedo Francis Kere, qui a remporté une reconnaissance internationale, l'architecture moderne du Burkina Faso a reçu une attention particulière. En intégrant des technologies durables et des matériaux locaux dans ses conceptions, Kere allie régulièrement sagesse conventionnelle et concepts innovants. The Gando Primary School the Kéré Foundation’s inaugural project in 1998 Photographer Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk L'empiètement du style eurocentrique dans l'architecture moderne africaine : un inventaire L'envahissement du style architectural moderne en général, et du style eurocentrique en particulier, a laissé une marque sur l'architecture moderne africaine, soulevant des questions sur l'identité culturelle et l'histoire. L'environnement architectural des villes africaines a été impacté par l'architecture eurocentrique, qui est basée sur des idées de conception occidentales et s'éloigne de ses racines indigènes. Le colonialisme, qui impliquait les pays européens introduisant leurs styles architecturaux sur le continent, a préparé le terrain pour cette invasion. L'adoption de modèles occidentaux a été accélérée par les problèmes post-coloniaux et la mondialisation, ce qui les rend également plus accessibles et désirables pour les pays africains. Les initiatives de haut niveau soutenues par des investisseurs étrangers ont souvent des conceptions eurocentriques prédéfinies, endommageant involontairement l'identité africaine. L'éducation et la formation des architectes africains n'ont pas été épargnées par l'influence eurocentrique. La préservation et l'assimilation des concepts de conception indigènes sont souvent négligées au profit des enseignements occidentaux dans de nombreuses écoles et programmes d'architecture. Cependant, certains architectes adoptent un style plus mixte face à cette influence. Ils cherchent à combiner des éléments architecturaux occidentaux et africains dans une synthèse spéciale alliant modernité et héritage culturel. La menace pesant sur l'identité africaine et le patrimoine culturel est sérieuse en raison de l'invasion du développement architectural mondial et du style eurocentrique. Les styles architecturaux occidentaux dominent les horizons et les espaces publics, séparant l'environnement bâti des communautés qu'il dessert. Cela met en danger le sentiment d'appartenance et d'ancrage, des éléments cruciaux de la préservation culturelle. L'afflux de la conception eurocentrique dans l'architecture africaine contemporaine est un sujet complexe qui mérite une analyse minutieuse. Il doit y avoir un équilibre qui respecte l'héritage architectural unique de l'Afrique, même si certaines personnes accueillent favorablement la promesse de la mondialisation. Les architectes et les décideurs peuvent veiller à ce que les villes africaines restent enracinées dans leurs propres identités culturelles tout en embrassant le potentiel du monde moderne en prônant une approche plus inclusive qui intègre les idées de conception indigènes. Ce n'est qu'en prenant de telles mesures que l'architecture africaine pourra vraiment s'épanouir et préserver son identité unique face aux influences extérieures. Le Burkina Faso, gardien de l'authentique architecture africaine Le Burkina Faso, fier d'être le gardien de la véritable architecture africaine et de préserver son riche héritage culturel à travers son environnement bâti, est niché au cœur de l'Afrique de l'Ouest. Le Burkina Faso est une destination attrayante pour les amateurs de design africain traditionnel car, contrairement à certaines autres régions du continent, il a résisté à l'invasion des styles architecturaux eurocentriques. La diversité ethnique du Burkina Faso se reflète dans l'architecture du pays, chaque groupe ajoutant des caractéristiques distinctives à la création de maisons, de structures gouvernementales et de lieux sacrés. L'utilisation inventive de matériaux localement disponibles, comme la terre, l'argile, le chaume et le bois, est ce qui distingue l'architecture traditionnelle et permet aux bâtiments de s'intégrer parfaitement dans l'environnement environnant. Le style architectural soudano-sahélien, qui est le plus répandu dans la région du Sahel, est l'un des exemples les plus impressionnants de l'architecture traditionnelle burkinabée. Les mosquées en argile uniques de ce design ont des tours coniques et des accents de menuiserie, exhibant le superbe savoir-faire des artisans régionaux. La conception des maisons burkinabées a également une importance culturelle significative. Les murs entourent les enceintes familiales, créant un fort sentiment de solidarité et de sécurité. Ces établissements ont souvent des bâtiments en briques de terre reliés qui favorisent la vie communautaire tout en préservant l'intimité personnelle. Wood from eucalyptus — a tree that provides minimal shade in nature — lines the Burkina Institute of TechnologyPhotographer Jaime Herraiz Au Burkina Faso, l'architecture moderne est également imprégnée d'un sens de tradition. Des concepts de design traditionnels ont été tentés d'être incorporés malgré l'urbanisation et l'introduction d'éléments contemporains du développement. Les urbanistes et les architectes trouvent des méthodes créatives pour combiner les commodités contemporaines avec l'attrait esthétique de l'architecture traditionnelle africaine. Les communautés locales et le gouvernement prennent des mesures actives pour préserver leur histoire architecturale. Des célébrations régulières des méthodes et des conceptions de construction traditionnelles sont organisées, préservant l'héritage culturel pour les générations futures. De plus, le Burkina Faso est respecté internationalement pour son engagement envers une architecture africaine authentique. La contribution distinctive que le Burkina Faso a apportée à l'histoire architecturale de l'humanité a été élevée par des efforts pour inclure certains monuments architecturaux sur la liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO. Enfin, le Burkina Faso sert de brillant exemple d'un pays dévoué à la préservation de son architecture africaine originale. Le pays renforce son sentiment de fierté en acceptant et en soutenant les méthodes de construction traditionnelles, ce qui contribue à préserver son identité culturelle. Le Burkina Faso invite le monde à observer et à respecter la beauté et l'inventivité de son riche patrimoine bâti en tant que gardien de ces chefs-d'œuvre architecturaux. A eucalyptus barrier provides shade for students at the Lycée Schorge Secondary School in Koudougou Burkina Faso. Photographer Francis Kéré Le Burkina Faso est respecté à l'échelle internationale pour son dévouement à une architecture africaine authentique. La contribution distinctive du Burkina Faso à l'histoire architecturale de l'humanité a été reconnue grâce aux efforts visant à inclure certains monuments architecturaux sélectionnés sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO. Enfin, le Burkina Faso sert d'exemple brillant d'un pays dévoué à la préservation de son architecture africaine originale. La nation renforce son sentiment de fierté en acceptant et en soutenant les méthodes de construction traditionnelles, ce qui contribue à préserver son identité culturelle. Le Burkina Faso invite le monde à observer et à respecter la beauté et l'ingéniosité de son riche patrimoine architectural en tant que gardien de ces chefs-d'œuvre architecturaux. Dans cet effort de préservation, des architectes comme Diebedo Francis Kere ont joué un rôle crucial, fusionnant la sagesse conventionnelle avec des concepts innovants pour produire des structures qui sont non seulement pratiques mais également solidement ancrées dans leur contexte culturel. Heat escapes from the building through wind towers jutting through the perforated white plaster ceiling and metal roof. Photographer Iwan Baan L'inspiration pour maintenir l'identité culturelle pendant la mondialisation peut être trouvée dans des nations comme le Burkina Faso. La préservation du patrimoine culturel pour les générations futures est assurée en respectant l'histoire architecturale. L'engagement du Burkina Faso envers une architecture africaine authentique souligne la valeur de reconnaître les différentes expressions culturelles, ce qui enrichit notre monde. La préoccupation cruciale pour les architectes passionnés par l'Afrique et son architecture est de savoir comment mettre en œuvre le modèle du Burkina Faso à l'échelle du continent pour préserver la forte identité architecturale africaine tout en embrassant un avenir prometteur. Previous Next

Africa Innovation Network is a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We develop initiatives, projects, programs, and materials to support cities to move forward to more sustainable human settlements. Our Team. This is your Team page. It's a great space to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture and work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team. Don Francis Founder & CEO Ashley Jones Tech Lead Tess Brown Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager Email info@mysite.com Call 123-456-7890 Follow

Marrakech, one of Morocco's most captivating cities, is renowned for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and bustling souks. Known as the "Red City" due to its famous red sandstone walls, Marrakech is situated at the foothills of the stunning Atlas Mountains. It serves as a major economic center and tourist destination, blending ancient traditions with modernity. The heart of Marrakech is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleys where travelers can explore palaces, mosques, and markets. The city is also famous for its beautiful gardens like the Majorelle Garden, and lively squares such as Djemaa el-Fna, where food stalls, snake charmers, and performers offer a taste of Moroccan life. Marrakesh-Morocco Marrakech, one of Morocco's most captivating cities, is renowned for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and bustling souks. Known as the "Red City" due to its famous red sandstone walls, Marrakech is situated at the foothills of the stunning Atlas Mountains. It serves as a major economic center and tourist destination, blending ancient traditions with modernity. The heart of Marrakech is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, a labyrinth of narrow alleys where travelers can explore palaces, mosques, and markets. The city is also famous for its beautiful gardens like the Majorelle Garden, and lively squares such as Djemaa el-Fna, where food stalls, snake charmers, and performers offer a taste of Moroccan life.

< Back La ventilation naturelle : une arme invisible, mais tellement efficace ! Odyssées d’Architectures (Agathe Belot & Mathieu Jaumain) Cet article met en lumière la puissance de la ventilation naturelle comme solution low-tech pour lutter contre la surchauffe des bâtiments, alternative aux climatiseurs énergivores et mal intégrés. Historiquement utilisée dans les médinas du Moyen-Orient et adaptée par le modernisme tropical africain, cette méthode exploite des ouvertures stratégiques pour favoriser le renouvellement de l’air et évacuer la chaleur. Des projets contemporains, tels que celui en Tanzanie, démontrent également son efficacité en réduisant significativement la présence de moustiques et le coût de construction. La ventilation naturelle, simple à mettre en œuvre, offre ainsi une réponse durable et économique aux défis climatiques. De plus en plus de machines contrôlent la température de nos bâtiments et pourtant certains systèmes low-tech sont redoutables pour lutter contre la surchauffe ! La ventilation naturelle est l’un d’eux et mériterait d’être généralisée. Les climatiseurs sont devenus une réponse trop facile à de mauvaises conceptions architecturales. En plus d’être esthétiquement difficiles à intégrer, ils sont très énergivores. Leur popularité est paradoxale puisqu’il est aujourd’hui aisément possible de s’en passer avec une ventilation naturelle. Cette dernière est utilisée depuis des siècles. Elle remonte à la construction des premières villes du Moyen-Orient et d’Afrique du Nord. Le principe en est relativement simple : sur les faces les moins exposées au soleil se trouvent de larges ouvertures alors que sur celles qui sont les plus exposées, de petites fenêtres sont placées en hauteur. L’air chaud ayant une densité (et donc un poids) plus faible que l’air froid, monte naturellement, s’évacue par la petite ouverture et crée ainsi un courant d’air permanent. Dans la médina de Marrakech il est encore possible de visiter une partie de l’une des premières universités au monde, la Merdersa Ben Youssef, datant du XIIIe siècle, où un bassin d’eau au milieu du grand patio permet de créer un effet venturi et de rafraîchir de quelques degrés la température. C’était le lieu de prédilection des étudiants pour réviser. Les climatiseurs ont envahi les façades de Dakar, Sénégal, 2023 par Odyssées d’Architectures La ventilation naturelle a aussi été au centre d’un mouvement architectural né dans les villes africaines pendant la colonisation : le modernisme tropical. Les colons s’établissant sur le continent voulaient construire des édifices copiant ceux qu’ils connaissaient en Europe avec des styles et des matériaux identiques. Mais les architectes se sont rapidement rendu compte qu’il fallait adapter leurs habitudes constructives pour réaliser des bâtiments confortables dans de telles températures. De 1942 à 1960 Edwin Maxwell Fry et Jane Beverly Drew imaginèrent ainsi de nombreux édifices au Ghana et au Nigéria alliant style moderniste et ventilation naturelle. La plupart de leurs constructions sont encore utilisées actuellement telles qu’elles ont été pensées. Si Francis Kere, vainqueur du Pritzker Prize en 2022, est connu pour ses conceptions low-tech dans des villages reculés d’Afrique, d’autres architectes utilisent aussi la ventilation naturelle. Ainsi, le travail de John McAslan + Partners a permis de diminuer de 3 degrés la température dans les classes de plusieurs villages au nord du Malawi en utilisant des matériaux disponibles localement et avec un design simple pour pouvoir être mis en œuvre facilement par les villageois. On pourrait encore citer le projet de Insitu Architectes au Sénégal qui s’inspire du fonctionnement de la termitière pour ventiler l’église de Nianing, ou encore les projets de Mick Pearce au Zimbabwe comme le Eastgate Center et le Temple Indu de Harare datant des années 1990. Ingvartsen Architects_The Star Home Project_Mtwara, Tanzanie_2022_Photo/ Julien Lanoo Modernisme tropical, Musée national du Ghana, Accra, Edwin Maxwell Fry et Jane Beverly Drew, 1957 En plus de diminuer la température dans les bâtiments, les courants d’air permettent de chasser les moustiques. Alors pourquoi ne pas remplacer nos vitrages par des moustiquaires ? C’est l’idée qu’Ingvartsen Architects a développée pour The Star Homes Project. Dans plus de 50 villages au sud de la Tanzanie, un modèle de maison est répliqué et monitoré pour tester son efficacité à différents emplacements dans une même région. Après bientôt un an, les résultats sont déjà impressionnants. En construisant de manière compacte, mais avec un étage (chose rare dans cette région), la cuisine au rez-de-chaussée et les chambres au-dessus, et en recouvrant plus de la moitié de la façade par des moustiquaires, la diminution du nombre de moustiques est estimée à plus de 80% par rapport aux maisons traditionnelles. Des résultats très encourageants dans la difficile lutte du pays contre la propagation de la malaria. L’ambition d’Ingvartsen Architects est d’ensuite proposer ce modèle au gouvernement en tant que logement social, car en plus, son coût de construction est très faible. Alliée à des protections solaires ou à un petit bassin d’eau ou encore à des matériaux naturellement isolants, comme la terre, la ventilation naturelle est redoutablement efficace et même indispensable pour diminuer la température à l’intérieur des édifices. Outre ses qualités thermiques, elle permet de chasser l’air vicié et de réduire la présence de moustiques en assurant un renouvellement constant de l’air dans les espaces. C’est une stratégie qui peut s’appliquer partout, avec n’importe quel matériau de construction, dans tous types de bâtiments, mais surtout à un très faible coût, en plus d’être facile à mettre en œuvre. Sa seule exigence est d’être considérée en amont de la construction pour qu’elle soit optimale et judicieusement intégrée aux besoins des utilisateurs. Previous Next

< Back African Cities Magazine 3 October 31, 2022 This third edition opens with an interview with Jean-François Habeau, Executive Director of the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV), on the issue of financing sustainable cities in Africa. The urban planning innovation section is followed by a wide range of innovative projects based on participation and collective construction. In order to inspire a larger number of people and particularly young people, this edition features a portrait of Aziza Chaouni, Principal architect at Aziza Chaouni Projects and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. Finally, the magazine ends with a sweep of the main events on African cities that took place during the year. Financing Sustainable Cities in Africa Interview with Jean-François Habeau, Executive Director of the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV) The urbanization of the African continent constitutes an important economic potential provided that it is accompanied by policies aimed at low-carbon, inclusive and sustainable economies... Portrait: Aziza CHAOUNI, Principal architect at Aziza Chaouni Projects and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto A sustainable city is a city that offers enough affordable social housing. I think that giving access to housing to a large part of the population is already removing a lot of injustice. I think that it is absolutely necessary to review all our policies in terms of social housing in Morocco and in Africa. Innovative practices of urban transformation based on participation, collective making, digital technologies, dialogue, art, design English version Version française Previous Next

< Back Talk-apéro espaces publics Conference March 27, 2026 Cameroon Retour sur un moment d’échange autour des espaces publics en Afrique Le 27 mars 2026, le Driver City Space à Yaoundé a accueilli le Talk-Apéro “Espaces publics en Afrique : comment concilier les formes, les fonctions et les usages ?”, un événement organisé par Africa Innovation Network dans le cadre des activités du African Cities Magazine. Cet après-midi d’échanges a rassemblé chercheurs, urbanistes, étudiants, acteurs publics et passionnés de la ville autour d’une question centrale : comment repenser les espaces publics africains à partir des réalités locales ? Une ouverture conviviale et engagée L’événement a débuté par un mot de bienvenue , mettant en avant l’importance des espaces publics comme lieux de vie, d’innovation sociale et d’expression citoyenne dans les villes africaines. Dans un contexte marqué par une urbanisation rapide, les discussions ont souligné la nécessité de concevoir des espaces publics plus inclusifs, adaptés aux usages réels et capables d’intégrer les dynamiques informelles . Focus sur le African Cities Magazine #6 Un moment fort de la rencontre a été la présentation du numéro 6 du African Cities Magazine , consacré aux espaces publics en Afrique. Cette édition met en lumière : des études de cas à travers le continent , des approches innovantes d’aménagement , et des réflexions critiques sur les usages réels des espaces publics . Les échanges ont permis de souligner le décalage fréquent entre les modèles d’aménagement importés et les pratiques quotidiennes, appelant à une relecture contextuelle des espaces publics africains . Présentation du projet de recherche sur l'Analyse spatio-économique des espaces publics au Cameroun La rencontre s’est poursuivie avec la présentation d’un projet de recherche portant sur l’ analyse spatio-économique des espaces publics au Cameroun . Ce travail met en évidence : la diversité des usages (mobilité, commerce, sociabilité), le rôle clé de l’économie informelle, et les dynamiques d’appropriation des espaces par les usagers. Cette approche permet de mieux comprendre comment les espaces publics fonctionnent réellement, au-delà des intentions de planification. Conférence-débat. Formes, fonctions et usages : quelles articulations ? Le temps de conférence-débat a été particulièrement riche, avec des échanges dynamiques entre intervenants et participants. Plusieurs points clés ont émergé : la nécessité de reconnaître les usages informels comme partie intégrante des espaces publics , l’importance de concevoir avec les usagers et non uniquement pour eux , le besoin de développer des approches hybrides entre planification et pratiques sociales , et l’enjeu de faire des espaces publics de véritables communs urbains . Ces discussions ont mis en évidence le potentiel des espaces publics comme leviers de transformation urbaine inclusive. Un moment de networking convivial L’événement s’est conclu par un cocktail , offrant un cadre informel pour prolonger les discussions, créer des connexions et faire émerger de nouvelles collaborations. Ce moment a confirmé l’importance de ces formats hybrides, à la fois scientifiques, professionnels et conviviaux , pour nourrir les réflexions sur la ville africaine. Ce Talk-Apéro s’inscrit dans une dynamique plus large portée par Africa Innovation Network visant à : documenter les transformations urbaines en Afrique, valoriser les recherches et initiatives locales, et favoriser le dialogue entre chercheurs, praticiens et citoyens. D’autres événements et publications sont à venir pour continuer à explorer les enjeux des espaces publics, de l’innovation urbaine et de la gouvernance des villes africaines . Pour suivre nos prochaines activités :🌐 www.africinno.com 📧 contact@africinno.com Previous Next

"Unlock urban potential in Africa! Africa Innovation Network focuses on creating sustainable, resilient African cities & innovative solutions for a better urban future." #AfricanCities A FRICA I NNOVATION N ETWORK: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICA AND THE WORLD WHO WE ARE We are a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We develop initiatives, projects, programs, and materials to support cities to move forward to more sustainable human settlements. WHAT WE DO Through our network of experts in urban planning, architecture, engineering, transport and mobility, geographic information systems, design, etc., we accompany cities and territories in the creation of more inclusive and sustainable living environments. OUR APPROACH Our approach is human-centered and based on frugal innovations. We are developing simple, participative ideas and solutions to make our cities and our rural areas a better place for all . OUR MISSION Help through our initiatives to build a better future for all and make sure that no one is left behind in our cities.