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< Back Portrait d'une des architectes les plus inspirantes du Maroc: Aziza CHAOUNI Aziza Chaouni, architecte principale chez Aziza Chaouni Projects et professeure associée à l'Université de Toronto, partage son parcours en tant qu'architecte. Née à Fès, elle a étudié au Lycée Paul Valéry avant de partir aux États-Unis. Elle y a obtenu un Master en architecture à Harvard et a suivi un programme de bourse. Après une année de recherche sur l'écotourisme dans le Sahara, elle s'est vue offrir un poste de professeure associée à l'Université de Toronto. Elle a commencé à travailler sur l'architecture durable au Maroc et croit en l'importance de l'autonomisation des femmes dans la profession. Aziza CHAOUNI, une designer originaire de Casablanca, a lancé l'initiative MADI pour réhabiliter des bâtiments historiques et organiser des événements socio-économiques et culturels. Elle travaille actuellement sur un projet visant à concevoir des panneaux dans les parcs nationaux en utilisant des matériaux durables et en intégrant des systèmes binaires dans les politiques de gestion de l'eau. « Ma carrière n'a pas vraiment été planifiée, j'ai suivi ma passion et j'ai eu la chance de rencontrer des personnes qui m'ont encouragée et m'ont aidée à prendre les bonnes décisions tout au long de mon parcours. Je pense que chaque expérience nous apprend quelque chose, mais il faut parfois éviter de se mettre dans des situations confortables qui empêchent de grandir. » Née à Fès, Mme CHAOUNI a poursuivi ses études au Lycée Paul Valéry à Meknès avant de partir pour les États-Unis, une destination recommandée par son oncle. Là-bas, il lui semblait tout d'abord naturel de choisir un domaine scientifique, une décision motivée par son intérêt pour la biologie et la génétique. L'architecte a passé son premier été aux États-Unis à travailler dans un laboratoire de recherche, ce qui l'a fascinée, mais pas autant que ses interactions et son travail en groupe. Elle a alors décidé de se concentrer sur l'aspect humain et de se réorienter vers des études d'architecture, alors que son père lui avait conseillé d'étudier le génie civil, un domaine qui l'a aidée dans sa carrière d'architecte en lui permettant de maîtriser tous les aspects techniques de la construction. Mme CHAOUNI a été la première Marocaine à poursuivre un Master en architecture à Harvard, période durant laquelle elle a également suivi un programme de bourse d'un an qui lui a permis de travailler avec Renzo Piano. Après avoir obtenu son diplôme, l'architecte a reçu un prix qui lui a permis de réaliser une année de recherche sur l'écotourisme dans le Sahara. Son voyage, qui a inclus des pays comme le Mali, la Libye, l'Égypte et la Jordanie, lui a permis de visiter de nombreux projets et de changer radicalement sa perception, alors qu'elle étudiait dans un contexte très différent de celui de l'Amérique du Nord. À la fin de son voyage, Mme CHAOUNI a reçu une proposition de recherche de son directeur de thèse à son université, à la suite de laquelle elle s'est vue offrir un poste de professeure associée à l'Université de Toronto. Ce poste avait la particularité de requérir une architecte minoritaire féminine à la demande de l'architecte sino-jamaïcaine Brigitte Shim, qui occupait précédemment le même poste. En tant que professeure, Mme CHAOUNI a connu des années intenses de cours magistraux, de publication d'articles, de rédaction de livres et de remporter des prix. C'est également durant cette période qu'elle a décidé d'ouvrir son propre cabinet d'architecture à Toronto et au Maroc, ce qui faisait partie de ses objectifs. Elle a ensuite commencé son travail sur « l'architecture durable » au Maroc en 2010, à une époque où ce concept était encore méconnu et où l'on se demandait pourquoi il était coûteux. C'est ainsi que Mme CHAOUNI s'est tournée vers des projets de réhabilitation qu'elle considère comme le meilleur moyen de réaliser des constructions durables. « Nous ne construisons pas à nouveau, nous réhabilitons ce qui existe déjà. » SUNU CICES, Aziza Chaouni Projects 2021 « Je pense que nous devons encourager les jeunes femmes à se sentir autonomes dans notre profession. Je pense également qu'il est très important d'avoir des exemples de femmes dans différentes formes de pratique pour les autonomiser, pour transmettre la formation et les connaissances. » Malheureusement, les femmes ne se soutiennent pas beaucoup entre elles, alors que nous avons un réel rôle d'autonomisation mutuelle. Mme Aziza CHAOUNI considère que la profession d'architecte reste majoritairement masculine ; une femme architecte doit redoubler d'efforts dans ce domaine, une pression qu'elle a ressentie de nombreuses fois au cours de sa carrière, une pression qu'elle dit émaner de la femme elle-même en raison de l'existence dans des sociétés patriarcales. « Nous croyons fermement en ce que nous faisons, c'est-à-dire donner la parole au peuple. Je crois que pour avoir une pratique engagée et mener à bien un projet, il est crucial de mener différentes missions en même temps. » L'agence d'Aziza CHAOUNI fonctionne selon un modèle de conception collaborative, impliquant un travail multifacette qui comprend des entretiens avec la population, le développement de jeux et d'outils collaboratifs, la collecte de fonds ou le bénévolat. « Pendant la pandémie, j'ai réalisé qu'il serait préférable d'initier des projets plutôt que d'attendre un engagement d'un client ou du gouvernement » ; c'est ainsi que l'initiative MADI a été lancée par Aziza CHAOUNI, avec Hamza SLAOUI, spécialisé en finance, et Meryem MAHFOUD, spécialisée en communication. L'initiative MADI vise à reprendre des bâtiments historiques, qu'ils soient privés ou appartenant à l'État, afin de les réhabiliter et d'y organiser des activités ayant un fort impact socio-économique et culturel. À l'origine, l'idée de former l'association pour générer des projets est née du projet de réhabilitation du complexe thermal de Sidi Harazem. L'équipe d'Aziza CHAOUNI a eu l'idée d'organiser plusieurs résidences d'artistes. L'une des premières actions de petite envergure de l'initiative a été de transformer le café du Musée Slaoui - situé dans le quartier Art Déco de Casablanca - en un espace de sensibilisation au patrimoine ART DECO, mais aussi d'accueillir des événements littéraires et culturels. Modelling Game Design Your Dream School , Sierra Leone, Aziza Chaouni Projects 2021 « C'est une initiative qui nous a permis d'adopter un modèle proactif et de sortir du modèle traditionnel d'attente du client, de convaincre et de faire des compromis. Il faut être flexible, mais il y a certaines choses sur lesquelles on ne peut pas transiger. C'est un métier très difficile, mais l'architecte doit avant tout devenir un citoyen, et cela nécessite une certaine implication et confiance en soi. C'est une lutte constante pour convaincre les clients autour de nous qu'il faut penser à long terme, qu'il ne faut pas polluer l'environnement et les nappes phréatiques, qu'il faut avoir une citerne pour pouvoir recycler l'eau de pluie et la réutiliser, qu'il faut avoir un système de plomberie binaire... Mais il faut aussi savoir choisir ses batailles, et surtout savoir quand accepter la défaite. Je cherche simplement à réaliser des projets en lesquels je crois et qui ont un impact positif sur la vie des utilisateurs. » En général, nous travaillons souvent avec l'État avec un budget très limité, mais nous essayons d'être aussi innovants que possible dans chaque projet. Nous veillons également à ce que notre moindre intervention contribue positivement à l'environnement. Selon Mme CHAOUNI, le choix de conception visant à créer des espaces de qualité est motivé par la conviction que le rôle de l'architecte est avant tout celui d'un citoyen. Elle rappelle que l'architecture n'est accessible qu'à 1 % de la population, et cite l'exemple de l'Amérique du Nord, où les avocats doivent consacrer certaines heures aux populations qui n'ont pas les moyens de payer les services d'un avocat, d'où la nécessité de faire de même dans le domaine de l'architecture dans une démarche citoyenne, non seulement pour le plus grand nombre, mais aussi pour la faune et la flore. El Menzel Agricultural Center, Morocco, Aziza Chaouni Projects 2021 Cette approche est illustrée par le projet sur lequel travaille actuellement Mme CHAOUNI, en collaboration avec le Ministère des Eaux et Forêts. Il s'agit d'un projet de conception de panneaux à l'entrée des parcs nationaux construits en matériaux durables (pierre et bois), qui servent également d'habitat pour les espèces animales, les insectes et les oiseaux. L'architecte ajoute qu'en ce qui concerne la ville africaine durable en particulier, il est important de revoir toutes les politiques liées à la gestion de l'eau. Pour elle, la question de l'eau est essentielle pour le continent africain ; il est crucial d'intégrer des systèmes binaires dans les politiques de gestion de l'eau, ainsi que de réfléchir à des systèmes de récupération des eaux pour les réutiliser en période de sécheresse, et à des systèmes de traitement des eaux usées. « Une ville durable est une ville qui offre suffisamment de logements sociaux abordables. Je pense que donner accès à un logement à une grande partie de la population permet déjà de supprimer beaucoup d'injustices. Je pense qu'il est absolument nécessaire de revoir toutes nos politiques en matière de logement social au Maroc et en Afrique. Je pense que la ville durable de demain est avant tout une ville plus juste, où chacun a accès à un habitat digne, à des espaces publics de qualité où la population est intégrée dans le développement de sa propre ville et de ses propres espaces publics. Une ville durable est aussi une ville qui n'est pas étendue et qui offre suffisamment d'espaces verts où les habitants peuvent respirer. Enfin, une ville durable est une ville plus juste avec suffisamment d'espaces publics et d'infrastructures et des systèmes de transport accessibles et durables. » Previous Next

< Back A Sustainable and Resilient Urban Transformation in Africa: The Dakar REVE Project, Leveraging IMM Diagnostics Carlo Andrea Biraghi, Sidy Sall, Fatou Bintou Sall, Massimo Tadi Based on the challenges faced by cities in sub-Saharan Africa, this article presents the application of the IMM urban diagnosis as a promising tool to address these issues and improve the sustainability and resilience of urban systems. This holistic approach, developed at the Politecnico di Milano, scientifically analyzes urban structure and its environmental performance using geospatial data. It can be applied to cities of any type and scale, either to an entire city to detect and prioritize potential transformation areas or to smaller sites to assess the impact of alternative transformation scenarios. By using free and open-source tools, it represents a viable solution to significantly enhance the precision and comprehensiveness of existing planning practices while keeping costs very low. Within the framework of the Dakar REVE (Green Regeneration) project, which addresses the improvement of urban public services through a set of complementary initiatives, the IMM was applied to the city of Dakar and was also transferred through a training program to local technicians. These activities are in synergy with others by the Dakar municipality to fully exploit the potential of geolocated technologies, promoting cooperation and integration among existing expertise in different fields. The results have the necessary granularity to bridge the gap between site and city scales, serving as a basis for further analysis or supporting the preparation of strategic planning documents. The rapid urban growth in Dakar demands innovative solutions for emerging structural and organizational challenges The massive and rapid growth of cities, particularly Dakar, presents new structural and organizational challenges. The chaotic production and occupation of space associated with this growth create acute cultural, technical, and economic difficulties. This reality, which endangers the very development of the city, affects multiple areas of expertise, including urban planning, architecture, sociology, and demography. In many cases, it even calls into question the analysis methods, design approaches, and intervention techniques of city managers. Additionally, urbanization in large cities is taking on new forms previously unknown (such as diffuse cities, alveolar spaces, etc.), which, due to the speed and scale of their characteristics and the lack of available resources, require entirely new approaches and intervention methodologies. This is why the City of Dakar and its strategic partners are actively seeking innovative solutions to make Dakar a resilient city. Dakar REVE advances sustainable urban development by enhancing waste management and civic participation The DAKAR REVE (Dakar Green Regeneration) project is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, following the December 2019 call for «Promotion of territorial partnerships and territorial implementation of the 2030 Agenda.» The project aims to contribute to the sustainable urban development of the Dakar region in the current context of climate transition by improving urban services and civic participation related to waste management. The multidisciplinary consortium has initiated a set of activities ranging from the construction of an organic waste collection center and the incubation of local green businesses to awareness projects in schools, training of local urban sector technicians, and the diagnosis of the entire urban system using the IMM methodology to provide strategic support for future planning initiatives. This project is a cornerstone for the success of the «Dakar Clean City» program, as well as for advocating at the local government level for the establishment of innovative public waste management and valorization channels. The project will conclude in January 2025, but some of its activities have already been completed. The Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) offers a data-driven, systemic approach to urban sustainability The Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM), developed by the ABC department of the Politecnico di Milano, is a comprehensive procedure using various scientific techniques to analyze and evaluate the built environment at multiple scales. IMM is distinguished by its integrative and system-oriented approach, its focus on sustainability, its data-driven methods, and its alignment with global sustainable development goals (SDGs) The methodology involves a non-linear process that offers a systemic understanding of urban areas, proposes improvement strategies, and examines modification plans. IMM has already been applied globally in cities such as Tehran, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, and Milan. The methodology is structured in phases, starting with a diagnostic phase based on geospatial data, leading to the design and optimization of solutions. The first phase involves data collection and mapping, followed by geoprocessing to enrich the information. This data, divided into four components (volumes, voids, networks, and types of uses), is then integrated to describe relevant urban dimensions, called Key Categories (KC). The KCs—namely accessibility, diversity, effectiveness, interface, permeability, porosity, and proximity—are described using a combination of maps and numerical measures. These readings allow for both a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the potential of the current urban structure in relation to specific dynamics. The results are then further integrated to produce more synthetic representations that show the emergence of recognizable urban patterns. This process allows for the detection of the city’s weakest subsystems in terms of spatial areas and constituent elements. A meta-project then follows, defining a hierarchy of design actions to be undertaken to improve the performance of the existing urban structure. The actions identified have the advantage of being located in specific areas of the territory and can be compared with policies already implemented in the city. Ensuring data consistency for IMM application in Dakar was challenging but essential Geospatial data plays a crucial role in the application of IMM. However, the availability of data can vary significantly depending on the context, in terms of coverage, quality, granularity, topology, standards, and richness of attributes. Regardless of their quality, considerable effort is required to ensure consistency between local standards and those used to consolidate IMM procedures. This involves a collaborative effort between IMM experts and local points of contact to address discrepancies and ensure compatibility. The complexity of this work is further compounded by the interwoven nature of the correspondences between the elements of the two data sets. Data collection for Dakar was particularly challenging due to the absence of a geoportal and the lack of open-source data. Several conflicting sources were integrated into a new data set. Key activities included completing information on building floors and remapping population data, with efforts to simulate missing values. The type of uses data was manually classified with the help of local staff to align with IMM concepts. Network data was primarily sourced from OpenStreetMap, while high-quality authoritative data was provided for open spaces. This phase, known as Data Mapping, was conducted jointly by PoliMI, the City of Dakar, IAGU, and IPSIA. It should be noted that informal systems (housing, transport, activities) were not taken into account due to the difficulty of mapping them on such a large scale. However, their inclusion in the analysis is feasible if collaborative mapping campaigns are activated to determine their coherence and characteristics. IMM analysis in Dakar highlights critical urban challenges and guides future planning strategies The application of the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) to the city of Dakar has provided valuable insights into the major urban challenges facing this sub-Saharan African city. One of the most critical issues identified is the rapid urbanization and growth of informal settlements, which place considerable pressure on the city’s infrastructure and services. The analysis of the key categories «Proximity» and «Accessibility» revealed that while central areas of Dakar offer better access to points of interest and public transport, many peripheral neighborhoods suffer from low proximity and accessibility. This highlights the need for more equitable urban development and investments in infrastructure to connect all parts of the city. The evaluation of «Diversity» also underscored the importance of promoting a mix of uses and activities to create more resilient and adaptable urban environments. The results suggest that areas with low diversity are more vulnerable to external changes and may require targeted interventions to improve their robustness. Furthermore, the analysis of the key category «Interface» revealed issues with the quality of the road network, particularly in the north-west area of Ngor and in certain municipalities such as Hann-Bel Air and Mermoz-Sacré-Cœur. This indicates the need for infrastructure upgrades and improvements in connectivity and integration within the transport system. Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) analysis The evaluation of «Porosity» and «Efficiency» provided valuable insights into the relationship between built volumes and open spaces, as well as the capacity of the urban structure to accommodate growth and development. Finally, «Permeability» refers to the directness of links and the density of connections in the transport network, indicating that while the peninsula limits access, some connections exist along the coast, offering guidance for future projects. These findings can inform future planning and design strategies to create more balanced and sustainable urban environments. The application of IMM to Dakar has demonstrated its versatility and potential as a tool for understanding and addressing the complex challenges faced by sub-Saharan African cities. The collaborative approach, involving local stakeholders and experts, was crucial in ensuring the relevance and applicability of the results to Dakar’s specific context. As the city continues its efforts to become more resilient and sustainable, the insights from the IMM diagnosis can serve as a foundation for the development of targeted interventions and the implementation of innovative solutions. The integration into the broader Dakar REVE project, which focuses on improving urban services and civic participation, further enhances the potential of this methodology to drive positive changes in the city. Moving forward, it will be essential to continue collaborative efforts between the city of Dakar, its strategic partners, and IMM experts to refine the analysis, integrate new data, and translate the results into concrete design scenarios and policy recommendations. In doing so, Dakar can pave the way for other medium-sized cities in sub-Saharan Africa to adopt similar data-driven and holistic approaches to urban planning and development. Strategic intervention prioritizes urban areas in Dakar for targeted development and infrastructure improvements A collection of maps synthesizing the various Key Categories (KCs) is presented. The first map confirms the overall good performance of the North-South axis and highlights concentrations of weaker cells primarily along the coast. The second map delves into qualitative aspects, revealing that the weakest areas from the previous map lack both uses and network components (shades of pink and purple). The central area, however, could slightly improve the Volume component (green cells). Richer insights can be obtained by closely examining this map at the local scale. The third map more clearly shows the concentration of weak cells on the West and East sides of a central core (Grand-Dakar, Biscuiterie, Sicap-Liberté) characterized by the presence of development opportunities. Finally, the last map outlines the largest concentrations of weak cells in morphological zones, which do not necessarily correspond to administrative units. A transformation priority was then defined for the 11 zones. First, Zone No. 1 (Île de Gorée) was excluded as it is disconnected from the urban system. Next, Zones 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 were also excluded as they are mostly within a constraint zone (airport, natural sites). Among the remaining zones, Zone 3 was identified as the most urgent due to its size, the presence of severe flood risks and other hazards, and its proximity to the city’s most performant areas. Zone 5 is significant in size, has good proximity to performant areas, and could serve as a «bridge» for neighboring weak zones. Synthesis Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM) Additionally, when considered together with Zone 3, it could help envision a horizontal axis within Dakar. Zones 2, 4, and 9 are lower priorities due to various factors such as location, size, and other transformation challenges. Among these, Zones 6 and 8 are the most interesting in terms of size and position due to the potential for creating continuity with adjacent areas. Given this, the final ranking is as follows: 3-5-2-9-4-6-8-7-11-10-1. Today, we recognize that territory is a space to be understood to grasp the dynamics taking place within it and to make the necessary decisions for its functioning. Since 2018, the city of Dakar has embarked on the process of establishing a Geographic Information System (GIS). In its ongoing quest to strengthen our GIS, the Dakar REVE project came at an opportune time. The training provided allowed city agents to acquire new skills in processing and analyzing territorial data. Moreover, the quantity of data returned at the end of the project will not only enrich Dakar digital atlas but also the modifiable data provided, facilitating future spatial analyses. This will subsequently generate insights to help the mayor and the municipal council better guide their city policies. The IMM urban diagnostic results for Dakar highlight its general applicability, requiring specific adjustments to local characteristics. The results, aligned with visual interpretations, reinforce the arguments. The next steps include incorporating new data and creating design scenarios for the municipality, based on the same IMM diagnostic process. Previous Next

Meet The Executive Board Founder & Executive Director Leandry JIEUTSA Mail Executive Secretary Hind REZOUK Mail Executive Manager Corianne RICE Mail Country Representative Central Africa Franck HEUDJEU Mail Country Representative West Africa Patrick SOMY Mail Country Representative North Africa Founoun ADNANE Mail MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP Individuals working in a field related to AIN’s activities, wishing to be part of the network and contribute to the various initiatives. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP Senior professionals wishing to be part of the AIN network and support and/or technically to the various activities. AFFILIATE INSTITUTION MEMBERSHIP Institutions wishing to be part of the AIN network and contribute financially and/or technically to one or many activities and initiatives. HONORARY INSTITUTION MEMBERSHIP Sponsoring institutions supporting all the activities and initiatives developed by AIN. Don Francis Founder & CEO Ashley Jones Tech Lead Tess Brown Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager

AFRICAN CITIES MAGAZINE 2nd EDITION This second edition of our magazine takes up some of the major axes that underlie the development of African cities. A special feature is devoted to education in architecture and urban planning in Africa in the first part. Then we address major issues of the urban future of the continent including public spaces, urban resilience, smart city. etc. You will have the opportunity to discover special interviews with some of the major actors of architecture and urbanism on the continent, who will present their visions for the African cities of tomorrow. Inspiring projects in architecture and urbanism are also presented, especially those that promote better social inclusion, integration of local communities, and local economic development. Finally, this second edition of the magazine shows the place of religious cultures in architecture in Africa before highlighting inspiring urban art projects. We hope you enjoy this second edition of our magazine and that it will give you a better perspective of African cities and inspire you to contribute more to the creation of more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Africa. Download the english version Telecharger la version Francaise AFRICAN CITIES MAGAZINE 1st EDITION This first edition of AFRICAN CITIES Magazine on resilient and sustainable development through innovative solutions is the first edition of this annual magazine. With a series of innovations, initiatives, and projects on urban planning, architecture, or design, this first edition will showcase how innovative ideas and solutions shape urban systems into more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable human settlements in Africa. Through different portraits and interviews of practitioners, innovators, and change-makers in architecture and urban development, we hope to share experiences, examples, best practices, and tools for a more sustainable future. We also hope to showcase the beauty, diversity, challenges, and opportunities in African cities of today, as well as paint a picture of what the cities of tomorrow will look like. We hope you enjoy this first edition of our magazine and that it encourages you to be more actively involved in the establishment of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. Download Magazine in English Download Magazine in French Share

La quatrième édition du African Cities Magazine est désormais en ligne en français et en anglais. Plongez dans l’univers de la mobilité urbaine, découvrez des idées inspirantes et terminez votre voyage avec une touche de couleurs. < Back Magazine des Villes Africaines éditions 4 La quatrième édition du African Cities Magazine est désormais en ligne en français et en anglais. Plongez dans l’univers de la mobilité urbaine, découvrez des idées inspirantes et terminez votre voyage avec une touche de couleurs. C'est avec un immense honneur que nous vous accueillons dans cette quatrième édition du African Cities Magazine, une initiative qui perdure depuis quatre ans dans le but de mettre en lumière les dynamiques plurielles des villes africaines, en mettant en avant les innovations et les meilleures pratiques en matière de production urbaine. Pour cette édition, nous avons consacré notre dossier spécial à la thématique cruciale de la mobilité urbaine en Afrique . Dans un continent en constante transformation, les villes et territoires font face au défi majeur du transport et de la mobilité de leurs citoyens. C'est à la fois un enjeu et un moyen de bâtir des cités plus résilientes et durables. À travers ce dossier spécial, nous avons souhaité mettre en perspective les réflexions et les actions entreprises par divers acteurs engagés en faveur d'une mobilité durable au sein des villes africaines. Vous découvrirez les initiatives et les réflexions sur des sujets tels que la mobilité électrique, la numérisation, le cyclisme, la planification des transports en commun, l'inclusion sociale et l'innovation. Dans la série d'interviews que nous avons réalisé, Ariadne Baskin , de l'initiative TUMI, met en lumière la nécessité d'une mobilité électrique accessible en relevant les défis liés à l'expansion des flottes de véhicules et du réseau de recharge. Antoine Chèvre , de l' Agence Française de Développement , explore le potentiel révolutionnaire du numérique et des données dans le domaine des transports en Afrique. Ensuite, nous partons à Nairobi, au Kenya, à la rencontre de Cyprine Odada , fervente défenseure de la mobilité durable, qui préconise le vélo comme une solution écologique pour des villes vivables face à une urbanisation rapide. Charlène Kouassi , directrice de Movin’On LAB Africa , nous conduit à Abidjan, où elle évoque la question cruciale de l'inclusion dans la mobilité urbaine. Enfin, Judith ADEM, de l' ONU-Habitat , nous montre comment s'appuyer sur les innovateurs locaux pour créer un avenir urbain durable, accessible et respectueux de l'environnement en Afrique. Ce dossier spécial est suivi de la rubrique Urban Planning Innovation , qui nous emmène à Madagascar à la découverte des impacts du Projet de Développement Urbain Intégré et de Résilience du Grand Antananarivo . Ensuite, nous explorerons la plateforme African Cities Lab , qui révolutionne le partage de connaissances en études urbaines en Afrique. Nous sommes également honorés de vous présenter le portrait de Mariam Issoufou Kamara , une icône de l'architecture sur le continent. Dans cette interview, elle partage son parcours inspirant, passant du génie logiciel à l'architecture, mettant en avant l'attrait de la créativité et la nature multidimensionnelle de ce domaine. La rubrique Patrimoine Urbain et Architectural en Afrique nous emmène au Maroc pour découvrir les territoires post-miniers, ainsi qu'au Burkina Faso pour explorer l'authenticité de l'architecture africaine. Comme à l'accoutumée, nous terminons avec la rubrique Villes Pixels et Couleurs , mettant en lumière de magnifiques œuvres murales à travers le continent. Nous espérons que vous apprécierez ce nouveau numéro, conçu avec dévouement par l'équipe d'Africa Innovation Network. Rendez-vous est d'ores et déjà pris pour le cinquième numéro, qui explorera l'impact des technologies et du numérique dans la fabrique urbaine en Afrique. Previous Next

The city of Bafoussam is located in the western region of Cameroon on the Bamileke plateau at 1420 m altitude. Considered one of the fastest growing emerging metropolises in Cameroon, it is growing rapidly with a population of around 450,000 in 2023. This series presents some snapshots of this city with an urban landscape that draws picturesque and colorful. Bafoussam-Cameroon The city of Bafoussam is located in the western region of Cameroon on the Bamileke plateau at 1420 m altitude. Considered one of the fastest growing emerging metropolises in Cameroon, it is growing rapidly with a population of around 450,000 in 2023. This series presents some snapshots of this city with an urban landscape that draws picturesque and colorful.

< Back Influence of religion and beliefs in architecture Franklin Yemeli Religion and beliefs have significantly influenced the development of societies in Africa, particularly in the construction of monuments. Four such monuments are the Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria, the Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, and the Aksum or Axum in Ethiopia. The Osun-Oshogbo sacred forest, located in Nigeria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national monument, with numerous shrines, palaces, holy places, and worship places. The Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, built in the early 13th century, are considered the largest Christian site in Africa. The Great Mosque of Djenné, built in 1838, is considered the most prestigious monument in West Africa. The city of Aksum, located near Ethiopia's northern border, was the heart of ancient Ethiopia's Aksumite Empire and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. However, some monuments are threatened with extinction due to human factors such as conflicts or uncontrolled urbanization. Africa, the cradle of humankind! People often speak of it as a rich and fascinating continent, a land of natural and cultural diversity. And this is not just talking, because if you look closely, you will soon realize that this place is unique. From its breathtaking landscapes to the cultural practices and lifestyles of its people, this continent has much to seduce and inspire. However, one essential thing that is not talked about enough is the African monuments. They stand out because of their originality and, especially, the place they hold in the hearts of the local populations. Here, religion and beliefs have particularly influenced the development of societies and this is reflected in their buildings. Let’s discover together four of these monuments built by the local populations themselves and which still make the whole world dream. “Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria…” About 250 kilometers from Lagos, in the south of Nigeria, lies the town of Oshogbo, the capital of Osun State. On the outskirts of this town is one of the last surviving areas of the primary forest despite deforestation, the Osun Sacred Forest. It is crossed by the Osun River, which is very important to the local community. The state, the forest, and the river are named after the goddess Osun, a deity of the Yoruba pantheon who is believed to reside in the river. Throughout the year, tourists and pilgrims visit the river to pay homage to the goddess. The three “heads” of the Ogboni Shrine In the Osun-Oshogbo sacred forest, there are about 400 species of plants, more than half of which have medicinal properties. Amid this dense vegetation, numerous shrines, two palaces, five holy places, and nine places of worship have been laid out along the banks. Over the past four decades, numerous sculptures and works of art have been erected in honor of the goddess Osun. From the 1950s onwards, the forest’s history was marked by Suzanne Wenger, an Austrian adventurer and artist. After falling ill and being treated by a local herbalist, she married a Yoruba priest, adopted the local culture and devoted her time to restoring the shrines, defending the forest and the culture of the Yoruba, until she died in 2009. Together with local and foreign artists, Suzanne Wenger created the «New Sacred Art» movement in the early 1960s. Today, the modern sculptures they created stand side by side with the old traditional ones. These are intended to underline the sacredness of the place and to celebrate the deities. This restoration has given the place a new lease of life, making it a symbol of Yoruba identity beyond the country’s borders. Because of its sacred character, this forest is an important place for the community and its relationship with its deities. Indeed, regular worship services are held here, and every year festive processions are held to renew the mystical ties between the goddess and the people of Oshogbo, ensuring the preservation of the living cultural traditions of the Yoruba. The forest has been under the administrative control of the Osun State Government since 1990. Several measures have been put in place to prevent hunting, fishing, smuggling, logging and farming. After being declared a national monument in 1965 and upgraded in status in the 1990s, the forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. “The Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia…” Some 645 kilometres from the capital Addis Ababa, in what is now the Amhara region, lies the magnificent Lalibela. Perched on a mountainside, this monastic city is considered the largest Christian site in Africa. Its charm stems from the eleven rock-hewn churches built in the early 13th century by the order of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela. Indeed, with the expansion of Islam, pilgrimages to the holy city were becoming increasingly difficult. King Lalibela, therefore, wanted to allow the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians to have their own Jerusalem on their land. Hence the names «Black Jerusalem» or «Ethiopian Jerusalem» are often attributed to this city. Its monolithic churches dug below ground level, several tens of metres deep, are not only an essential cultural asset for the community, but they have also helped to shape the landscape as it is today. They form two groups in addition to an isolated church. Bete Giyorgis ©Sailko To the northwest: Bete Debre Sina, Bete Mikael, Bete Gologota-Selassié, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel and Bete Medhane Alem. To the southeast, about 300m from the first group: Bete Gebriel-Rufael, Bete Merqorewos, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Amanuel. To the southwest: the solitary cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis. A network of tunnels and gorges carved into the rock connect all the churches. Other elements referring to the Bible have been included in the planning of the site over the years to reflect the authentic Jerusalem as much as possible. These include the Jordan River and Mount Sinai. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, the site has been attracting more and more people from different horizons either on pilgrimage or to dis-cover the place. Like all other heritage sites, these churches are threatened over time by natural constraints, some more than others. After the creation of shelters scaffolded and covered with corrugated iron sheets to protect them, UNESCO launched a competition in 2001 to design more aesthetic protection. In 2004, construction of the shelters designed by Italian architects Claudio Baldis-serri, Lorenzo Sarti and Aldo Aymonino began. However, these sloping roofs supported by gigantic metal pillars are not unanimously accepted, and for some people represent more of a danger than protection. “The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali…” In the heart of the beautiful city of Djenné, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, lies a jewel considered by many as the most prestigious monument in West Africa: The Great Mosque of Djenné. In addition to being the largest mud building in the world, it is considered to be the supreme representation of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. This particular style is characteristic of this region and makes the mosques in the Sahel very recognizable. But unlike the other mosques, the Great Mosque of Djenné was built in a place that had not previously hosted a religious building. It was built in 1238 by Sultan Koi Komboro on the site of his palace. After his conversion to Islam, he decided to demolish his palace and build a mosque in its place. The next sultan built the towers and the one after that, the surrounding wall. In 1819, the city was taken by Sékou Amadou, following a holy war. He decided to destroy the mosque built by Koi Komboro because it did not reflect the simple and uncluttered Islam he preached. He, therefore, built a more modest mosque and prevented access to the great mosque which, without maintenance, rapidly deteriorated under the action of the elements. When the French arrived years later, the mosque was in ruins. It is under this french occupation that the present building was built. It was built between 1906 and 1907 under the supervision of Ismaïla Traoré. The building was built on a platform of 85 m in length and 75 m in width with non-parallel sides. The platform is elevated 3 m above the natural ground level and is accessible thanks to six staircases that symbolize the passage from the profane to the sacred. The building has a maximum capacity of about 1000 people. Despite the apparent symmetry of the building, the facades are all different. Several elements contribute to making them sublime and authentic; in particular, the texture of the earthen material, the openings, the pilasters surmounted by cones, and above all the bundles of Rodier palm sticks which also serve as scaffolding during the plastering work. The eastern façade, facing Mecca, is the most ornate and monumental with its three imposing minarets. Inside the Great Mosque ©Juan Manuel Garcia The building has a roofed section supported by 90 huge pillars connected by ogival arches. The roof, which is 8 m above the lower floor, has 104 holes for lighting and ventilation of the interior spaces. An uncovered area at the rear is bordered on three sides by galleries. Every year, maintenance work is organized for this colossal and fragile jewel, to protect it before the arrival of the rains. The whole community takes part in the plastering work under the direction of the Djenné masons’ guild. The material used is a clever mixture of earth and water, with rice bran, shea butter, and baobab powder, made by the inhabitants themselves. This activity is accompanied by great festivities that are very important for the community. “Aksum or Axum in Ethiopia…” Located in a mountainous region near the northern border of Ethiopia, the city of Aksum was between the Ist and VIth centuries the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the Aksumite Empire. This Empire at the crossroads of three continents, Africa, Arabia, and the Greco-Roman world was more powerful than the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Axoum (Éthiopie) ©UNESCO_Francesco Bandarin Today, the old city of Aksum, a symbol of this former glory, is characterized by massive ruins dating from the Ist to the XIIIth century. These include monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs, and ancient castles. The city, with its many archaeological sites, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Among the most important sites in the city is a large stelae park with tens of monolithic obelisks. These are among the largest man-made monoliths. The largest one still standing is over 23 meters high and has a beautiful engraved decoration. However, there was a 33 meters high one that is said to have collapsed during its installation. The broken pieces are still on the site. The inscriptions made in the stone were certainly not only of decorative value. They have proved to be of great importance to ancient historians. Some of them contain texts in three languages, Greek, Sabean and Geza, inscribed by King Ezana in the 4th century after Christ. In 1937, after the occupation of Ethiopia by Mussolini’s armies, one of the Aksum obelisks was removed from the site and taken to Italy as a war trophy. It was erected in Rome, in front of the building that housed the Italian Ministry of Africa until 1945 and which became the headquarters of the FAO in 1951. After committing to return it in 1947, Italy finally did so in 2005. This was followed by the reinstallation of the obelisk on its original site in 2008. Obelisks were used as tombs for the kings of old. Over time, many tombs have been excavated, some looted, others spared. Their contents are now preserved in the archaeological museums of Aksum and Addis Ababa. Another major site in the city is the Church of St. Mary of Zion, located near the large stelae park. It is one of the churches built after the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century after Christ and is supposed to house the Ark of the Covenant. It is a bit sad that such masterpieces are often ignored and it is even more worrying to learn that some of them are threatened with extinction. Indeed, alongside the list of Unesco World Heritage sites, there is the list of World Heritage in Danger. Several of these extraordinary sites around the world are already listed, threatened with extinction mainly by human factors such as conflicts or uncontrolled urbanization. The ancient city of Djenné has been on this list since 2016, as the insecurity in the region prevents the maintenance and protection of this jewel. On the other hand, climate change would also be a threat, as it would have a significant impact on the availability of quality mud for construction and maintenance work such as the Great Mosque. None of the other heritages mentioned above is included in this list, but the committee has discussed in the past the possibility of including Lalibela. Several of its monolithic churches are indeed in a state of severe deterioration. The good news is that these monuments are increasingly being considered, and steps are being taken to ensure that for a very long time to come they can continue to maintain the harmony of local societies, provide information on historical facts and ways of life, and above all inspire us with their majestic and lasting character. Previous Next

Africa Innovation Network is a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We bring together experts in diverse and varied fields to offer sustainable and innovative solutions for a better urban future in Africa. Acerca de Who we are Africa Innovation Network brings together experts in diverse and varied fields to offer sustainable and innovative solutions for a better urban future in Africa. 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. 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 work is based on creativity and innovation to propose solutions that help to build a better future in our cities for all. Initiatives of Africa Innovation Network are made to analyze, understand and develop solutions in order to promote sustainable development in our cities. What we offer INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN PROJECTS Through our network of experts and specialists 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 through sustainable planning tools, coaching, capacity building, urban development strategies, marketing tools, strategic plans, etc. COUNTRY/REGION/CITIES MAGAZINES The country magazine uses the same ideology and structure of African Cities Magazine but on the scale of a country, a specific city, or any scale of territory. The aim is to work with local actors to draw up a picture of the dynamics of architecture, urban planning, design, art, architectural and urban heritage. DOCUMENTARY SERIES We produce documentary series on the scale of countries, cities and territories that give voice to the continent’s actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient and inclusive African cities, particularly through the potential of innovation and technological development. Urban planners, architects, designers, artists, engineers and simple city dwellers, our documentary series aims to take stock of the urban dynamics of the target territory, while taking a forward-looking look at the future. Our documentaries analyze the urban dynamics of the target territories and draw the fundamentals to build more resilient and sustainable urban settlements. Let’s Work Together Get in touch so we can start working together. First Name Last Name Email Thanks for your message. We will get back to you soon. Message Send

Casablanca, is the largest city in Morocco and the country's economic and business center. Located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia plain in the central-western part of Morocco, the city has a population of about 3.71 million in the urban area, and over 4.27 million in the Greater Casablanca, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region, and the eighth-largest in the Arab world. This series presents some iconic sites of the city and its urban atmosphere. Casablanca-Morocco Casablanca, is the largest city in Morocco and the country's economic and business center. Located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia plain in the central-western part of Morocco, the city has a population of about 3.71 million in the urban area, and over 4.27 million in the Greater Casablanca, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region, and the eighth-largest in the Arab world. This series presents some iconic sites of the city and its urban atmosphere.

More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities, the common thread of our actions. More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities The common thread of our actions. AFRICA URBAN PLANNING IMAGERY Africa Urban Planning Imagery aims to capture, analyze, and promote African cities' mutations through satellite images. The purpose is also to show the history, diversity, originality, and complexity of urbanization in the continent. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS Cities are a combination of a soul and a body. The body is the infrastructures, buildings, roads, etc. while the soul of the city is related to people, their cultures, and their behaviors. The purpose of the initiative Cities Pixels and Colors is to show the diversity and the singularity of the cities, especially in the African context. All the expression modes are welcome here to show the beauty of our cities. Photography, paintings, sketches, Illustrations, sculptures, etc. URBAN PLANNING INNOVATION How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and improve the quality of life of all ? That is the main purpose of Urban planning innovation. We aim through this initiative to develop and promote innovative solutions contributing to building better places for all. ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATION The body of a city is the shelter of his soul. With the rapid growth of populations in urban areas, is crucial to provide affordable housing for all, sustainable infrastructures, social facilities, and utilities. To reach these goals we need to develop new approaches and design in order to create inclusive cities. Through the initiative Architecture Innovations, we want to develop and promote original architecture solutions to facing cities’ challenges like climate change, housing for all, social inclusion, etc. AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE Architecture and urban heritage initiative seeks to highlight the richness of the African urban heritage to inspire the making of the modern city. . This is because today’s identity and tomorrow’s innovation are based on the genius of the past. What do you think is missing ? Share your initiatives with us.

Videos Podcast This is a series of video podcasts that address the main key themes in building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Africa. The themes addressed are various and include the place of secondary cities, economic models for more sustainable and resilient cities, the place of education and cultural identities, the role of technology and innovation, etc. The format is a short video published each month. What if the sustainable city was of African inspiration? This podcast makes an analysis of the concept of sustainable city in the African context starting from a historical retrospective. Then it analyzes the essence of African sustainable practices through the axes of sustainable development: the economy, the social, the environment, and the culture. Finally, it ends with a questioning of the sustainability model of the African city of the 21st century by presenting some approaches to explore. Urban Mobility in Africa Addis Ababa, there are more than 4 million trips per day, including those made on foot. In the megacity of Kinshasa, with its vast agglomeration of more than 17 million inhabitants, more than 5.5 million trips per day are made. Today, nearly one African out of two lives in a city, and that is as many people who must travel every day. In this environment, mobility will have to deal with major construction sites, low road density and increasing distances to travel. So how can Africa succeed in ensuring sustainable mobility for its cities and metropolises? This is what we will try to understand through this podcast.

< 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