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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.

< Back African Cities Magazine 1 October 31, 2020 With a series of innovations, initiatives, and projects on urban planning, architecture, or design, this first edition showcases 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. Interview with Romarick ATOKE. Architect HMONP Head of Architecture & Urban Design, at Sèmè City Development Agency I keep a fairly optimistic vision of the African city by 2050. Through the ambition and commitment of our leaders combined with the determination, expertise and know-how of the actors of the city that we are, this African city will be resilient and sustainable Architecture Innovation The Warka Village aspires to transform the landscape of comprehensive human development by utilizing low-cost, sustainable, community-driven, high-impact multisector development interventions tailored to the village’s specific needs. Smart city projects in Africa Diamniadio in Senegal emphasizes connectivity with fiber networks and IoT-driven services, aiming to transform urban planning. Semecity in Benin fosters a knowledge-based economy, integrating smart tech in education and entrepreneurship. Morocco’s Benguerir Green City prioritizes eco-friendly design, with solar energy and sustainable infrastructure leading its development. Akon City , also in Senegal, envisions a blockchain-based hub for tourism and technology, although still in its initial phases. Cities Pixels and colors English version Version française Previous Next

FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO STAY UPDATED Share 1. AFRICA URBAN PLANNING IMAGERY LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA LUANDA-ANGOLA DAR ES SALAM ASMARA ADIS ABEBA Africa Urban Planning Imagery aims to capture and promote urban planning complexity and originality in Africa through satellite images of urban tissues. With a rapid growth rate, urbanization in Africa is one of the most important in the world with 472 million people living in urban areas and this will double in 25 years. To absorb this additional population, Africa urban tissue is in constant mutation through the densification of urban areas, urban regeneration projects, housing development projects, etc. and urban tissues are the witnesses of these mutations. It’s with the objectives to capture, analyze and promote those mutations that Africa Urban Planning Imagery presents satellite images of different cities in Africa to show the history, diversity, originality, and complexity of urbanization in the continent. 2. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS Cities are the center of opportunities where live and interact different people. With soul and body dependent on each other, cities are also the center of innovations who contribute to improving quality of life. The body is the combination of 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. 3. URBAN PLANNING INNOVATIONS How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and improve the quality of life of all citizens? that is the main purpose of the initiative Urban planning innovations. With two-thirds of the world’s population live in the city by 2050 and more than 1.5 billion in Africa, urbanization is raising many challenges. Climate adaptation, end poverty, food security, city, and health are some of those challenges, and how to meet them and be sure that no one is left behind is the question. Africa Innovation Network aims through this initiative to develop innovative solutions to build better places for all. We want to develop and promote ideas throughout Africa and all over the world to take advantage of urbanization. 4. ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATIONS 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. 5. AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE African cities are endowed with enormous built remains dating back decades, construction techniques that have evolved architecture over time as well as the design concepts used nowadays in the most innovative projects. In some cases, this heritage is classified worldwide, therefore protected. In others, it is abandoned at the risk of time. Architecture and urban heritage initiave aims to put on the spot beauty and efficiency of previous architecture and to show up construction techniques and rehabilitation. This is because, today’s identity and tomorrow’s innovation are based on the genius of the past.

< 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 World cities day talk 2022 Conference October 28, 2022 Ivory Coast, Yaoundé, Cameroon Exploring New Approaches for Inclusive African Cities The World Cities Day Talk (WCDT) is an annual event co-organized with the Nandhaa firm to celebrate World Cities Day. The purpose of this event is to provide a forum for discussion on the issues facing African cities. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness of the challenges of urban development in Africa and to reflect on innovative solutions that can address the identified challenges. Thus, gathered around a key theme of sustainable urbanism in Africa, city stakeholders and professionals share their knowledge and experiences. In 2022, the World Cities Day Talk was organized simultaneously in several African countries, including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, in collaboration with local partners such as universities, architecture schools, international organizations, institutions, and private companies. It mobilized more than 500 people. In Cameroon, the WCDT2022 was held in Yaoundé from October 24th to 28th, 2022, under the theme «The Future of Cameroonian Cities: Acting Locally for Global Impact,» including conference debates on urban art and strategies for sustainable urban development. An art exhibition and after-work events also enriched the event. In Morocco, the event took place in Rabat, with a conference on «Exploring New Approaches for Inclusive African Cities,» focusing on the role of the new generation in building sustainable and inclusive cities. In Ivory Coast, the WCDT2022 was held in Abidjan on October 13th, as part of World Architecture Day, with a panel on «City and Health» hosted by AIN in partnership with the Order of Architects and the Abidjan Architecture House. Online and/or in-person, the WCDT brings together numerous city stakeholders every year to discuss inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. Moreover, this event also marks the launch of the African Cities Magazine. Previous Next

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and the diplomatic centre of Africa, embodies a 130 years of development history that contributes to its current socio-spatial features. African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa grew from a settlement of an estimated 15,000 people in 1888 to more than 3.6 million in 2020. According to the Central Statistical Agency, the population is estimated to surpass 5 million in 2036. Public transportation is through public buses or blue and white share taxis, locally known as "blue donkeys". The taxis are usually minibuses that can sit at least twelve people. This photo series presents some shots of the city center of this magnificent capital of East Africa with images of the city center in full transformation, modern architecture, public and green spaces in an urban atmosphere mixing street shops, shoe shiners stroller shoes, etc. Addis Ababa-Ethiopia Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and the diplomatic centre of Africa, embodies a 130 years of development history that contributes to its current socio-spatial features. African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa grew from a settlement of an estimated 15,000 people in 1888 to more than 3.6 million in 2020. According to the Central Statistical Agency, the population is estimated to surpass 5 million in 2036. Public transportation is through public buses or blue and white share taxis, locally known as "blue donkeys". The taxis are usually minibuses that can sit at least twelve people. This photo series presents some shots of the city center of this magnificent capital of East Africa with images of the city center in full transformation, modern architecture, public and green spaces in an urban atmosphere mixing street shops, shoe shiners stroller shoes, etc.

< Back Pedaling for Change: Cycling as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Africa We delve into the challenges and initiatives surrounding urban mobility in Africa. As the continent experiences rapid urbanization, increasing traffic congestion, air pollution, and road accidents have become critical issues. However, a shift towards sustainable urban mobility is emerging, spearheaded by organizations like Critical Mass Nairobi, advocating for cycling as a viable transportation mode. Cyprine, the Executive Director, emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, policies, and changing cultural perceptions to promote cycling and walking. The lack of supportive policies and infrastructure, negative cultural perceptions of cycling, and gaps in education pose significant challenges. Collaborative efforts between civil societies, government bodies, and international organizations, like the Sustainable Mobility for Africa initiative, aim to address these challenges. Initiatives such as the Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan and the Nairobi Bike Train demonstrate innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of community engagement, partnerships, education, and policy support in fostering sustainable urban mobility in Africa. Urban mobility is a critical issue in Africa, where rapid urbanization and population growth have led to increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and road accidents. In 2023, an estimated 60% of Africans are living in urban areas, up from 40% in 2010. By 2050, Africa is expected to be home to 2.5 billion people – many of whom will live in cities where they will increasingly use motorized transport. The number of motor vehicles in Africa is also projected to increase significantly, from 100 million in 2023 to 400 million in 2050. This will lead to even more traffic congestion and air pollution, and will also make it more difficult for people to afford transportation. This unprecedented growth is putting a strain on urban transportation systems, and many African cities are struggling to keep up. However, there is also a growing movement towards sustainable urban mobility, driven by organizations such as Critical Mass Nairobi which is a nonprofit organization that has taken up the challenge of transforming our cities into safe, accessible, and liveable cities by using bicycles. They are a group of cyclists who are passionate about making a difference in their city. They believe that cycling is a sustainable, affordable, and healthy way to get around, and they are working to promote cycling as a viable transportation option in Nairobi. Every last Saturday of the month, Critical Mass Nairobi hosts a group ride through the streets of Nairobi. The rides are a way for cyclists to come together and raise awareness on the benefits of cycling. They are also a way to show motorists and pedestrians that cyclists deserve to share the road. Cyprine, the Executive Director of Critical Mass Nairobi, advocates for more sustainable urban mobility in Africa. “There are other modes of transport other than motorized transport out there that are better, healthier, good for the environment, good for the community and bring the community together,” she says. Additionally, governments and international organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable urban mobility and investing in infrastructure and policies to support it. For example, In February 2021 the County Government of Kisumu and City of Kisumu launched the Kisumu Sustainable Mobility Plan (KSMP) . The mobility plan is a ten-year roadmap that aims to foster increased access for city residents by prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport. Cyprine, who was part of the team that developed and adopted the KSMP, is proud of the work that has been done. She says, “ I am happy I was part of the team that supported the development and adoption of the Kisumu Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan.” Furthermore, the African Development Bank launched the Sustainable Mobility for Africa initiative, which aims to promote sustainable urban mobility across the continent through investments in infrastructure, policies, and capacity building. The initiative has a target of mobilizing $10 billion in investments by 2030. Several key challenges limit the transition toward sustainable mobility in African cities In many African cities, the infrastructure for cycling and walking is either non-existent or poorly maintained, making it difficult and unsafe for people to use these modes of transportation. For example, a 2019 study by the World Bank found that only 10% of African cities have dedicated bike lanes. “If we had better infrastructure, we would have so many bicycles including electric bicycles. This means that people with disabilities or the elderly would have an easier and safer way of moving around. So having good infrastructure goes without saying. Even scooters and other types of soft mobilities all need somewhere to be used, and infrastructure is the biggest barrier to using those modes of transport,” explains Cyprine. The lack of policies and regulations also makes it difficult for businesses and individuals to invest in sustainable transportation options. For example, a 2020 study by the African Development Bank found that only 20% of African countries have policies promoting cycling. Unfortunately, these existing policies remain inadequate in guaranteeing the safety of cyclists, thereby necessitating them to be revised and updated. “We do not have proper policies and laws that demand or advocate for sustainable mobility. Our policies and our laws are very vague when it comes to walking and cycling. So you find that when you try to push for walking and cycling infrastructure in certain places, our policies and laws do not really support us,” Cyprine says. Moreover, In some African cultures, there is a negative perception of cycling and walking. This can make it challenging to encourage people to use these modes of transportation, even when the infrastructure and policies are in place. For example, a 2018 study by the University of Nairobi found that 60% of Kenyans believe that cycling is a mode of transportation for poor people. “A lot of us Africans are brought up to believe that car ownership is the next best thing after you finish school. The yardstick for being successful is being a driver or owning a car. So a lot of us aspire to own cars. So that really has a direct impact on the way we live our lives,and the way our cities are designed, because now when urban planners and engineers go outside, they see more people in cars. But ideally, more people are walking, but because cars occupy a lot of space, it is assumed that we have a lot of cars” Cyprine adds. Cyprine also explains that there is a disparity between education and the reality of sustainable mobility, “When I was in school, we were not taught anything about sustainable mobility or even designing sustainable cities. I’ve also had a chance to look at the Civil Engineering curriculum and it also fails to capture anything on designing sustainable cities or sustainable mobility. So our curriculum is failing us. What the professionals are taught has a very big disconnect with what the reality on the ground is.” NGOs and civil society such as Critical Mass Nairobi have played a crucial role in addressing the challenges of sustainable urban mobility in Africa. “When we started organizing our social rides in 2014, we had barely 10 people, and now every month from 2017 we've been having close to 400 cyclists and over 10 people who are new, so that means it's only getting better and now when you go outside, we have, through the advocacy work that we've been doing, bike lanes that are coming up and being improved, ” says Cyprine. She adds, “We have now gone a step further to map all existing bike lanes in Nairobi and identifying and geolocating each and every barrier there is on those bike lanes. We did this because we want our demands to be backed by facts and data. Having this data will also help us make recommendations to the Government on how best to design cycling infrastructure moving forward.” Government authorities also have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable urban mobility in Africa. “I really want to thank the Kenyan Urban Roads Authority and the Nairobi City County Government for what they're doing. They're constructing a lot of walkways all over the city. We believe it is only a matter of time before we also start having more bike lanes constructedI can definitely see Nairobi having more people walking and cycling. “ adds Cyprine. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential for driving change in sustainable urban mobility Cyprine emphasizes the importance of partnerships and cross-sectoral collaboration, “We recently did a cross-pollination of critical masses between ourselves, Addis Ababa Abuja, Cape Town, Mombasa, Jinja and Kampala where we brought together all the critical masses in Africa and organized a ride on the World Bicycle Day. It was really good because we were able to share our individual experiences and also empower each other.” Cyprine highlights several innovative solutions for addressing the challenges of sustainable urban mobility in Africa such as their novel project, ‘The Nairobi Bike Train’. The Nairobi Bike Train is pegged on the concept of ‘safety in numbers’. Cyprine and her colleagues realized that there were hundreds of people who only cycled during the monthly rides organized by Critical Mass Nairobi. This meant that they were only cycling once a month. Other than getting people to cycle more as a group, the bike train concept is a way of encouraging people to use the bicycles for commuting. “We looked at the whole of Nairobi, mapped the main traffic corridors, and developed a time schedule and stops for those places. The bike train is meant for different neighborhoods, and people can be picked up along the road at different pick up points which we called ‘Bike-stops’. Today we have 7 successful bike trains with the largest bike train having 247 members,’’ she explains. Additionally, public-private partnerships can leverage the resources and expertise of both sectors to create sustainable mobility solutions. Community engagement is also essential for creating a sense of ownership and empowerment among users of sustainable mobility. Education and training are also critical for promoting sustainable urban mobility in Africa. Cyprine emphasizes the importance of educating people about the benefits of cycling and walking, as well as promoting a positive perception towards the same, “If we start instilling the knowledge that ownership of cars is not the next best thing, we could start making people fall in love with cycling more and walking more and make people understand that just because you are walking or cycling doesn't mean you are a poor man or you're just not able to afford a car.” Finally, policies and infrastructure are essential for creating a sustainable urban mobility ecosystem. Cyprine highlights the need for supportive policies and regulations. “The Government can also look at other incentives such as tax breaks or award system for those who use active mobility Additionally, infrastructure investments are needed to create safe and accessible routes for cycling and walking.” Previous Next

Enjeu des matériaux locaux pour le logement abordable < Back La place des matériaux locaux dans la production de logements abordables Pierre-Marie BISSEK L’accès au logement abordable reste encore une difficulté dans plusieurs villes du Cameroun. Le coût du logement est largement fonction du coût des matériaux de construction. Pierre-Marie BISSEK II LOA nous parle de la question des matériaux locaux et de ses avantages pour le logement abordable.

El Hadji Diouf de Bakel évoque la participation citoyenne, défis en eau et assainissement, et vise la modernisation de sa ville. < Back Vers une Modernisation Participative: Défis et Aspirations de la Commune de Bakel EL Hadji Diouf Dans cette vidéo El Hadji Diouf, premier adjoint au maire de Bakel, décrit l'implication citoyenne dans la conception du budget communal et les défis principaux de la commune, notamment la gestion de l'eau, la mobilité urbaine, et l'assainissement. Il mentionne les progrès réalisés grâce au soutien de l'État et de la diaspora, mais souligne la nécessité d'améliorer le traitement des déchets et la gestion des inondations. El Hadji Diouf aspire à transformer Bakel en une commune moderne qui répond aux besoins fondamentaux des citoyens.

< Back Learning from green African building Caroline Geffriaud, Goethe-Institut Sénégal The «Learning from green African building» project was launched by the Goethe-Institut Senegal in 2021 with the aim of exploring the richness of sustainable construction in sub-Saharan Africa and creating a network of engaged actors and institutions. The project is divided into two parts: One part is the creation of activities enabling the development and animation of a network of stakeholders and interested parties in the development of sustainable architecture on the continent. The second part is a web platform organized into three sections. The first is an interactive and participatory map that lists the various initiatives on the continent, from vernacular heritage to contemporary buildings, including the involved actors, research projects, resources, and more. The second section is a series of videos produced by the Goethe-Institut, showcasing particularly interesting projects and actors across the continent. The final aspect is a collection of essays written by engaged personalities that offer a definition of sustainable architecture in sub-Saharan Africa today. The African continent is rich in diversity, creativity, and architectural wealth, yet it is underrepresented and under-referenced. This project aims to be a source of information, inspiration, and connection for anyone interested, both on the continent and beyond. The website is accessible at: https://lfgab.com/ Sustainable architecture in Africa relies on frugal, low-tech solutions using local materials to reduce carbon emissions It is now a well-established fact that the construction sector, along with transportation, is one of the most polluting industries in the world. By itself, it accounts for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This staggering percentage also indicates a significant margin for reduction that can be explored. This reduction is particularly achieved through the development of sustainable architecture, meaning architecture that is functional, comfortable, resilient, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly in the broadest sense. The African continent is experiencing a boom, with a population growth rate of around 5% and the prospect of reaching 50% urbanization by 2030. These indicators are logically accompanied by a construction boom, involving the widespread adoption of foreign architectural models and the massive use of concrete, already the most consumed material in the world and responsible for 4 to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Champ de typha Sénégal - Seydina Ousmane Boye - 2021 While in Europe, active «high-tech» techniques have long been favored to limit the environmental impact of buildings, this approach now seems unreasonable. With the acceleration of the climate crisis and the depletion of fossil fuels, voices are being raised around the world advocating for degrowth. Fortunately, in all climates, there are many examples of the «low-tech» approach, which limits the need for resources and maintenance and implements passive, sustainable, and stable systems. In Africa, due to the technological and energy context, frugality has always been a preferred approach when it comes to sustainable architecture. In a world with limited resources, innovation no longer lies in the race for new technologies but in the reinvention, reinterpretation, combination, and fusion of traditional techniques derived from local cultures, climates, and materials. The use of local resources is one of the keys to reducing the carbon emissions of the construction sector. Reducing the distance traveled by materials, creating local skilled jobs, and limiting the processing of products—these actions all contribute to reducing the energy used in building construction. Additionally, these local resources are often bio- or geo-sourced materials with a high carbon storage capacity, which positively impacts the overall environmental balance of buildings. The Learning from green African building platform highlights sustainable architecture in sub-Saharan Africa, connecting stakeholders through mapped resources and videos The climatic and social conditions, as well as access to resources, being unique, the sustainable approach in sub-Saharan Africa is particularly interesting and inspiring. However, today, the data related to this approach is often not easily accessible to the public. To highlight sustainable construction initiatives and bring together a network of stakeholders engaged in eco-friendly building practices, the Goethe-Institut Senegal has created a web platform that provides access to the wide array of resources on sustainable architecture in sub-Saharan Africa. Carte interractive Learning from green African building - Goethe-Institut - 2024 The platform is presented as a regional map, allowing users to locate the data within its geographical context. Resources are displayed as «points» with different shapes or colors depending on their association with the following themes: Vernacular heritage, Contemporary buildings committed to sustainable development, Renovated buildings, Available natural resources and material experimentation, Private and public actors involved in creating a sustainable construction sector, Places of education and dissemination of sustainable architectural and urban thought, Theoretical or practical research projects and publications, and Occasional events or initiatives. Navigation sur la carte - Goethe-Institut Sénégal - 2021 The map background emphasizes climatic data and available resources, rather than strictly administrative boundaries. This way, the territory is viewed through the lens of natural context, rather than administrative divisions, encouraging technology exchanges between practices operating in similar climates. In certain countries, particularly in Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Rwanda, and, of course, Senegal, video teams were engaged to meet with stakeholders and showcase the richness and diversity of sustainable approaches on the continent. Thanks to this effort, around fifteen videos have already been uploaded, with more in preparation. Additionally, with the aim of offering a body of theoretical reflections in dialogue with the mapped data and videos, the platform features original essays written by key figures on the continent, focused on defining sustainable architecture in Africa today. Exhibitions, roundtables, and presentations across Africa, to promote sustainable architecture through public engagement and local collaboration Since its inception, the project has been the focus of numerous public events, notably the «Learning from Green African Building» exhibition in December 2022, Dakar (Senegal), a roundtable at WITS University in Johannesburg (South Africa), March 2023, and the Learning from green African building Africa Tour inFebruary 2024 where the project was presented at four public events in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Lagos (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), and Nairobi (Kenya). These events included numerous conferences and debates led by local stakeholders, showcasing the platform, the traveling exhibition, and engaging the public in open discussions. Research is ongoing and is regularly published on the site. The map is participatory, allowing the public to propose new resources to expand the content while ensuring local relevance. Lancement du site projet - Goethe-Institut Sénégal - 2021 Echanges avec le public Accra - Willie Schuman - 2024 Promote sustainable architecture by showcasing local resources and overcoming cultural resistance to eco-friendly building practices Architecture is a reflection of the cultural and environmental context from which it emerges. The Goethe-Institut Senegal is taking advantage of the construction of its future institute in Dakar, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, to highlight this theme in its cultural program. Rather than importing knowledge, typologies, and materials, how can we make the best use of local resources and knowledge to develop architecture that is adapted to the climate and the expectations of the communities involved? The obstacles limiting the democratization of sustainable construction are no longer technical. The knowledge exists, the tests have been conducted, and in some countries, the regulatory context is evolving in favor of using eco-sourced materials. Today, the resistance is generally cultural, as natural and traditional materials are often seen as outdated and synonymous with poverty, while concrete and glass are associated with wealth, modernity, and the future. The project’s ambition is to show stakeholders, decision-makers, and the general public that an appealing and contemporary ecological alternative is possible in the building sector. LFGAB highlights a wide range of alternative proposals while helping to increase the visibility of the actors, research, and institutions involved. Previous Next

< Back A vision built from earth Leandry Jieutsa, Kairu Karega Nzinga Biegueng Mboup is an architect passionate about creating sustainable and climate-conscious structures for African cities. Mboup’s design philosophy is influenced by her pan-African upbringing. She studied regional modernism at the University of Pretoria, emphasizing climate-responsive design and passive design strategies. Mboup’s bioclimatic design approach prioritizes simple yet effective elements like building orientation, thermal massing, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials for minimal environmental impact. She studied under Professor Lindsay Bremner in London, where she learned about the impact of human activities on the planet and the need for low-impact materials. This led her to establish the architectural practice Worofila in Dakar, focusing on integrating traditional building methods with modern technologies. Mboup’s commitment to bioclimatic design, using locally-sourced earth and biomaterials, is evident in her projects. Worofila also emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring their designs are not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in local culture. "There is no reason why we should ever depend on the importation of anything...in order to build" architect Nzinga Biegueng Mboup declares. This unwavering belief in the power of local resources and ingenuity is at the heart of Mboup's inspiring architectural practice, one that beautifully merges contemporary design with a deep respect for African contexts and the environment. Nzinga Biegueng Mboup is an architect driven by a deep passion for creating sustainable and climate-conscious structures that cater to the unique needs of African cities. Her work is profoundly influenced by her pan-African upbringing. Born in Mozambique to parents of Senegalese and Cameroonian descent, and raised in South Africa, Mboup's diverse background informs her design philosophy. Growing up amidst the urban landscape of Maputo in the late 80s and early 90s, Mboup developed a fascination with cities and how they can bring people together. However, she also observed stark contrasts in infrastructure and living conditions across different African cities. As she explains, "I've always been preoccupied... through many various travels going on holidays in Cameroon and growing up in all these different environments and wondering how African cities could be better, especially once I started seeing the sort of obvious infrastructure issues..." . This realization sparked a desire within her to use her skills to improve living conditions. Nzinga Biegueng Mboup, Architect and cofounder of Worofila, © Festus Jackson-Davis Initially, Mboup considered pursuing urban planning. However, her family, particularly an uncle who was an engineer and contractor, encouraged her towards a more technical field. This perspective was informed by the realities of urban planning in Africa, where her family believed that true influence required political engagement. As Mboup recalls, they told her, "to be an urban planner in Africa is to be a politician. If you want to be an effective planner, you need to be in politics, because otherwise, none of your policies are actually going to carry any weight..." While a brief stint studying engineering in South Africa deepened her technical knowledge, Mboup yearned for a field that embraced both the analytical and the human aspects of design. "I missed the way in which architecture was able to integrate...human science like sociology, philosophy history, " she explains. Architecture, she discovered, was a "complete science" where creativity and social conscience could harmoniously converge. It was during her architectural studies in South Africa, against the backdrop of post-apartheid reconstruction, that Mboup's design philosophy truly began to take shape. At the University of Pretoria, she was exposed to the principles of "regional modernism," a school of thought championed by architects like Norman Eaton who sought to blend modernism with an understanding of local contexts and materials. "They tried to instill in us...an attention to design according to the climate," she explains, emphasizing the importance of climate-responsive design. This emphasis on adapting to local conditions was further amplified by South Africa's diverse climate, where design strategies shifted from the hot, arid interior to the more temperate coastal regions. This experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for passive design strategies – using the very elements of a place to create comfortable and sustainable structures. Mboup explains bioclimatic design as "taking into consideration the climate in order to create buildings that are responsive to the climate using passive design strategies and also using bio-based materials which you normally have in your locality" . This approach prioritizes simple yet effective design elements such as building orientation, thermal massing, natural ventilation, and the use of locally sourced materials to create comfortable living spaces with minimal environmental impact. Mboup's architectural journey then led her to London, where she encountered a new perspective on sustainability: the Anthropocene. Studying under Professor Lindsay Bremner, she grappled with the profound impact of human activities on the planet, especially our dependence on fossil fuels. This experience was a turning point, solidifying her commitment to designing with low-impact materials and minimizing the ecological footprint of her work. London also offered a serendipitous connection back to Africa. Mboup's tenure at Adjaye Associates marked a significant turning point in her professional development. Working on the International Finance Corporation (IFC) headquarters project in Dakar, she gained invaluable insights into large-scale architectural practices. "This experience reinforced my belief in the power of architecture to influence social and economic dynamics," she explains. It was here that she honed her skills and began to envision a practice that would prioritize sustainability and community engagement. Among the notable projects she has worked on is the Goethe-Institut designed by Francis Kéré, showcasing innovative earth construction techniques. "The biggest challenges often lie in changing perceptions about earth as a building material," she notes. Yet, the success of this project has demonstrated the aesthetic and functional potential of earth construction, garnering attention both locally and internationally.” Her collaboration with Kéré Architecture on the Goethe-Institut project exemplifies the power of partnership in sustainable design. "Working with a firm that shares a commitment to sustainability was incredibly enriching," she reflects. Driven by a deep desire to ground her practice in the realities of the African continent, Mboup established herself in Dakar, co-founding the architectural practice Worofila with Nicolas Rondet. Worofila, meaning "seven" in Bambara is the name of the street where the collective started, reflects Mboup's belief in architecture as a fundamental expression of a place and its people. "Worofila is not just a practice; it's a movement towards redefining how we approach architecture in Senegal," she asserts. The firm focuses on integrating traditional building methods with modern technologies, ensuring that their designs are both innovative and deeply rooted in local culture. Her commitment to bioclimatic design is evident in every project. "Using locally-sourced earth and biomaterials is essential for architecture in Senegal," she emphasizes. These materials not only reduce the carbon footprint of construction but also enhance the thermal performance of buildings, making them more comfortable for occupants. "I want to encourage architects to prioritize environmental stewardship in their work," she adds. This philosophy is beautifully embodied in one of Mboup's most personal projects: her own family home in Senegal. Constructed using compressed stabilized earth bricks (CSEB) made primarily from locally-sourced laterite, the house is a testament to Mboup's conviction in the aesthetic and functional potential of earth construction. This personal connection to the material is rooted in her family's history – her father, inspired by the earth architecture of Cameroon, had dreamt of building earth resorts in Senegal, even going so far as to have a manual brick press flown in for the endeavor. Mboup's commitment to using CSEB extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It represents a conscious choice to utilize readily available materials, stimulate local economies, and reduce reliance on imported products. "There's an opportunity to develop an internal economy," she emphasizes, highlighting the ripple effect of choosing local resources. Worofila's work, however, goes beyond simply using earth as a building material. The practice places great emphasis on understanding the nuances of local construction practices and collaborating closely with local artisans. "There was a lot of pedagogy involved. There was a lot of knowledge transmission in the process of making," Mboup states. This approach, centered on mutual respect and shared learning, ensures that their designs are not only beautiful but also build upon existing skills and traditions. This dedication to collaboration was evident in Worofila's work on the Goethe Institute project in Dakar, where they collaborated with a construction company that had no prior experience building with earth. Through patient guidance and on-site knowledge sharing, the team achieved a level of craftsmanship that Mboup describes as "some of the most incredible bricklaying work" she had witnessed. Mboup's research projects, such as Dakarmorphose and Habiter Dakar, delve into the evolution of Dakar's urban and cultural landscape. "One of the most surprising findings was the resilience of traditional building practices amidst rapid urbanization," she shares. She was particularly struck by the presence of "remnants of the original...villages of the indigenous people," which challenged her understanding of the city's history and the layers of meaning embedded within its fabric. This realization highlighted the importance of understanding the historical and social context of a place before intervening, a principle that guides her practice to this day. "The goal is to understand the past to inform the future," she explains. Her research not only enriches her architectural practice but also serves as a bridge between academia and the community, fostering a dialogue about the role of architecture in shaping urban life. While mud bricks feature prominently in Worofila's portfolio, Mboup is acutely aware of its limitations, particularly in dense urban environments where space is often limited. "Using their CSEB makes sense in the city but unstabilized bricks such as adobes may be more suited to other environments in which you have space to make them and sun-dry them and as one has to protect the earthern walls by having overhanging roofs," she observes, acknowledging the need for alternative solutions in certain contexts. This realization has fueled Worofila’s current research, which focuses on exploring even lower-tech building materials and techniques – methods that are readily accessible, adaptable across various contexts, and require minimal specialized equipment. This shift represents a deepening of her commitment to democratizing sustainable architecture, making it a viable option for everyone, not just a select few. Mboup's latest endeavor, a project close to her heart, embodies this vision: a training center in the Thiès region, in a city with a rich history of ceramic production. This center will serve as a hub for disseminating knowledge about sustainable building practices, and empowering individuals with the skills to create environmentally sound and culturally relevant structures. "Our goal is really finding a way to democratize it and also teach people the very basic notion of good design principles," she asserts, highlighting the center's mission to make sustainable design accessible to all. The center's design, directly informed by Worofila’s ongoing research into low-tech building methods, will itself serve as a testament to the beauty and functionality of these techniques. By choosing city grappling with the decline of its traditional ceramic industry, Worofila’sproject aims to revitalize local craftsmanship and create new opportunities for a community whose skills are increasingly undervalued. The center, she hopes, will demonstrate that "We can, as Africans, live in environments that are produced by us and that are adapted to the way in which we live." Looking ahead, Nzinga sees both opportunities and challenges for architecture in Senegal and Africa. "The greatest opportunity lies in the growing awareness of sustainability among architects and clients alike," she notes. However, she also acknowledges the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change. "We must be proactive in addressing these issues, ensuring that our designs are resilient and adaptable," she asserts. Through her work, she envisions contributing to an evolving architectural landscape that prioritizes resilience, sustainability, and cultural integrity. "Architecture is not just about buildings; it's about people and their stories," she concludes, embodying the spirit of a new generation of architects committed to making a difference. In Nzinga Biegueng Mboup, we find not just an architect but a passionate advocate for a sustainable future, one that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future. As she continues to inspire and educate, her contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Africa. Previous Next

< Back Le numérique: un terreau fertile à labourer pour la transformation durable de la mobilité Cet interview d'Antoine CHEVRE met en lumière les opportunités offertes par le numérique pour améliorer la mobilité urbaine durable en Afrique, tout en soulignant les défis de mise en œuvre. Il met en avant l'impact des technologies numériques sur la transformation des transports dans les villes africaines, en mettant l'accent sur des initiatives telles que l'utilisation du paiement mobile, la cartographie des réseaux de transport artisanal via des smartphones, et la mise à disposition des données de transport en open source. L'interview souligne également l'importance de la collaboration et de la normalisation des données (format GTFS) pour garantir leur interopérabilité et faciliter le développement d'applications. Enfin, elle aborde les défis majeurs, notamment la mise à jour des données et la standardisation dans un contexte de transport artisanal non planifié, tout en soulignant l'importance de divers moyens de transport pour améliorer la mobilité urbaine durable en Afrique. Les opportunités du numérique pour la mobilité urbaine durable en Afrique sont à la fois nombreuses et difficiles à mettre en œuvre Au cours des dernières décennies, l’avènement du numérique a permis de favoriser le déploiement de nouvelles solutions de mobilité à travers le monde, et plus récemment dans les villes africaines, afin d’améliorer les conditions de mobilité des citoyens. Des technologies numériques comme le paiement mobile qui est une véritable innovation en Afrique offre des opportunités pour accélérer le développement des villes africaines en sautant des étapes technologiques (leapfrogging) pour se positionner à l’avant-garde de la transformation numérique des transports. Les villes africaines se démarquent également par des pratiques qui sont réinventées à grand renfort de capital risque dans d’autres parties du monde. C’est le cas des taxis partagés qui est une pratique courante dans plusieurs villes africaines et se réinventent en occident avec Uberpool par exemple, qui propose de partager des taxis pour économiser. "Le numérique est un levier majeur à plusieurs titres. Pour mieux connaître le secteur du transport artisanal, pour le formaliser et pour mieux le réguler et pouvoir gérer la multitude d’opérateurs pour la puissance publique." , déclare Antoine CHEVRE, spécialiste de la Division transport de l’AFD. Le numérique permet d’avoir une meilleure connaissance de l’offre de transport, et particulièrement en ce qui concerne le transport artisanal qui se qui se définit par opposition aux exploitants de bus structurés et représente l’écrasante majorité de l’offre de transport dans les villes d’Afrique Subsaharienne. Ceci est rendu possible à travers la cartographie des réseaux de transport artisanal au moyen de smartphones et en utilisant des solutions open source. De telles initiatives ont été disséminées à travers les villes africaines, à l’instar de Digital Matatu à Nairobi, Accra Mobile au Ghana ou TransportforCairo en Egypte. La mise à disposition en mode ouvert des données transports non seulement auprès des décideurs mais aussi auprès des usagers, contribue à une meilleure régulation des systèmes existants et la planification des nouveaux modes. Une autre vertu du numérique étant de pouvoir s’adapter aux besoins de chacun. Toutefois, les données ne sont pas une finalité, car elles, seule, ne suffisent pas pour transformer le secteur du transport artisanal en Afrique. D’après le World Resource Institute, au moins 105 millions de personnes vivant dans les villes africaines ne disposent pas d’informations fiables sur leurs systèmes de transit. Il importe donc d’explorer les différents leviers de valorisation de la donnée transport. DigitalTransport4Africa (DT4A), un début de réponse au partage et à l’exploitation de la donnée transport L’initiative DT4A est née dans le but de mettre en réseau l’ensemble des acteurs engagés dans l’application du numérique aux objectifs d’amélioration de la mobilité. Elle s’inscrit dans une approche appelée « beyond mapping » qui vise donc à explorer les différentes solutions se basant sur les données pour transformer le secteur du transport artisanal. Dans ce cadre, DT4A a lancé un “Défi de l’innovation”, afin d’identifier et de financer des microprojets utilisant chacun un levier différent. Parmi ceux-ci, on peut citer : ewarren à Abidjan, une fintech qui aborde la formalisation du secteur et des données via le paiement mobile, addis map qui vise à développer une application voyageur en utilisant la technologie open source ; Trufi ; go metro en Afrique du sud qui produit un jeu de données sur le réseau de Stellenbosch pour étudier la faisabilité d’un passage à l’électro mobilité, Khartoum map qui vise à créer un jeu de données initiales. "Nous avons voulu à travers cette initiative poser les bases d’une culture de la donnée transport en Afrique en faisant la promotion de l’ouverture des données et de leur standardisation au format GTFS pour assurer l’interopérabilité." , précise Antoine. DT4A est un acteur engagé dans la construction de biens communs numériques tels que OpenStreetMap en ce qui concerne les données géographiques utiles à la cartographie des itinéraires et des arrêts. Cependant, au-delà de la dimension géographique, l’information sur les services de transport intègre le niveau de service (fréquence, vitesse commerciale, etc.). Dans ce sens, le standard GTFS (General Transit Feed System) joue un rôle crucial en ce sens qu’il s’agit d’un format de données standardisées. Il permet ainsi d’avoir des données interopérables, qui soient accessibles et facilement compréhensibles de tous, favorisant de ce fait le développement d’applicatifs. En outre, dans un contexte où la plupart des collectivités locales africaines n’a pas aujourd’hui les moyens techniques et financiers de créer et d’entretenir cette infrastructure de données au format GTFS, DT4A œuvre également à l’internalisation des compétences. Notamment, à travers le partage de connaissances et le renforcement des capacités sur la cartographie des réseaux entre autres. DT4A fournit aussi des solutions d’hébergement (GitLab) pour le stockage de jeu de données et le partage d’un centre de ressources. Il n’y a en effet pas de réel business model pour l’information voyageur Du point de vue des défis majeurs, deux écueils principaux se dégagent. Tout d’abord, celui de l’actualisation des données. En effet, il est souvent facile de mobiliser un budget pour réaliser le recueil initial mais il est beaucoup plus difficile de mobiliser des moyens techniques, humains et financiers récurrent pour mettre à jour ces données. D’un autre côté, dans un contexte de transport artisanal, par définition non planifié dans le détail, la question de la standardisation des données au format GTFS se pose dans la mesure où il est difficile d’arriver au niveau de granularité attendu d’un jeu de données GTFS. D’autant plus que ceux-ci sont censés être produits par des exploitants de transports professionnels et imposent que chaque bus qui circule soit identifié dans le temps et l’espace tout au long de l’année. Au mieux, il est possible de disposer des itinéraires avec des arrêts et une fréquence avec distinction heure de pointe / heure creuse. Néanmoins, dans un contexte de villes africaines avec une croissance rapide, le transport artisanal représente un atout majeur qui associé à d’autres moyens de mass transit, tels que le BRT ou le Tramway, permettrait de réduire considérablement les difficultés de mobilité. Ajouté à cela, et grâce au numérique, le développement des services de transport à la demande pour compléter le réseau de mobilité. De telles actions contribueraient à la réduction de l’usage de la voiture individuelle, tout en favorisant une mobilité urbaine durable. Previous Next