WORDS Cheri Morris PHOTOS Jan Ras, Supplied
CNN International’s latest episode of Africa Avant-Garde explores the transformative role of architecture as seen through the eyes of some of the continent’s most acclaimed architects, including the likes of Sumayya Vally, Derik Henstra, and Coetzee Steyn.
The episode begins with South African designer and founder/director of Johannesberg-based architectural firm Counterspace Sumayya Vally – the youngest architect ever to win the prestigious Serpentine Pavilion Commission in London.
She details her winning proposal and describes what her work in the sector means to her, “I think that architecture is an extension of us. I think that the role of architecture should much more actively be involved in facilitating and evolving that sense of belonging and that sense of expressing ourselves and our cultures in the world.”
Following, Derick Henstra – whose firm DHK Architects designed the Norval Foundation in Cape Town – describes the Foundation’s design and functionality as a modern pavilion for art. Nigerian architect Papa Omotayo speaks on the local architecture that inspires his own redefinition of African modernist architecture, including the UNILAG Senate building at the University of Lagos and the Abijo Crescent Mosque, which was designed by Ade Shokunbi.
Designer of the iconic Bosjes Chapel Coetzee Steyn details the mechanics of the chapel’s unique undulating roof. Finally, the episode concludes with trips to Ghana to meet S.M. Quartey, President of the Ghana Institute of Architects, and Morocco to discuss the design of Taroudant University by Driss Kettani.
Watch the full episode here and check out more from Africa-Avant Garde here.
