African Architects Under 40: Social Change Through Design
In 1950, Lagos was a port city with a population of 300,000; today, it boasts 13 million inhabitants, increasing by 40 each hour, and is expected to hit 24 million by 2050. Africa's urban population is anticipated to triple over the next three decades, resulting in more informal settlements. Young architects are tackling these challenges with innovative local solutions. A4AC Architects has developed affordable, off-grid designs like the Mobile House in South Africa. Ada Umeofia, 24, creates market stalls for vendors in Lagos. Thomas Chapman’s Local Studio revitalizes public spaces, including the former German Consulate in Hillbrow. Kunlé Adeyemi’s NLÉ received the Silver Lion at the 2016 Venice Biennale. In September 2017, Christian Benimana established the first African Design Centre in Kigali to nurture socially conscious designers.
Key facts
- Lagos population grew from 300,000 in 1950 to 13 million, projected 24 million by 2050.
- Africa's urban population will triple in the next 30 years.
- A4AC Architects created the Mobile House for seasonal workers in South Africa.
- Studio [D] Tale works on Harare's informal transport system.
- Ada Umeofia designs market stalls with Lagos vendors.
- Local Studio repurposed the former German Consulate in Hillbrow as a youth center.
- Kunlé Adeyemi won the Silver Lion at the 2016 Venice Biennale.
- Makoko Floating School collapsed in June 2017.
- African Design Centre opened in Kigali in September 2017.
- Estimated need for 950 million homes, 725,000 schools, 175,000 hospitals by 2050.
Entities
Artists
- Kunlé Adeyemi
- Thomas Chapman
- Ada Umeofia
- Christian Benimana
Institutions
- A4AC Architects
- Studio [D] Tale
- Local Studio
- NLÉ
- MASS Design Group
- African Design Centre
- Biennale di Venezia
- Artribune
Locations
- Lagos
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Harare
- Zimbabwe
- Hillbrow
- Tsakane
- Netherlands
- Port Harcourt
- Kigali
- Rwanda
- Venice
- Italy