Architects need to go beyond the design of the building and into an understanding of how buildings impact the lives of users. They need to balance between topics of housing, activities, as well as tourism, sustainability, and the environment. Some architects are already reimagining their work, which could become an inspiration for several emerging African architects.

Issa Diabaté

Nationality: Ivory Coast
Notable work: Assinie-Mafia Church, Ivory Coast
Studio: Koffi & Diabaté Architects

Issa Diabaté is an Ivorian architect born in 1969 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. After earning his master’s degree in architecture in 1993, he worked in various high profile firms. In 2001, he cofounded an architectural practice in Abidjan, which focuses on finding solutions to the issues of rapid population growth and its effect on urban planning. In order to have an impact on urbanization, Diabaté shifted from being just an architect to an architect-as-developer to be part of every process that creates a built environment. He worked on a variety of projects including the delivery of residential and educational buildings.

Mphethi Morojele

Nationality: Lesotho
Notable work: Freedom Park Museum, South Africa
Studio: MMA Design Studio, South Africa

Mphethi Morojele studied architecture at the University of Cape Town and at the Bartlett, University College London. He opened its own studio in 1995, a year after the end of apartheid in South Africa. His work incorporates indigenous knowledge and rituals to improve the relationship of dwellers with their environment. In this regard, Morojele often consult various stakeholders including members of the public, residents of townships and students at schools and academies to include their input into the design. This collaborative process enables social cohesion and allows creating more equitable cities.

Peter Rich

Nationality: South Africa
Notable work: Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, South Africa
Studio: Peter Rich Architects

Peter Rich has worked as an architect and activist designing for indigenous communities in various contexts. His work is inspired by the architectonic culture of the Ndebele, an ethnic group notable for the use of geometric patterns on their houses. Towards the end of apartheid and establishment of democracy, Peter Rich was engaged by the government in a crucial series of cultural heritage projects. These projects and his work within had deep social implications and were instrumental in resurrection of the South African spirit. His brick, vaulted Mapungubwe interpretation center of 2009 confirmed his reputation as a contemporary architect of exceptional versatility and skill.

Urko Sanchez

Nationality: Spain
Notable work: Red Pepper House, Kenya
Studio: Urko Sanchez Architects

Born in 1970 in Madrid, Spain, Urko Sanchez completed his architectural studies in 1998. As part of his studies, Sanchez began participating in different architectural endeavors with NGOs in Spain and Nicaragua. One of his early assignments was on the border of Somalia and Kenya, and later in different conflict zones including Angola where he spent two years. His participation always revolved around the field of architecture, building camps and schools and clinics. Sanchez later settled on Lamu Island, Kenya where he started working on projects that target disadvantaged communities with needful and innovative interventions throughout the East Africa and Middle East regions.