Francis Kéré: African architecture should stop copying the West
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ต.ค. 2011
- African architecture should stop copying the West, engage the real needs of the people and regard the environment, says Diébédo Francis Kéré.
Looking at the housing situation in West Africa, architect Diébédo Francis Kéré (Kéré Architecture) says that Africans should stop imitating the Western way of building and rather adapt it to their own needs - and the needs of the community - in order to cope better with the weather patterns in the region.
Due to the lack of a secure income, people build their houses themselves... and as models, they just copy the neighbouring house. In this part of the world, we only have one school for architecture, says Kéré.
Kéré believes the built environment in Africa should adapt to nature, while maintaining the cultural richness of the people.
He talks about his dream to make things better in his home country of Burkina Faso and tells how he has been introducing traditional building techniques that allow for natural ventilation to the communities in West Africa. By giving the community a framework within which to work, he encouraged the people of Burkina Faso to build houses that breathe.
Looking at various architectural projects in West Africa, Kéré points to the merits of clay building techniques.
Francis Kere makes me so proud coming from Burkina Faso. His love and passion for his people and culture is really inspiring. God bless him.
Wait till some rich white woman hooks him - y'all know how that story ends! He he he!!!
And so you should be Very proud coming from 'The City of Upright Men' so named by the great Thomas Sankara ❤
@@lioness-kushlumumba4040 I am mostly proud to be African. I love Africa.
The fact that he was so proud about his tradition and his people is very rare to see nowadays without getting influenced by the western culture... This was worth my time👍
of course he's influenced by western culture. his architecture studies were western, and he acknowledges that.
well said
@@orangemoonglows2692 : .. but he came back to his villages, got people involved and used locally available material and hand craft to execute his location specific design innovations for the benefit of the community there ..
@@orangemoonglows2692 There is a difference between being influenced by something, and being blinded by it and not being critical of it. He has assumed techniques from his western education, but he is also not blind to the problems of western techniques and architecture, and how using those without criticism in Africa would cause problems for the people. The difference is in taking what's useful, but not assuming that everything western is automatically useful or better. A lot of people don't get that, and that's a problem. It's the ideology pushed by the west, but also something that a lot of former colonies have internalized because of the influence of the colonisers.
@@naukumaija7056 here's what you should not do: read into to a simple comment/response to the op's statement.
I love how he involves the community...this is Ubuntu, also how he shows that we do not need expensive technology to build structures suited to the African region. He is equipping the community by involving them in the construction, which is something most western companies in Africa won't do, they'd rather hire their own.
He's teaching them problem solving and to think outside the box..
Wonderful
True. And this is what most westerners won't do. He has practically passed on the knowledge to the community by teaching and involving them in the projects.
This is pure definition of architecture for humanity, the real democracy. Building for the people by the people...
Well articulated!
Democracy is from the west, you copyers, you were supposed to stop copying, right ?
And is that english ? That's not african ..... !
@@jordanx204 Democracy does not exist, and France did not even colonized Africa.
@@Paraclef The concept of democracy, wherein the people deliberate to make decisions concerning their societies, has existed in Africa for centuries. Modern day democracy was only adopted by the west after its formulation by John Locke in the 17th century. Furthermore, this man is speaking English because the audience are either english speakers or people from across the globe, and english is the medium used to communicate with all of them indiscriminately(this is a result of colonialism might I add).
@@mohamednasser8658 I have not read yet your comments, but you won't be disappointed, I swear, unbeliever.
I am blown away by this man who is teaching people to design, build and take ownership of their schools and infrastructure. This is what we need every African to do in their neighbourhoods and communities. Before the Colonizers came to Africa, our people were building Kingdoms, the Pyramids, which are not only found in Egypt but all over Africa. Colonization was the greatest genocide of people, ancient cultures, ancient intelligence and spirituality. How dare anyone do this to our people! We need to sit with our young people and tell them stories and remind them of the skills and intelligence their ancestors had. This is how we can build up our Continent without aid which impoverishes our people forever. Where is the Nobel Prize for this King of Africa?
Seriously and powerfully said. This is one thing that occupies my mind daily. It's long overdue.
We 've lost so much traditional indigenous knowledge because of colonisation. Let's try and preserve the little that we have.
I remember my maternal grandmother trying to explain to me how they used to preserve traditional foods organically. There were no fridges back then but they had ways of preserving foods without using harmful chemicals.
great wall of Benin too :)
@@ImmaculateRecovery, which is said to be the largest man-made structure on earth right now - and that's one of the many stupendous artefacts our ancestors erected. Now, how can we re-enact these feats?
Ok. But in reality the countries that were colonized the longest are the best off now. The Pyramids were built by caucasian people. Subsaharan Africans didn't even invent the wheel by the time Western Europeans discovered America.
Schools of architecture in Africa should include kere’s work in their curricular.
I'm an Black African American and I would love to meet him one day❤️💛💚✊🏾🖤 this is amazing.
As an African Designer, I can say that I am truly inspired by this man's work.
Only in African cultural tribal,racial heritage is our TRUE sustainable infrastructure for our TRUE INDEPENDENCE.PERIOD!!
WE HAVE A VERY YOUNG CONTINENT and that is the danger but is the POWER IF WE START TO LEARN AND APPLY OUR ANCESTRAL HERITAGE THAT THE COLONIALISM DESTROYED.
@ nexusebtuoy. If these structures were built before colonial times, the colonizers would of said that it must had been built by whites, arabs, aliens, etc.
@@nexusebtuoy, well said!
Stop stealing English and White technology
It's 2022 and he just won the Pritzker, such an inspiration!
There is nothing more beautiful than architecture that compliments the land it’s in. Happiness, smiles and peace all around ❤
Some people just have this soft glow like Francis that speaks for humanity. Beautiful work, beautiful person
The spirit of Thomas Sankara lives on. This is what Africa needs, blending modern techniques with traditional architecture.
The key word is " copy." Influence yes, copy no. Beautiful.
This is one of the most brilliant and fascinating architecture I have ever seen. My African brothers and sisters, we have the talent and know how, we just need to believe in ourselves and our own methods of doing things. God bless you Sir!!!
This architecture recognizes the principle of utilizing available materials and technology. It would be unrealistic to expect the introduction of expensive construction equipment and the typical large construction crew hierarchy.
Exactly. It works even with less expensive technology, suited for the African region.
Africa badly needs many talents like this man to usher in progress in various areas, to improve the people's standard of living.
There are many like him (only they need a break true /change!
We need support I am an architect we need funds to support.
I love the way he talks. He is very articulate, witty and patient. He also seem to love his country, without hating the western ways and his also capable of seeing the beauty in his own roots. I hope he gets recognition for his works.
As the topic says we should stop believing that what was good for the west and east is good for us. We AFRICA is a blank canvas to use the West as case studies and relook at their faults and rework design principles and urban planning to suite our continent. Amazing work and great way to start for our younger generation to have something to look forward to. it will reciprocate positively
Some clown are slowing down europe, for centuries now... and still without our intervention in your lands you would still be in islamic cages.
Compare lisbon to paris, compare moscow to tokyo. There are no difference if you see value of money being applied. PRICE and WEALTH is what it makes to design good city. Compare UAE projects and their city designs no capital of your country. They try to hire best engineers and make plans for utilities.
Most houses in west are more expensive than average brick stack he had to build. Only difference is once again not knowledge, as it is free on internet and schools accepts just about anybody.
Blank canvas?! Ancient Africa was a great inspiration and it’s structures were initially copied by Westerners. There are Westerners today copying traditional African architecture, as it is more efficient and sustainable to the environment. It’s amazing to me see Africans unaware of their own history and it’s influence on the modern world. The Europeans are well aware that they have been civilized and educated by Africans, and continue to laugh at how they sell you back your own knowledge in invented degrees and universities. Blank canvas? Not at all. Africa was in a renaissance before colonization and imperialism, understand that westerners were suffering and sought help from Africans for a reason. The disconnection of Africans from their history and culture is profound. Reconnect!
@@kiq654 It really depends. Money is def an important factor, doesn't mean everyone should have to imitate modern sky scrapers. Not every country is meant to have them. China for example, while they do have their fair share of marvelous sky scrapers, their traditional architecture is grand and enough to beautify a city.
@kiq654 Price and wealth alone can not build you a good city, Dubai is a good example of a city that is built on wealth but still has some of the most basic issues a city can have, problems such as: No functional sewage system comes to mind.
I've never seen such a down to earth, compassionate, generous, and ingenius person. Francis Kéré is remarkable.
Sorry to hear, that you've seen nothing in your life, that's sad.
@@Paraclef somebody dropped out of high school and didnt learn what a hyperbole is.
@@inezaa hyperbole (n.)
"obvious exaggeration in rhetoric," early 15c., from Latin hyperbole, from Greek hyperbole "exaggeration, extravagance,"
From etymonline.. which is very funny that this is dated to 15c only, for two reasons.
1) Latin was in england way earlier.
2) They could have say, usage emerged, from the new national language from that time, French.
Ma response est suffisante, n'est ce pas ?
Not sorry for ma french.
@@Paraclef i bet you feel real smart typing this up lmao
@@inezaa I am smart, more than you can imagine, otherwise you would at least be illuminated.
You know why OP is down to earth ? Because there is nothing new under the sun.
Can you understand this cosmo-logic ?
Finally!!!! A world of gratitude to this fine architect, indeed a great son of our continent
I am just speechless. What an amazing human being. Super well done, Francis.
Wonderful finally someone taking pride in their own culture. Beautiful to see.
Not only Africa, but all the world needs more folk style buildings & more bioclimatic buildings & great architects like him. Especialy countries like the Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and every place on the world which is not in a seismic area, can continue constracting more natural and traditional buildings following their folk heritage. Unfortunately & especialy in the arabic world we see everywhere "circus" houses like one of the buildings Kere was represending in Ouagadougou. Everywhere those "circus" houses in every arab country, so the same in west Africa too. F. ex. in Tamanrasset in southern Algeria they have abandoned their beautiful old mud town, to construct till today a concrete monstrosity by ungly & un-traditional architectural lines. Architectural lines that never existed at the old architecture. The same i'm seeing here in Greece. They are going to mimic the old architecture but at least they are making monstrosities!!! They were distroying the country since the 60's with those monstrosities. Especialy on the islands that thing looks like unglier. Unfortunately, also we are a seismic country, so that catastrophic thing have been made even more quick!!!
Standing ovation for you sir! I'm crying! You are important for humanity my brother! I hope to meet you one day!!
Recently saw a story on him winning one of top architecture Awards, so I am so glade to see him speak here. Bless
God create another hundred Francis KERE , Africa need so!!
Thank you Francis - Super Giant Majestic Phénomenal True African...
Much Love & Respect
This made me cry out of pride. Africa live up.
Excellent présentation Sir. You are not only full of humour but you know your culture and what works for your people. Africa needs more like you, so it remains Authentic and does not become an imitation of the West.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
Telling the African story, powerful.♡
This is so wholesome...
This is the type of community development that would do a lot to help various countries within Africa to develop their own sense of identity, culture, pride, technical knowledge and education. It’s crazy how western countries come in and carpet bomb the place with foreign interventions that simply don’t take into account peoples actual needs and wants and don’t help them to develop and take ownership. All usually done as a social media and selfie exercise to remind the world how good they are and when things break or need to be replaced people are left feeling powerless.
Maybe Francis should setup his own charity that focuses on education and infrastructure development as a group activity and skill development exercise, seems like money very well spent on things that really will make a difference to his people and neighbouring countries. All it takes is a few good seeds and some care for things to bloom and spread.
This is more about a sustainable way of life and not who owns what. Not all modern homes in Africa are foreign concepts please. We do have our own modern designs.
@@bigmama4293 Francis es todo un crack, me enamore de su arquitectura africana y luce como alguien q nace de la tierra y se debe a ella... Muy parecido a la cosmovisión andina de "pachamama"...
There should be some difference in street architecture to establish separate identity from neighbouring countries. But thats majority muslim-country problem as you lack distinct architecture from pre-islamic eras. There was one sense of established knowledge and rest died. Now there are again some variates, but just architecture is enough. Please dont be different by walking backwards (meaning physically dont walk backwards just to be original). Some established tools are good to be using. Like nails or hammer. Nothing wrong in bringing functional knowledge of neighbouring regions.
I am very proud of you as an African
I am familiarized with his work, his architecture and his process. I'm a western parametric architecture student. His architecture IS completely PARAMETRIC, ALGORITHMIC, LOGICAL and mathematical. But this man elevated such tools to a higher level of comprehension. He developed HIS language. He speaks REGIONAL, CULTURAL, Collective, Sincretic, traditional. He developed HIS OWN tools.
This man IS a complete NEW chapter for FORMLAL Parametric Architecture. I'm glad HE EXISTS. My strategies changed because professionals like him changes the profession.
What is parametric about his work?
Well said, how are this going?
Are you stupid? His architecture seems just fine, nothing to brag about. I am sure he is very compotent in his field. But what math you see being applied here? Using wavy forms isnt exactly science being applied, its a way for artist to differentiate himself from copycats. I see nothing worth preserving for next generation as museum for example. Just shitblocks and normal housing projects. Like work of most architectures in any country btw.
@@DavidGBlair Parametric design is a style of architecture. If you look up his work, it indeed falls into the lines of parametric architecture.
Getting that tingling feeling to study architecture 😁... Francis Kere, you are a real life super hero. May God almighty continue blessing you...
Great son of Africa! We are proud of you. Some of us need to emulate your passion for your people. I enjoyed your speech
I cant believe this has only 1500 views, Africa definitely needs more men like you. Well done and keep up the good work
45k now!
@@thearchitectsworkshop 73k now. Lol
91K now...
1.5k now
93k
Thomas Sankara would be proud.
Much love from Mozambique 🇲🇿
This guy is an inspiration 🙌🏽 I am so inspired and encouraged
Great Visions, great architect, great soul, GREAT MAN!!!! go forward
I think i met my idle
I’m a second year student of architectural in Sudan 🇸🇩 (north of Africa) and i have always wanted to do something like that, one of the reasons why I chose architectural, I believe there is a lot more i can learn from him.
What you did is impressive 👏👏❤️
This is very inspiring and a showcase of African brilliance and intellectual property. At the same time it damns me with a sense of shame that most of us(Africans) can't be self-sufficient enough to do what this man did with his people. There is so much to learn even beyond design and architecture there is community, cultural pride and even sustainability living with the land instead of against it. Love my Africa.
You sure do love your Africa lol
@@daintydiagnostics7238 This constant need to baby African people and seeing them as children that constantly need to be put in their place when they have a sense of pride or optimism is very outdated. Grow up please.
@@inezaa You know what's tiring? Having black people constantly putting themselves on a pedestal and talk about how great and fantastic they are. Hearing black people call themselves and other black people kings and queens and constantly demanding attention or positive affirmation. If that was done by any other people that would be at the very leash be considered immature and inconsiderate and if done by white people you would probably be called a white supremacist and racist. Maybe you should check yourself for once and drop the victimhood mentality
Burkina Faso....definition: land of upright men. I'm pleased to have learnt of Francis Kere... I'm definitely implementing his teachings
Sir, You are amazing. Thank GOD for people like you.
Diébédo Francis Kéré is absolutely creative designer..his Visionary display on African architecture with the usage of CLAY is jus' amazing.
I salute this African and his works with CLAY.
What a brilliant man 🙏❤️ I pray to one day meet such an amazing individual. Sad to see how our African Government never recognise how amazing the potential of their African citizens is .
Such a wonderful presentation full of humor and energy. Great art
Love the reminder of the power of a community.
You are a gifted person FIRST the recognition of our own we need more of you. Congrats. For your determination and the people that are willing to work with you.
Merci Francis, Vous avez montré le bon chemin du développement rural, Je suis d'un pays de l'Océanie situé dans l'océan Pacifique sud à l'Est de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, connu sous le nom Vanuatu. Votre travail dans le bâtiment nous inspire également car nous avons aussi les mêmes cultures que la vôtre. Vous êtes un exemple.
I love this African man. Adapting to suite the people and conditions of our continent. I am so very proud of you sir! What an African, What a brilliant architect! Aluta continua!❤ it is African to work towards the same goal! All hands on board and in Zulu we say Izandla madoda
I'm so glad he does what he does! I could watch him talk about his work for hours!
Not an architect, or even close in profession but I loved this presentation. His approach, content, style, and tone throughout was effective. 👏🏼👏🏼
This man is awesome and what he says is too. How he speaks of the local people, the workers of the
project with such genuine tenderness and, how they used natural techniques and local materials is fab.
With the Power of the People collective, the whole idea comes together cohesively, te Kura is awesome! 👍🏼
Human Compressors mind boggling, all put tog under the mango tree its impressive 😇🤩💖
Francis Kere your work is really Mbuntu spirited continue building Mother Africa.
Je confirme la réalisation de cette édifice car je suis de GANDO, c'est majestueux les œuvres de FRANCIS KERE.
So proud of MY brother from the African people of Burkina Faso! bLESSINGS TO YOU BROTHER!!!
I hope to harness the energy of the sun because it is abundant in Africa rather than other harmful sources
I believe Francis kere's would share the same vision by his current actions
He is a person i would love to associate with for the greater good
I also love everything about his designs including function attributes like low maintenance requirements as
Africans usually don't like regular maintenance
Its good to know people like you exist
Sincerely
Ejike Ememe
This man put me to tears really this is the AFRICA I would love see and be part of. Bless you you my brother for restoring the dignity of our people. Fly all the AFRICAN flags high.
And with such brilliant African minds that's how the pyramids were made!!
that school building he built is simply beautiful
Thank you Sir for having so much faith in the African people that we can paint our own canvas
What a fascinating perspective. And he's one hundred percent correct that we would all be happier if we would be grateful and work with what's around us rather than comparing and trying to be like everyone else.
They have taken so much from our Peoples in resources and benefit over the years, yet they couldn't even teach 😪 them to read ??? Incredible! They have no conscience. This is evil. When you cast them out, don't allow them access to come back. All Africa and it's Diaspora must say,,, "Enough is Enough " to these people. They must pay the going price for what they need out of Africa. What is most important is,,, stop being so nice, to these people, they see your pleasant nature as a weakness. However 😊 , Thank you my Brother for your wonderful work and for your heart ❤️ 💙 💜 💖. It is beautiful work indeed.
Got a lump in my throat ......so inspirational.......I wanna be like him!!!!
Best African Architect we have so far.
Amazing, this is the next step, for the people, by the people.
The freeing and decolonization of the minds starts with such kind of initiatives. I like the way Francis keeps on referring to 'my people'. Am proud of you Francis from Kenya.
I couldn't stop smiling and feeling so proud to be an African and embrace our own material and culture. Very good presentation. Love the community involvement.
This is simply wonderful. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
Thank you for this man I have often thought about what Africa should look like in the future based upon an African view rather than copying western design, this man is very important 🙏🏿
He's a remarkable professional and human being as well.
Most inspiring lecture for this year. Thank you so much Francis Kéré for redefining the word ‘Culture’. We need more of your type in Africa. God bless.
Completely agree with this, architecture is understand local territories its culture, and how people understand their community. And we can design using the information.
A Genius for sure, humble in His way, GOD Almighty Bless him Abundantly for what he is doing ❤
Francis is amazing, an inspiration for the youngsters an inspiration for the whole world!
Marvelous, and true what he says about education, that's why there more people get educated the more they open their eyes. And realise what they can do for themselves, family, society and the whole country.
Imagine the combination of our own culture, tradition with education. What a unique continent we will be. He is simply genius. I wish all countries could invite him to schools and youth gathering because that's our future. They need to realize that they are capable, they just need focus and discipline. Heads up to this man❤
Great job!! Proud of you guys!
Our people are skilful and hardworking. The only thing that we need in Africa is support and visionary leadership
I'm totally blown away by this man's commitment to his country. And he's humorous 😂
I’m gonna copy you Francis! After all, we’re all human!
😍😍🖤🖤😭😭🖤🖤🖤this are great time to be alive we need more African like him they been tell as we can't do for long time...well education is what we need true education and unite to our people our ancestors protect this child of Africa 🖤🖤
Talented, humble and funny...🎉❤😊
It’s not about copying anybody’s work. It’s about doing what you like. That’s easy
He is two awesome this is what we need as Africans
I'm just getting to know and see the great works of this brother, his ability and love for his people is breathtaking ❤️
I have loved African architecture since I can remember. My concepts of a dream home has made me an object of ridicule in my own country but I believe that African architecture is the architecture of the future and I pray that those African architects who draw on this legacy get the credit they deserve.
Yeah is the best so far, 2nd in line Japanese tractional homes
I agree house's in the West is not really suitable for hot climates.thats why you need air conditioning.in the West it get very cold so you need concrete structures.and it's a shame when you go to Africa or Caribbean and it will soon like you are in the West,bring KFC,fast food restaurants and bad health come with it.spoiling the look of our beautiful land,take a look at all the plastic being dump on the road on the beaches and now the beaches are being sold off,and the original people of the land have to now pay to use their own beaches.
He breathes, and lives Architecture......The beauty of the African culture is communal living
Outstanding example of one individual's vision to empower and utilize the local people to unify their efforts for the common good, everyone included, children and adults. This is the future of the New Earth: focused efforts by the local people.... and all benefit. YES!
My new best Architect, so inspirational.
What an absolute champion.
All Afrikans are so connected. Growing up, when it was time for deep cleaning the house and all everyone in the house had to get it done, momma would put on some old R&B and we all knew that it was time to work! I love it!
That's really great francis. I'm also an upcoming Architect and I'm so greatful I have gotten an idea from you. Thank you.
such an inspiring speech and personality! deeply touched and moved...
Great talk. I'm an Architect as well, here in the Philippines. Great works and so inspiring...
This is who we are, who we were, and who we are becoming!!!! Burkina Faso is leading by example and we are seeing n listening!!!! ONE AFRICA 🖤
Standing ovation!
He’s singing the unheard songs of his people. Beautiful man beautiful personality. I love Africa.
Mr Kéré, a visionary who leads by action. I hope we will have more creative people like you who make things happen, regardless. ❤
Serious Sir. Kéré is African Man we should crown Him.His work is Master piece.We should emulate.
I love the way he talks, calm and soothing yet enthusiastic.