Pushing boundaries on African modernism via design

Pushing boundaries on African modernism via design

 By Prisca Sam-Duru 

THIS indeed, is an era of taking everything to the next level. Redefinition of existing products, services and of course organisations have never been this trendy and Nigerian architects, seeking to lead the pack are emerging with artistic designs that are innovative in all ramifications. Showcasing themselves under the name, African Alliance for New Design, AAND, three dynamic architects; Principal Architect at Studio Imagine Simply Architecture, Si.SA, Seun Oduwole; Creative Director at MOE+ Art Architecture, Papa Omotayo and award-winning amateur photographer and author, Tosin Oshinowo; are a neoteric collective of designers seeking to establish a fresh wave of African Modernism. As part of activities mapped out for Open House Lagos, a three day architecture festival, which showcases the outstanding architecture of the city, the trio held a one week design exhibition which opened on Sunday May 1, at A WhiteSpace, Ikoyi Lagos. Displayed were works that promote the AAND’s philosophy of African Modernism. It defines the architectural narrative for Africa with the view to describing a position and creating a clear direction for the development of a clear language and vehicle for transformation through good design. Portraying this philosophy were designs made with local fabrics known as ankara. Also, some household furniture made with these fabrics are designed in the form of ladies’ shoes and other accessories. To say that the exhibition showcased the height of creativity will amount to an understatement. The practices’ style of Architecture is Afro-Modernism creating simplicity through massing of form.

 

Psychological impact

 The exhibition was birthed out of a desire to define a new narrative where architecture goes beyond mere building and function, to investigation of the social and psychological impact of architecture on the environment. With the aim of exploring and promoting the value of good design, the exhibition featured a selection of built and design works from cmD+A,MOE+Art Architecture and SI.SA, three exciting design led practices. AAND aims to drive this initiative by informing society on the time tested role of architects as protectors of the built environment and visualisers of the future. It seeks to create dialogue and improve communication between professionals, students and the public on the importance of good design. 

Tosin, the Principal Architect at cmDesign Atelier(cmD+A) said the Alliance was here to bring and create awareness about the growth of creativity within the profession that is not fully being acknowledged in the wider public realm in Nigeria. 

For Papa Omotayo, a RIBA graduate of the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, UK said he desires to work with strong focus on context, culture and nature creating architecture that tries to give a little meaning to the everyday beyond the realms of form, function and even technology.

The aim of the exhibition he said, “Is to activate the generation of students in design and architecture to find a new language that expresses their own identity within the 21st century, to promote a new philosophy in design and to make sure that we define our own identity as Nigerians first and as Africans creatively. This is the same thing the music and Nollywood industries have done, now is time for the design industry.”

Throwing more light on the philosophy of the Alliance, Seun Oduwole a graduate of University of Nottingham, armed with an appetite for innovation and and idealistic approach to architecture explained that “Africa Modernism is a vehicle to change our environment for the better, to improve life conditions, socially and economically, culturally and politically, to enhance equal opportunities for everyone through successful built work, open spaces and infrastructure.”

The AAND exhibition was supported by Open House Lagos, The British Council and AWCA.

In order to continue their plans of adding value to the next generation of architects, the Alliance plans to hold a design workshop for students later in the year.