Architect Rodolphe Tchakpala urges African cities to craft modern architecture suited to local climates and needs, rather than adopting foreign models.
Architect advocates for local African architecture
Rodolphe Tchakpala, an architect from Togo, believes African cities should focus on developing architectural styles that match their local climate, resources, and cultural needs instead of copying foreign models.Lomé's rapid population growth
Lomé, the capital of Togo, has seen significant growth, with the Greater Lomé area home to 2.19 million people in 2022, making up 27% of the country’s total population. This growth has increased the demand for infrastructure like roads, housing, and drainage systems.Flooding risks in expanding Lomé
The World Bank highlights that Lomé is vulnerable to flooding, partly because of its rapid expansion and inadequate drainage systems in some outer areas. This poses a challenge for urban planning and infrastructure development.Modern architecture and imported models
In many African capitals, modern buildings are often associated with large glass facades and air conditioning. Tchakpala argues that this style persists because of a widespread belief that modernity equals imported designs, but he believes the goal should be to create modern architecture suited to local conditions.Using traditional materials for modern design
Tchakpala suggests that materials like raw earth and compressed earth bricks—often seen in rural or less developed areas—can be used to build contemporary structures. However, building with earth can be more expensive due to a shortage of skilled workers.Bioclimatic design as practical, not luxurious
He emphasizes that bioclimatic architecture—designing buildings to work with the local climate—is not a luxury but a practical approach. Architects should work closely with communities to ensure their needs are met and avoid creating solutions that do not fit local realities.AI and the role of architects
While artificial intelligence is increasingly used to create architectural designs, Tchakpala argues that AI cannot replace the need for architects to understand local contexts and integrate buildings into urban environments.Call for rethinking urban planning in Lomé
Tchakpala urges a rethinking of urban planning in Lomé, advocating for a city that reflects its own unique realities rather than adopting architectural models from other parts of the world.
