Architecture as Nation-Building: Modernism and Independence in Africa

"Launched in September 2024, the Rediscovering Modernism in Africa series joined a growing worldwide interest in this topic. Previously underrepresented in architectural discussions, the work of architects and researchers on the continent and abroad has continued to tell the story of these high-quality modern works of architecture. These buildings represent designers striving to create locally suited architecture using global concepts and technologies, coinciding with huge political changes as most African countries gained their independence."

"Rediscovering Modernism in Africa explored a multiplicity of themes under 'Modernism' in 'Africa.' Modernism here is understood as the architecture of the Modern Movement initiated by architects like Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius in mainland Europe in the early twentieth century. Together with the rejection of history, it was characterized by a focus on function, the dismissal of ornament, and the innovative use of new materials and structural capabilities."

Rediscovering Modernism in Africa launched in September 2024 and joined a growing international interest in mid-century African modernist architecture. Architects and researchers on the continent and abroad have documented high-quality modern buildings that combine global concepts and technologies with local adaptation. Designers aimed to create locally suited architecture during a period of profound political change as most African countries gained independence. Modernism refers to the Modern Movement initiated by Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, characterized by functional focus, rejection of ornament and historical precedent, and innovative use of new materials and structural capabilities. These qualities facilitated Modernism's transferability to Africa during decolonization.

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