Hosted by CUBE (London Metropolitan University), this public event was the first in the Afropolitan Architecture series.
"Public Architect" was the first of three 'dialogues' convened at the British Pavilion in the context of the Venice Biennale (2023), as part of the research and knowledge exchange initiative entitled “Afropolitan Architecture: Imagining the African Urban Future by Design” in which the Africa Centre, London, has come on board as project partner. Supported by London Metropolitan University's Rescaling Fund, the project is a collaboration between the Centre for Urban & Built Ecologies (CUBE) and Dalberg Advisers who have made the project possible with support in kind.
The intention of the dialogue series was to extend the energetic moment of the Biennale’s emergence, framed by Lesley Lokko’s curatorial provocation as the ‘laboratory of the future’, into the world of architectural practice and pedagogy with a number of key individuals positioned to consider what next. Under the rubric of ‘public architect’, three themes shaped the dialogue between resident discussant Mokena Makeka and guest speaker Tosin Oshinowo.
The first theme posed the question of becoming an architect. An architect is not pulled out of the box, ready-made, but emerges out of experiences, aspirations, and struggles. The second theme considered visibility, representation and the freedom to practice. What lessons can we learn about the opportunities and difficulties of being seen? Thirdly, the role of the ‘public intellectual’ is figured as a useful marker. To what extent can or should the architect be able to assume the role of a thought leader?
Speakers:
Mokena Makeka is a Principal of Dalberg Advisors. He is an accomplished architect, artist, creative, curator, global leader, scholar, speaker, and urbanist. Current and recent roles include the Azrieli Visiting Critic at Carleton University School of Architecture and Urbanism (2020), Adjunct Professor Cooper Union, Board member of the South African Green Building Council, and Cape Town Central City Improvement district. He is an alumnus of the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader programme, a member of the WCS Young Leaders in Urbanism, and an Aspen Fellow in leadership 2020. He is at the forefront of thinking about contemporary inclusive cities in Africa with a focus on ecological and socio-economic justice.
Tosin Oshinowo (Founding Principal of Oshinowo Studio, Nigeria; curator, Sharjah Architecture Triennial, 2023) is an award-winning Nigerian architect and designer. She is founder and principal of Oshinowo Studio (previously cmDesign Atelier), Lagos, which is known for expansive residential and commercial spaces and insights into socially-responsive approaches to urbanism. A deep respect for Yoruba culture and history is embodied in her designs, combined with a contemporary perspective on the next generation of African design and Afro-minimalism. She is curator of the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial and has previously partnered with Lexus, Venice Biennale, and Lagos Biennial.
Chair:
Matthew Barac is an architect, writer, and academic. He is Professor of Architecture and Urban Culture at London Metropolitan University where his roles include leading CUBE: Centre of Urban & Built Ecologies and the PhD programme in Art, Architecture & Design. He is Co-Investigator on the London Afropolitan project, and leads Afropolitan Architecture, a research and knowledge exchange initiative developed in collaboration Mokena Makeka which was launched at the Venice Biennale 2023.
Image: On location in Venice, with project team members and guest speaker Tosin Oshinowo (Matthew Barac, 2023)
