Sub-Saharan Africa is a huge continent with 48 countries and a population of 1.20 billion with an average growth rate of 2.50%. It is a diverse continent be it culturally, environmentally and architecturally. The seminar shall provide an overview of the past, the present and future scenarios as understood by Professor emeritus Jørgen Eskemose, who has worked most of his
professional life on the continent.
The lectures will cast light on the colonial past, present day rapid unplanned urban development and the potential and challenges for the future. Despite the squalor of informal settlements, the rich vernacular architecture and the power and initiative by poor inhabitants give some hope for a brighter and more just future.
The event is part of the IBBL Spatial Planning course and is structured in four sessions:
1. Pre-colonial settlement. Colonial urbanisation and industrialisation
9.00-9.50 am.
• Urban Systems and Urban Architecture in the Indigenous Community
• Colonisation, Apartheid Urbanisation and Resource extraction/exportation
2. Independence and a new start
10.00-10.50 am.
• Euphoria and Challenges. African Socialism and the Urban Reality
• Organic Urbanism. Technical – and Social Service Provision
• Self-help Housing, Site and Service and Informal Settlement Upgrading
• Land tenure, Home-ownership, Tenants and the Right to Adequate Housing
3. Research. Strategic planning and housing approaches
11.00-12.00 am.
• Home Space research and Research by Design
• Urban Land Speculation and Planning Challenges
• Micro Urban Interventions and Students’ Projects
4. QA
13.00-14.00 am.
In the panel: Bjarke Rambøll, head of VE.dk. Johan Mottelsson, assistant professor at the Royal Danish Academy. Anton Ryslinge, CEO at Architects Without Borders
Time and place: The Royal Danish Academy, Auditorium 9
Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 from 9-14
