An Odyssey in Domestic Space

Research
Human Ecologies, Domestic Space Odysseys, Inclusive Cities
Research and workshop series around the theme of affordable and sustainable housing in four African cities: Addis Ababa, Algiers, Dakar and Cotonou
  • MissionDevelopment and coordination of a research cycle, creation of pedagogic elements and communication material, organisation of workshops, partnerships with international institutions and conferences
  • Budget50 k€ HT
  • PartnersThe African Union, The Center for Affordable Housing in Africa, The French Embassy in Addis Ababa, Institut Français Algiers, EiABC, University of Algiers
  • Location, dateAddis, 2016; Alger, 2017; Dakar, 2025; Cotonou, 2027
  • PhotographyNew South, Alexandre Linguanotto

Faced with the rural exodus and the demographic explosion that is currently being experienced by the African continent, we wished to question modalities for the fabrication of housing in its cities. The research cycle initiated in response focuses on four capital cities with varying climatic specificities. Within this framework, a research and design workshop resulted in the construction of a pavilion that explores the domestic processes of the single family house in Addis Ababa, through the concept of a membrane and the identification of simplified uses: where to sleep, to cook, to eat, to live.

While offering opportunities to international participants, our priority is to promote the vision of local students, particularly during the design process
The question of uses and the designation of spaces are key: according to the languages spoken, different terms and their meanings are explored

This composite structure aims to avoid a prescribed form, but to serve as a laboratory and teaching tool for the university campus it occupies, able to accommodate the students’ material and structural experiments. The primary construction materials are reused brick and locally sourced bamboo.

Brick sourced from the deconstruction of colonial villas and locally gathered bamboo were used for construction in Addis Ababa
From collective design to pedagogic construction site

Each workshop involves an interdisciplinary network of architects, urban planners, artists, philosophers and international researchers.

See also