Founded by UK-based architects Bushra Mohamed and Nana Biamah-Ofosu, the interdisciplinary architecture, design and research practice Studio NYALI follows ‘a strong belief that architecture must be understood as the embodiment and artefact of the human experience’. Its ArchiAfrika Pavilion in Venice, which coincides with the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, is a case in point, exploring African futures – both in the continent and its diaspora – through its architecture, as well as the displays it holds.
The pavilion opened with the exhibition ‘The Course of Empire: A Compound House Typology’, alongside student work from the Kingston School of Art. The show explores the traditional compound house model found in Accra, Ghana, and the possibilities of its adaptability to the urban growth of various African and Western cities.
The 5x5m pavilion itself is composed of public, semi-public and private spaces, with its interior space hosting public events and its exterior serving as seating for visitors. The vibrant red colour of the structure is an aesthetic reference to the historic Jamestown neighborhood of Accra.
Carefully enveloped in the bright fabrics of Ghanaian wax prints, the roof, fully visible once inside, is ‘reminiscent of the canopy at Jamestown Café and Gallery founded by Joe Osae-Addo’.
In a time where many of us are reckoning with the fragility of futures that no longer appeal to us, the ArchiAfrika Pavilion is bridging nuances between the intricacies found in the architectures from Africa and its diaspora. It is asking us to reimagine our own futures; ones that we can invent, participate and belong in.
Studio NYALI is one of 200 participants in the European Cultural Commission’s Time Space Existence exhibition, running alongside Hashim Sarkis' 17th Venice Architecture Biennale, which is built around the theme ‘How Will We Live Together?’ The ArchiAfrika Pavilion is open to the public at the Giardini della Marinaressa in Venice until 21 November 2021.
INFORMATION
-
Two new books examine the art of the logo, from corporate coherence to rock excessPentagram’s new book reveals 1,000 brand marks, while the art of the band logo is laid bare in Logo Rhythm
-
Art, culture, watches & jewellery editor Hannah Silver’s gift guideFrom a Beryl Cook cushion to an offbeat diamond ring, there's something for everyone on this Wallpaper* editor's gift guide, embracing art, culture and style
-
Feldspar makes its mark on Mayfair with a festive pop-up at Corinthia HotelDevon-based bone china brand Feldspar makes its first foray into shopkeeping with a pop-up at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Ali Morris speaks with the founders and peeks inside
-
Venice Architecture Biennale 2025: a glimpse of what’s to come and Carlo Ratti's circular economy manifestoVenice Architecture Biennale 2025 curator Carlo Ratti talks about the theme, 'Intelligens' and launches his circular economy manifesto; the first glimpses into what’s to come at the festival's launch next spring
-
Carlo Ratti announced curator of Venice Architecture Biennale 2025Carlo Ratti has been revealed as the Director of the Architecture Department at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, with the specific task of curating the 19th International Architecture Exhibition
-
A Somali café by Omar Degan supports community in MogadishuArbe, a Somali café by Omar Degan, offers a gathering hub for the community in Mogadishu
-
Interactive exhibition at Procuratie Vecchie in Venice encourages coexistence and collaborationGenerali Group opens interactive exhibition ‘A World of Potential’ in the restored Procuratie Vecchie in Venice
-
Venice turns into ‘laboratory of the future’ with 18th Architecture Biennale openingCurator Lelsey Lokko’s theme, ‘The Laboratory of the Future’, brings passion, intensity and imagination to the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, while placing Africa at its heart
-
2023 British Pavilion offers diverse and dynamic installation at the 2023 Venice BiennaleThe 2023 British Pavilion, 'Dancing Before the Moon,' contributes a triumphant blend of ritual, music, and cross-cultural pollination to the biennale’s ‘laboratory of the future’
-
Brazil scoops 2023 Golden Lion award for national participation at the Venice Architecture BiennaleThe Brazil Pavilion won the prestigious 2023 Golden Lion award for best national participation, as announced at the Venice Architecture Biennale in Italy this weekend - along with more honours for individual and country-led installations
-
V&A's Tropical Modernism: a vivid look at architecture culture in newly independent GhanaSubtitled ‘Architecture and Power in West Africa’, V&A's 'Tropical Modernism' is a richly historical show at the 2023 Venice Biennale, perfectly aligned with the overarching theme of inclusion and exploration of modernism’s overlooked cultural impact
