In Dakar, an imposing baobab tree stands at the heart of a building that is intended to be both an architectural statement and a living space. Designed by Francis Kéré, the new headquarters of the Goethe-Institut embodies a unique vision: that of sustainable architecture, deeply rooted in African realities.
True to his principles, the architect, the only African to have received the prestigious Pritzker Prize, favors simple, locally sourced materials. Red clay bricks from West Africa form perforated walls that promote natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. The building, estimated at nearly $4 million, thus relies on a passive thermal regulation system, perfectly suited to the tropical climate.
At the heart of the structure, the baobab tree is not merely a landscape feature: it forms the axis around which the spaces are organized. A powerful symbol in West Africa, this "talking tree" embodies a place for gathering and dialogue. "All the building's functions will revolve around this baobab," emphasizes Francis Kéré, advocating for an architecture that conveys meaning as much as it conveys form.
A philosophy forged in Gando
Originally from the village of Gando in Burkina Faso, Francis Kéré built his approach on experience and necessity. His first project, a primary school designed to address the lack of infrastructure, already used stabilized earth bricks and an ingenious raised roof system to protect against heat and rain. More than twenty years later, these principles remain central to his work.
Having settled in Germany after training in carpentry and then architecture, he now heads the firm Kéré Architecture, whose projects extend far beyond the African continent. Yet, the architect insists: every building must engage with its surroundings. "Whenever possible, I look for locally sourced materials," he explains, mentioning in particular the innovative use of red rock in Las Vegas for a future museum.
Challenging preconceived ideas about materials
Francis Kéré laments the persistence of an urban vision dominated by concrete and glass, relegating materials like clay to constructions deemed precarious. He firmly contests this view, advocating for a rehabilitation of vernacular techniques in contemporary cities.
His approach is also based on pragmatic environmental thinking: reducing the carbon footprint by choosing the most suitable resources. "If a material generates too many emissions, I simply switch to another one," he says, asserting a creative freedom fueled by constraints.
A global work, between Africa and the world
While Dakar perfectly illustrates this philosophy, Francis Kéré's projects are multiplying internationally. In Benin, he is working on the future National Assembly building, also inspired by the palaver tree. In Burkina Faso, he recently completed a mausoleum dedicated to Thomas Sankara and continues to build schools despite a deteriorating security situation.
Further afield, in Las Vegas and Rio de Janeiro, his projects demonstrate global recognition. In Brazil, he notably designed the "Biblioteca dos Saberes", conceived as a "temple of knowledge".
Despite this expansion, Francis Kéré affirms one priority: not to turn away from Africa. "It is here that I started, and it is here that I feel I am most needed," he confides.
