The École d'architecture d'Abidjan (EAA) in Côte d'Ivoire has held its annual solemn rentrée, marking the beginning of the academic year. The event, which took place on October 10, 2026, at Cocody, was themed "D'Attécoubé à Bingerville: how to live with dignity in Abidjan, which will host 10 million inhabitants by 2030." The ceremony brought together administrative authorities, ministerial representatives, construction and urban planning stakeholders, parents, and students.
Amon Joseph, President of the Ordre des architectes de Côte d'Ivoire (OACI) and Chairman of the EAA Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of integrating Ivoirian cultural values into the training of future architects. He noted that a school's uniqueness lies in its strengths and a nation's distinctiveness is rooted in its cultural values. Joseph encouraged students to be diligent, persistent, and committed to their studies, highlighting that these qualities are essential for success in architectural education.
The President of the OACI also advocated for increased emphasis on the English language in the curriculum, citing its significance in international exchanges and partnerships. He stressed that proficiency in English is crucial for students to pursue their careers beyond Côte d'Ivoire's borders. Paul Aké Blanchard, Director-General of the EAA, announced two new initiatives: "Vendredi artistique et culturel" and dedicating Fridays to English language practice.
The "Vendredi artistique et culturel" initiative aims to promote artistic expression, cultural diversity, and students' identity through African-inspired attire. This program seeks to foster creativity, cultural heritage appreciation, institutional cohesion, and a sense of school identity. The second initiative focuses on making the EAA a bilingual institution by encouraging regular English language practice among students and staff.
Director-General Blanchard highlighted that these innovations aim to enhance students' linguistic skills, improve their oral communication, and prepare them to present and defend their architectural projects effectively. He also mentioned a recent mission to Canada, where discussions were held with several institutions, including the University of Montreal and McGill University, to explore potential collaborations.
Gohi Raïssa Grâce, Deputy Academic Director of the EAA, outlined the school's academic priorities, including organizing remedial courses for struggling students, strengthening ties with professional and academic circles, and promoting internationalization. The EAA plans to facilitate exchanges, workshops, and conferences with industry professionals and institutions to familiarize students with the realities of the professional world.
The EAA also intends to establish cultural, sports, and artistic clubs in collaboration with the student council to promote students' overall development, creativity, and teamwork. By implementing these initiatives, the EAA aims to produce highly skilled and globally competitive architects who can contribute to Côte d'Ivoire's development and make a mark in the international architectural community.
Key points
- The École d'architecture d'Abidjan (EAA) is prioritizing cultural heritage, English language training, and internationalization to produce architects who can compete globally.
