Architect Issa Diabaté has urged future professionals in architecture and urban planning to design solutions adapted to Ivorian realities. He was speaking at the inaugural conference of the academic year at the National School of Architecture and Urbanism (ENSAU) of the University of Bondoukou. Diabaté emphasized the need for students to understand the challenges they will face and to develop solutions tailored to the country's specificities.
Diabaté, Director-General of Koffi & Diabaté Architects and co-founder of the Koffi & Diabaté Group, highlighted the importance of taking into account Côte d'Ivoire's geography, climate, environment, and social realities. He noted that the country is experiencing rapid demographic growth and urbanization, which poses significant challenges for housing and urban planning. According to Diabaté, students must consider these factors when designing solutions for the future.
The architect also emphasized the need for students to integrate the impact of technological advancements, such as digitalization and artificial intelligence, into their designs. He noted that the methods of conception and urban planning will evolve and that students must be prepared to adapt. Diabaté encouraged students to be curious and to draw on local knowledge and practices to enrich their academic studies.
Diabaté expressed his hope that the ENSAU will contribute to the development of Bondoukou by providing solutions tailored to the region's specific needs. He encouraged students to engage with local communities and to capitalize on existing knowledge. The architect also called on experienced professionals to share their knowledge with the next generation.
The President of the University of Bondoukou, Pr Ouattara Djakalia, stated that the conference aimed to complement students' training with exchanges with professionals in the sector. He explained that the establishment of the ENSAU in Bondoukou aims to provide training that meets local needs and to make the institution a reference in the training of architecture and urban planning professionals in Africa.
The conference brought together several experts, including urban planner Youssouf Ouattara, interior architect Jean-Baptiste Lerro, and Dr. Kouamé Samuel Antwi, an interior architect and designer. The discussions focused on urban planning, land management, infrastructure, urban governance, contemporary architecture, design, cultural identity, and the valorization of local heritage and knowledge in the design of future cities.
The establishment of the ENSAU in Bondoukou reflects the government's desire to develop regional universities that offer training adapted to local needs. The university aims to become a reference in the training of architecture and urban planning professionals in Africa. Key issues discussed during the conference will inform the training of future professionals in the sector.
Key points
- Architect Issa Diabaté urges students to design solutions tailored to Ivorian realities.
- The conference aimed to complement students' training with exchanges with professionals in the sector.
- The establishment of the ENSAU in Bondoukou aims to provide training that meets local needs.
