The World Ahead | Culture in 2024
A new era for west African architecture
Buildings that bridge tradition and modernity are taking shape
By Claire McQue
The history of colonisation still stands tall across west African cities. Benin’s politicians pass laws in a French-built villa. Modernist architecture was brought to Ghana by British colonists. If public buildings help shape a country’s identity, perhaps it is no wonder the region is looking for new ones. In 2024 several grands projets will be completed across west Africa, heralding an exciting new era of architecture that represents democracy, modernity and sustainable development.
This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition of The World Ahead 2024 under the headline “Constructive progress”
