There is an increasing character of abandoned buildings in many African cities and Limbo Accra; a spatial design practice, roots itself in the experimentation of their repair, reuse, and transformation. The practice views these buildings as a unique architectural typology that includes key city landmarks, from the abandoned Independence house in Lagos to the incomplete airport tower in Accra, amongst others. They see them as major opportunities for modern public space and as symbolic sites for spatial justice. Through techniques such as photogrammetry, Limbo Accra has been creating a digital archive of these buildings and collaborating with artists and designers to propose new prospects for them. ArchDaily had the opportunity to speak with Dominique Petit-Frère, the co-founder of Limbo Accra, about the collective character of these buildings, Limbo Accra’s approach to their transformation, and navigating challenges in the adaptive reuse of these structures.
Limbo Accra: The Latest Architecture and News
Highlights from the Sharjah Triennial: 10 Installations Exploring the Beauty of Impermanence
Running from November 11, 2023 until March 10, 2024, The Sharjah Architecture Triennial celebrates innovations in the built environment, particularly in the global south. The main goal of the display is to draw attention to sustainable, accessible, and equitable futures while highlighting the value of alternative responses to resource constraints. As the event draws to a close, ArchDaily explores 10 architectural installations that respond to the overarching theme through various mediums.
Curated by Tosin Oshinowo under the theme “The beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability,” the triennial has contributions from 29 architects and studios across 25 countries. From 51-1 Arquitectos transforming an unapproachable place into a dynamic play space featuring popular board games from various regions to Al Borde redefining a space with a custom-designed shading structure made with natural materials, the Sharjah Architecture Triennial presents a diverse array of architectural interventions. WaiWai's showcase spotlights three instances of modern architecture in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, highlighting their significant evolution. DAAR's "Concrete Tent" combines elements of a mobile tent and concrete house, exploring the concept of "permanent temporariness.” These installations offer innovative perspectives on adaptability, sustainability, and cultural significance within the architectural landscape.
First Participants Announced for 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial
The 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) will take place from November 11th, 2023 to March 10th, 2024, under the theme "The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability". Focusing on how scarcity in the Global South has led to a culture of re-use, re-appropriation, innovation, collaboration, and adaptation, the second edition of the architectural exhibition, curated by Tosin Oshinowo, aims to shift global conversations towards creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.