Opening February 16 at the Center for Architecture, Architecture of Independence - African Modernism explores the complex legacy of Modern architecture and nation-building in 1960s and 70s postcolonial Africa, when many Sub-Saharan countries gained their independence and turned to experimental and futuristic architecture to express their national identities. Parliament buildings, central banks, stadiums, conference centers, universities and independence memorials were constructed, often featuring heroic and daring designs. This legacy is complicated by the fact that in most cases, the architects were not local, but came from countries such as Poland, Yugoslavia, the Scandinavian nations, Israel, or even from the former colonial powers. This exhibition builds on the 2015 book of the same name, and its accompanying show at the Vitra Design Museum Gallery in Germany. Illustrated with the rich photography of Iwan Baan and Alexia Webster, African Modernism examines the intersection of design and politics through the documentation of over eighty modernist buildings in Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Zambia. The editing, research, exhibition, and publication were a collaborative effort by Manuel Herz, Ingrid Schroder, Hans Focketyn, and Julia Jamrozik.

February 16 – May 27
The Center for Architecture
536 LaGuardia Pl
Details 

Thursday February 16, 6:00 pm
Exhibition opening event