‘Modern Architecture in Africa’ is one of the few Western studies of modern African architecture. The architect Antoni Folkers calls into question the moralistic, simplified Western Modernism that has become stranded in the African savannah. The critique of the one-sidedness of Western architecture is not only theoretical, but also assumes a practical form in the pluriform and multi-coloured architecture of Africa.

Clash and blending
After studying at the TU Delft, Antoni Folkers went to Africa in 1984 to become acquainted with the critique of the practice of Western Modernism. His ‘Modern architecture in Africa’ shows both the clash and the blending of ‘original’ African architecture with Modernism. On the basis of his experiences, he sets the potential and limitations of Modernism in a cultural context and links them with the history and development of Africa.

Documentation of forms
On the basis of practical examples, Folkers documents and describes the hybrid architectural forms that have emerged from the confrontation and blending with (pre-)modern Western architecture and urbanism. He narrates in passing the history of African architecture.

Dutch edition
This book is published in English. Click on the title 'In publieke opdracht' in de left column of theis page for the Dutch edition.

This publication has been made possible through funding by the Stimuleringsfonds voor Architectuur and the BKVB Foundation.

Antoni Folkers is an architect and urbanist. He moved to Africa in the 1980s, where he set up the firm FBW architects with branches in Kampala (Uganda), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and elsewhere. Since 2000 Folkers and his practice have been based in Utrecht. He is the founder and director of the ArchiAfrika platform.