African Modernism(s): Past/Present/Future

Please join us for a symposium held in conjunction with the exhibition Architecture of Independence – African Modernism.

African Modernism(s): Past/Present/Future explores the legacy of architectural modernism featured in the exhibition Architecture of Independence – African Modernism. It is vital to consider the complexity of modernism’s political and social agendas and the influence of this body of modernism on contemporary and future building projects in various parts of Africa. The afternoon symposium brings together scholars and architects to critically examine the modernism built in the 1950s and 1960s in post-colonial nations around the African continent. Architects will also discuss recently built works, including schools and health facilities, and share projects underway that address the future of architecture in African cities.

Past:
Moderator:
Mabel O. Wilson, Associate Professor of Architecture, Columbia GSAPP
Speakers:
Dr. Ikem Stanley Okoye, Associate Professor, Department of Art History, University of Delaware 
Yetunde Olaiya, pre-doctoral Riley Scholar-in-Residence and Visiting Instructor in Art, Colorado College

Present:
Moderator: 
Mario Gooden, AIA, Associate Professor of Practice,  Columbia GSAPP; Principal,  Huff + Gooden Architects
Speakers:
Giuseppe Lignano, Founding Partner, LOT-EK
Jeffrey Mansfield, Design Associate, MASS Design Group
Joseph G. Mizzi, Co-Founder and CEO, 14+ Foundation; President and Chief Operating Officer, Sciame Construction

Future:
Moderator: 
Mabel O. Wilson, Associate Professor of Architecture, Columbia GSAPP
Speakers:
Mark L. Gardner, AIA, NOMA, Principal, Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects
Mario Gooden, AIA, Associate Professor of Practice,  Columbia GSAPP; Principal,  Huff + Gooden Architects
Maurizio Bianchi Mattioli, LEED AP, Associate Architect, WORKac