Stephanie G. Mathis Franciskere is a 56-year-old internationally renowned architect. He was born in Gando in Burkina Faso. Through education, he changed his destiny and became one of the most prominent figures in the African Diaspora.
Francis was forced to leave his home as a young child to go to school in the closest town. Kere, driven by his optimism and the knowledge that education was the only thing that could change his country, moved to Berlin to study architecture and carpentry on a scholarship. Kere designed a Gando primary school even before he completed his studies.
In Germany, he founded an association called Kere Foundation to raise money to build the school. The association was originally named Bricks for Gando but later changed to Kere Foundation.
What type of architecture is known about him?
The school in Gando is a sustainable building model. The building allows cooling air to circulate through it and around it. Its innovative use of readily available local resources, both in terms of materials and labour is another.
The power of architecture has been demonstrated to inspire and uplift.
The first school in Gando, built-in 2001 using this model, encouraged further projects. Another school then implemented a library. The buildings have, in turn, attracted others to build around them. Even the villages that surround Gando have built schools using Gando’s cooperative model.
It is only when architecture has a significant impact on the environment in which it operates that it can be called a powerful architecture. The entire nation felt the impact. Less than 15 years after he built his first school in Burkina Faso, Kere was asked to design the national parliament. The project also went beyond the borders of the country to the rest of Africa and even further. Benin, Kenya, Mali, and Mozambique are all projects that have taken place in Africa. There have been many projects around the world, including in Europe, America, and Asia. Kere’s School inspired my work as an architect in Angola.
What is the Pritzker Prize?
The highest honor in architecture. Each year, it’s awarded to architects who have produced outstanding work. It is the 45th Edition this year.
Historically, the prize honored the designers of iconic buildings, but in the last few years, this has changed. In 2021, the French duo Lacaton & Vassal was recognized for their advocacy of social justice and sustainability. In 20Gando’sChilean Alejandro Aravena won the award for his design of several social housing projects, and in 2014, it was awarded to Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Besides creating architecture, Shigeru Ban also volunteers for disaster relief.
Why is Kere’s victory important?
Kere’s work in these confusing times is a beautiful example of how architecture can provide a better tomorrow and catalyze local progress. His project shows how an architect’s job is more than just designing walls, doors, and windows. He does this with elegance, rigor, and beauty. His work demonstrates a strong concern for climate change and budget, as well as a desire to involve local communities in the construction and design of the building itself.
Kere’s research suggests we can only know whether a building is suitable for its inhabitants once it has been inhabited. A metal roof that provides shade and shelters walls from rain could become a playground for kids who climb the roofs like trees.
Kere was commissioned to design the 2017 Serpentine Pavilion in London. Shutterstock
Many other architects have been inspired by his ability to use local materials and adapt buildings to their surroundings.
What could Kere do to make the world better?
Kere’s works resonate on a worldwide scale. His buildings are social transformations. They create conditions that go beyond architectural discourse and promote civic responsibility.
