The African House [TAH]- Exploring Spatial Exchanges Through the African Diaspora /// For project Introduction; Outline & Methodology; Background Research and Credits please click on Full Text.
Introduction - The African House [TAH]
Despite the massive economical impact of Diaspora groups within host countries - as well as in home countries, immigrants have remained invisible for a long period. This is now changing and the influence of immigrant groups in our globalized world is, on both sides, often experienced as disturbing.
It is time to start looking for the unseen opportunities and positive impulses that can be found within the Diaspora for both host and home grounds.
TAH wants to explore these opportunities in & for the built environment.
The usual approach to address issues related to immigration tends to be focused on ‘problem solving’. This project aims to reveal the richness of immigrant groups and tries to go back to the cultural roots as a basis for future development. It researches the influence of (African) immigrants in The Netherlands and of the (African) Diaspora in their countries of origin.
TAH plans to achieve these objectives through different activities that include:
- a series of workshops, whose primary function is to gather content & support for discussion on
possible urban developments
- a conference followed by a debate, whose primary function is to gather Scientifics
and decision-makers in the field of urban development around workshops findings
- an exhibition, whose primary function is to share workshop and conference findings
with the wider community
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Outline & Methodology
The main purpose is to create a platform for local residents, urban experts, architects, and policymakers, with a view to exchanging knowledge/experience and provide a new meaning to urban regeneration. To create such a platform, TAH has opted for a methodology that would allow maximum interaction among participants. A series of workshops will be conducted in order to highlight the positive benefice of integrating African architectural elements in the Dutch current living environment.
The participants, a group of around 20 immigrants from similar backgrounds (i.e a group of Ghanaians/ a group of Moroccans) visualize and describe how (a-Past) they experienced their home country living environment (b-Present) they use their current environment in the Netherlands and finally (c- Future) they project their vision of their future living environment.
These sessions will be organized around creative methods of data collection. The idea is to leave the door open for free discussion around what constitutes the African architectural identity and to monitor the debate. The method chosen provides participants with the opportunity to raise all related issues they associate with urban development (socio-cultural, economical, architectural etc) and to discuss them at length. The purpose of these sessions is to provide a strong focus for participants and produce materials that will be used in an exhibition and for reflection during a conference, where policy makers and urban developers will be invited to reflect and exchange views, expertise and opinions. Conclusions will be drawn regarding the position of the Diaspora, the meaning of Africa and the Netherlands, and recommendations for future development for the built environment.
The purpose of organizing an exhibition where both the input of the local and scientific communities will be represented is to present various issues raised, show similarities, divergences and common vision for the future of the urban environment.
The expected outcome will be to raise public interest around a meaningful representation of the
perception of the local community of their living environment and a public platform whereby
intercommunity and sociopolitical interaction can take place.
This exhibition will thrive to enhance the social debate on the need for urban regeneration to a level of mutual understanding and common interest.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Research conducted as a pretext to The African House Project:
DVD: The African House; Exploring Spatial Exchanges Through the African Diaspora
- TRAILER: THE AFRICAN HOUSE
Background: In May 2007 a trailer was made as an introduction. Presented in June 2007 at the conference African Architecture Today in Kumasi (Ghana) this preview provoked a great interest on the influence of the Diaspora in terms of African architecture developments and helped review certain aspects of the agenda.
Film Synopsis:
Is it better back home, or do we prefer living in the Netherlands? The African House trailer shows the actors of Ghana Agoromma and other immigrants discuss pros and cons of both realities. Is the grass greener on the other side?
---------------------------------------------------------------
- TRANSFORMATION OF SPACES & GHANA@50
Background: In September 2007, the concept of transformation of spaces under the influence of the Diaspora was researched in London, with the help of Bukka trust, a group of young Nigerian
architects working in London. This resulted in two short films, one of them focusing on a Ghanaian contractors fair in London, yearly held for the Diaspora market. (see DVD)
Film Synopsis: TRANSFORMATION OF SPACES
During Transition of Spaces Godson Egbo and Giles Omezi from Bukka guide the audience through the areas in London, subject to transformation. Trade, religion and celebrations travel along with the new Londoners, find new grounds and transform the spaces to a new reality.
Film Synopsis: GHANA@50
Ghanaian contractors and developers in search for the Diaspora market, initiated the Ghana@50 Fair in London and Amsterdam. Successful immigrants can order their house for family and their return at pension ages.
---------------------------------------------------------------
- INTERVIEW WITH NAANA
Background: In October 2007, in a student project in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture of the
Delft University of Technology a trailer presenting interviews conducted with several Ghanaian residents from the Amsterdam Zuidoost area was made. The content analysis of these interviews had a decisive influence on the focus of the initial project. The concept on an African “house” was enlarged to the public shared area: the idea to address not only the house but also its relations to the surrounding public space and other intangible aspects (like culture, religion, commerce, art etc.) became a crucial aspect. The results were presented at
the African Perspectives event (6 – 8 December 2007) at the Faculty of Architecture of the Delft University of Technology (see also www.africanperspectives.nl)
Film Synopsis: INTERVIEW WITH NAAANA
In the Inteview with Naana, a Ghanaian immigrant in the Netherlands, she explains that Amsterdam Southeast provides the perfect match between Africa and the Netherlands. Escaping from Alkmaar she feels at home there, but also appreciates her own living environment.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Project team:
ArchiAfrika:
Celia Tchengang
Nienke Blaauw
Berend van der Lans
Rachel Jenkins
[during the first phase Robert van Kats coordinated the project]
STAND / Stichting Afrika Naast de Deur:
Toni Kofi, president of the foundation.
Trailer:
Coordination - Robert van Kats
Script and Interviews – Veerle Denissen & Willem Jan Landman
Director - Veerle Denissen
Camera – Ramon Boers
Sound – Marc Conen
Editing – Ramon Boers & Veerle Denissen
Drama - Ghana Agoromma
* STAND/ Stichting Afrika Naast de Deur (Foundation Africa Next Door) was established by a joint initiative of some idealist Dutch Students of Amsterdam University and some Africans in Amsterdam in 1989. The Key reason to the formation of STAND is to give a viable African presence in the Netherlands on issues of development and education for both the Africans and their chosen country of residence. STAND’s major areas of operation deal with feasibility studies, mobilization and activities that enrich the Africans by means of study-days, workshops and weekend educational conferences. It has more far-reaching programs that relate to the current needs and aspirations of its core groups. STAND does believe in subsidies but only for specific and concrete projects or programs that benefit its target groups. STAND takes care of itself by means of earning income for its office operations and costs through activities.
