Reviving West Africa's Architectural Heritage: The Debate on Restoration and Preservation

The Significance of Palais de Lomé

Beneath mango trees in the lush garden of the Palais de Lomé, a historic estate in Togo, students from the African School of Architecture and Urban Planning (EAMAU) engage in sessions on archiving. Originally established in 1905, this palace served various colonial governors and later the Togolese presidency before falling into disuse in the 1990s. After a five-year restoration, it reopened to the public in 2019, now showcasing exhibitions that celebrate records from across West and Central Africa, including the Nana Benzes, known for their wax prints.

Architectural Conversations

Sandra Lawson, the founding director of the Palais de Lomé renovation, emphasizes the palace's role as a center of power and a venue for architectural discussions. In November, the first Lomé Architectural Encounters forum was held, featuring speakers like Nana Biamah-Ofosu discussing the African compound house and showcasing an exhibition on tropical modernism.

The Dilemma of Abandoned Buildings

Abandoned structures are common in West Africa, often resulting from government mismanagement and inefficiency. Some have even become landmarks. Dominique Petit-Frère, a speaker at the forum, shared a personal story of a family building project that took 25 years to complete. The Palais de Lomé stands as an exception, sparking conversations about preserving architectural heritage in Africa.

The Fate of Hotel de la Paix

Less than three miles from the Palais, the Hotel de la Paix, once a symbol of Togo's post-independence aspiration, now faces demolition due to neglect and mismanagement. Architect Sabrina Bako advocates for solutions to preserve such architectural heritage, stressing that the decision ultimately lies with politicians.

The Broader Context

Architect Olufemi Hinson Yovo highlights a regional disdain for heritage, noting the common practice of destroying buildings unless they attract tourism. Despite the presence of architecture programs in universities, experts call for an updated curriculum to meet local needs.

Grassroots Initiatives

In response to the slow political change, private citizens are stepping up. Initiatives like Dakarmorphose in Dakar aim to map and celebrate the city’s heritage, while Limbo Accra seeks to transform unfinished buildings and has created a digital repository to explore solutions for urban challenges.

Yovo hopes such initiatives will inspire further action, acknowledging that while restoring places like Palais de Lomé is monumental, the region needs even more efforts to preserve its architectural legacy.