dialogues on architecture, urbanism, and much more
Almost four decades ago the town of Arua, located in the West Nile region of Uganda, was little more than an outpost. According to the guidebooks, at least. It “has two hotels … there are shops, a bank, golf and tennis and an airstrip.” While it has changed a great deal in the years since, …
This one is taken from the archives. I wrote this in 2012. I still feel the same. Also, September needed a blog post.Enjoy. I see you through the eyes of others Whose written words are clear images Of places I have yet to visit And smells and sights and sounds I have yet to encounter …
Once upon a time, I was a college student, living for the most part in the insular world of design school, force-fed (not really) with ideas that were not my own. In many ways, I was trying to find myself, to define the architectural niche into which I felt I fit best. I was at …
Theaster Gates has proven to be quite the motivator. I had never heard of him until today. After a somewhat long work day, I was looking for a productive way to relax, so I turned to my laptop and decided to do some TED browsing. I love TED talks – the amount of information …
On my boss’ recommendation, I watched a PBS documentary on Costas Kondylis, a man I had never heard of prior to yesterday. He has made quite a mark on the Manhattan skyline, and while his aesthetic is subjective, one thing that seems clear is that he is a man of the people. And by …
I came across this really interesting TED talk – I am surprised that I did not come across it sooner. The possibilities in Africa with something like this are endless! Here’s to “cities being developed by citizens.”
Drizzly morning walks under Jacaranda trees. Lunch and laughter at Java. Bargaining and bustling at the second hand market. Bumpy matatu rides after a long, hot day. The smell of diesel fumes during the rush hour jam. Power blackouts and kerosene lamps. The prime time catch-up (when electricity’s back). Family, friends, and so much more. …
When I visited Nairobi in August of 2012 to do some research for my thesis project, I was broke. Yaani, I had sotad seriously. As I am unsure whether that word is still part of the Sheng vocabulary, I will try and stick to English from now on. I was a poor student with limited …
The Nairobi Metropolitan Development ministry declares its objective for the city to all and sundry on its website: “to be a world class African metropolis.” While it reads a bit like a generic résumé opener, I believe it is a worthy and achievable goal, provided my understanding of its terms is correct. If by …