Les Africains ont la vraie architecture au monde. Arrêtons de bêtement copier l'occident!

Summary

This video explores the intersections of African architecture, local materials, and the impact of colonialism. The speaker emphasizes the need for innovation, advocating for the use of indigenous materials such as clay and bamboo, rather than imported Western methods. They critique modern construction practices and suggest that traditional techniques offer more sustainable solutions for Africa's future. The conversation also touches on the importance of rethinking design in spaces like bathrooms and showers, proposing healthier alternatives to Western fixtures. Ultimately, the speaker calls for a return to African architectural roots, blending tradition with modern innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker questions the severity and existence of COVID-19, suggesting it was exaggerated and may have been a psychological manipulation.
• 😀 They describe their personal recovery from COVID-19 using two small bottles of medication, which worked in just two days.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes Western-influenced architectural styles in Africa, advocating for the use of local, traditional materials.
• 😀 They argue that African architecture, which uses local materials like clay and bamboo, is more sustainable and better suited to the environment.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of African architects researching and innovating with local materials rather than relying on Western practices.
• 😀 There is a critique of modern construction practices, particularly the use of materials like Alicoband, which the speaker considers unsuitable for the local climate.
• 😀 The speaker calls for the dismantling of colonial and post-colonial architectural influences and the promotion of African traditional architecture.
• 😀 They suggest that materials like clay could be used for flooring in African homes, as they are natural and sustainable.
• 😀 The speaker warns against the use of bathtubs, particularly for women, as they can be a source of infections and promote the use of showers instead.
• 😀 There is an encouragement to embrace both modern and traditional African architectural styles, proving that they can coexist and contribute to a unique architectural identity.

Q & A

What was the speaker's experience with COVID-19 and the treatment they received?

The speaker contracted COVID-19 twice. The first time, they experienced confusion around the medication and vaccines, taking seven days to recover. The second time, they took two small bottles of medication and recovered in just two days, leading them to question whether COVID-19 truly existed, as their recovery seemed so rapid.

How does the speaker view the impact of COVID-19 in Africa?

The speaker believes that the COVID-19 pandemic was exaggerated and created as a psychological phenomenon. They feel that the disease was potentially used to create fear and that Africans are resilient, as they did not experience the same level of impact as other regions. They suggest the pandemic was partly aimed at African populations.

What is the speaker's perspective on Western architectural influence in Africa?

The speaker is critical of Western architectural styles and materials being adopted in Africa. They believe that these designs, such as the use of materials like 'alicoband' in building facades, are unsuitable for the African climate and do not reflect the true needs of the people. They argue for the revival and study of traditional African construction methods.

What does the speaker suggest about traditional African construction methods?

The speaker emphasizes that traditional African construction methods, particularly using local materials like clay, are more appropriate for the environment. They advocate for research into these materials and techniques rather than relying on Western imports, which they see as potentially harmful or unsustainable.

How does the speaker feel about colonial and post-colonial architecture in Africa?

The speaker believes that colonial and post-colonial architecture was designed to suppress traditional African methods and create a commercial system that benefits outsiders. They view these architectural styles as part of an effort to undermine indigenous practices and promote foreign interests.

What alternative building materials does the speaker suggest could be used in African architecture?

The speaker suggests the use of bamboo, which has excellent elastic properties, as a potential material for construction in Africa. They also allude to another plant with superior fiber properties but choose not to name it, emphasizing the need for research into these natural alternatives.

What is the speaker's view on the use of bathtubs in homes?

The speaker believes that bathtubs are a source of infections, especially for women, and advocates for the use of showers instead. They argue that bathtubs can trap bacteria, and showers are a cleaner and more hygienic option for modern living.

What traditional African methods does the speaker mention for bathing and how could they be adapted?

The speaker refers to traditional African methods of bathing, which involve using bamboo and natural water sources. They suggest that these methods could be adapted and innovated upon to create a locally designed version of a modern shower that is more suited to African needs and resources.

How does the speaker view the relationship between African culture and modern architecture?

The speaker believes that African culture and modern architecture can coexist and even thrive together. They advocate for a modern African architecture that incorporates indigenous knowledge and local materials, rather than merely copying Western designs. This, they believe, would create a unique and sustainable architectural identity for the continent.

What is the speaker’s call to action for African architects?

The speaker calls on African architects to innovate and conduct research into indigenous materials and methods. They urge architects not to rely on Western imports but to explore local solutions that better suit African climates and needs. This would involve creating architecture that is both modern and distinctly African.