The exhibition FOODTOPIA by the Chair of Architectural Design and Participation showcases Bachelor's and Master's projects from the project studio "FOODTOPIA," which were developed during Winter Semester 2022/23.
Disruptions in global trading markets and the increase in energy and food prices have stressed the need to safeguard food security. There is a necessity to think about growing food locally and to develop adequate strategies for each context. The project FOODTOPIA proposes the development of architectural prototypes related to local food production in the water village of Ganvié.
Ganvié, also known as the ‚Venice of Africa‘, is a village of over 20,000 people located in Lake Nokoué in the south of Benin. The lake village is composed of buildings set on stilts, built mainly from wood and other plant derived materials. Throughout the centuries, the community has adapted to life on the water and transport is organized by boat. Due to its unique geographic conditions, Ganvié is also a popular tourist attraction. At the same time, the settlements on the lake are facing crucial environmental challenges.
Bachelor and Master students of the Chair of Architectural Design and Participation have developed projects around the challenges of local food production in Ganvié and associated architectural infrastructure.
The students have researched climatic, social and cultural conditions, building typologies, construction techniques, transport system and infrastructure, contacting members of the local community to gain insights of the daily life in the village. Each group has developed a specific issue regarding food production in Ganvié, proposing a site, a programmatic strategy and forms of participation for FOODTOPIA.
Projects of the Chair of Architectural Design and Participation develop a sensibility to contextual factors from which invention can arise, with a hands-on approach. Understanding the needs of the community is key to developing a strong program related to the specificities of place.
When:
Mon. - Thu., 20.04. - 02.05.2023, 9-12h
Where:
Chair of Architectural Design and Participation
R.3356