FOLIO: Journal of Contemporary African Architecture 

Supported by the AFI (African Futures Institute), FOLIO: Journal of Contemporary African Architecture is Africa’s newest, peer-reviewed journal of architecture, exploring and reflecting on issues, ideas, built projects, criticism and speculative work on a wide range of topics concerning architecture, urbanism and creative practice across Africa and the African diaspora. With articles, essays and projects ranging from landscape architecture to poetry-in-motion, FOLIO showcases the work of African and diasporic architects, practitioners and academics committed to shaping new discourses that define our contemporary built environments.

FOLIO Volume 3 “19.8”
Africa has the world’s youngest population. The median age across the continent is 19.8, almost half that of Europe and the United States. All the world’s top ten youngest countries are in Africa and the number of young people, defined as those between 15—24, is set to increase by 42% by 2030, a decade away. In this third volume, we are seeking contributions that examine the past, present and future impacts that this “youthful” statistic has on the built environment, both “at home” on the African continent, and more broadly in the African Diaspora. 

What are the architectural imaginaries of Africa’s youth? What new tools, structures, performance criteria are being developed by or for African youth to drive change within the built environment? How are these addressing the tension between tradition and contemporary culture? What geographical alliances and networks are driving forward engagement of African youth in the built environment? What role has social media played in the construction and circulation of African architectural aspirations, and how effective has it been in translation to realized projects? What impact has global youth culture had on Africa and its diaspora, and vice versa? What is the relationship between old and new? Do innovation and youth go hand-in-hand? What is the relationship between youth and urbanisation?

Please email your 300-500 word abstract to folio@africanfuturesinstitute.com no later than October 30, 2021. Up to five images may accompany your abstract. We are looking for critical, creative and conceptually innovative essays/projects that point to new possibilities, challenging convention and charting new terrain. 

Editor-in-Chief: Lesley Lokko
Guest editors: Nana Biamah-Ofosu and Lois Innes

Thanks to the Ford Foundation for its continuing support.