Boats and town on water
Interview with Kunlé Adeyemi | African Water Cities: Embedding Local Knowledge for Sustainable Coexistence between Humanity and the Environment

Authors

  • Kunlé Adeyemi NLÉ
  • Carlien Donkor Delft University of Technology
  • Matteo D'Agostino

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2023.1.10

Abstract

This interview highlights the extensive research project African Water Cities by architectural studio NLÉ, which explores intersections of rapid urbanization and climate change in the African context. NLÉ proposes new strategies for addressing water, culture and heritage management in Africa as Sub-Saharan Africa experiences the second-fastest rates of urbanization and population growth in the world. The discussion also addresses whether and how these strategies fit within the scope of the UN SDGs.

How to Cite

Adeyemi, K., Donkor, C., & D’Agostino, M. (2023). Interview with Kunlé Adeyemi | African Water Cities: Embedding Local Knowledge for Sustainable Coexistence between Humanity and the Environment. Blue Papers, 2(1), 98–111. https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2023.1.10

Published

2023-03-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2023): Water & Heritage for Sustainable Development

Section

methodologies and case studies

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biography

Kunlé Adeyemi, NLÉ

Kunlé Adeyemi is an architect, professor and development strategist whose works are internationally recognized for originality and innovation. He is the founder and principal of NLÉ – an architecture, design and urbanism practice founded in 2010. Kunlé’s notable works include “Makoko Floating System (MFS™)” – a groundbreaking, prefabricated, building solution for developments on water – deployed in five countries across three continents, with the latest iteration Mansa Floating Hub in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. This acclaimed project is part of NLÉ’s extensive body of work and new venture – Water Cities® Group and the African Water Cities Centre – focused on the intersections of rapid urbanization and climate change. Alongside his professional practice with multiple prestigious awards, Adeyemi is an international speaker and one of UNDP’s Africa in Development Supergroup members. He is currently an adjunct visiting professor at the University of Lagos, following appointments in various institutions including the universities of Harvard, Princeton, Cornell and Columbia.