UNIVERSITY OF DAKAR CHEIKH ANTA DIOP HOUSING CAMPUS 8 years ago I embarked on a beautiful architecture journey in collaboration with Hardel le Bihan Architectes. Not many people know that I am an architect. People know me for my career in the art world. Truth is, I have been practicing architecture for the past 14 years discreetly behind the scenes (away from social media). But today, I would like to share with you this very special project: THE UNIVERSITY OF DAKAR CHEIKH ANTA DIOP HOUSING CAMPUS It all started back in January 2016 when I met Cyrille le Bihan and Mathurin Hardel, they were commissioned for the student lodgings of the University of Dakar and in search of a collaboration with a local architect in Senegal. We got along right away and so the journey began. One of the first things that they told me was that the site of the University was the last open green space in the over-densely built city of Dakar, and by all means we must find a way to preserve the pulmonary function of this area; I knew right then that I wanted to be a part of this project. “The cultural identity architect” is how we defined my role, because that was precisely the essence I had to bring forth. On top of the well-thought-of design by Hardel le Bihan, I was given the role to articulate the facades of the 14 new buildings designed to house thousands of students. The design is inspired from textile patterns and symbolism throughout West Africa. Each facade relates to a specific ethnic group with respect to its ancestral knowledge, which points back to the rightful faculties. In loving memories of Muhammad “Mika” Mbaye who contributed a great deal to the project management @hardel_lebihan_architectes le Bihan the whole beautiful team Amsa Client Redman AMO @colettekacoutie for your ongoing support @diabate.issa you are an inspiration, your feedback were precious @ousmanembaye_design for pushing me @somiandesign for sharing the vision @bibiseck for his amazing furniture design @marilenacrosato for her precious presence @lsguirandou.gallery for exhibiting the design process Photos © Schnepp Renou Sketches © By Alun Be for Hardel le Bihan