Architecture exhibition comes to Namibia

Architecture exhibition comes to Namibia Archaeology of the future-the landscape of tomorrow An exciting exhibition by architects residing in Namibia which has been on display in Rome, Italy, since last year is coming to Namibia. The title of the exhibition was born when Italian architect Cinzia Abbate visited the Twyfelfontein Visitors' Centre, where she appreciated how a contemporary building could be inseparable from its context, ready to dissolve into its environment, thus becoming the archaeology of the future.

Cinzia introduced Namibian architect Nina Maritz to Livio Sacchi in 2015, then president of the OAR (the Rome and Province Chamber of Architects), who expressed an interest in supporting an architectural exchange between Namibia and Italy. Maritz initiated a work group of interested members of the architectural community in Namibia, who compiled a synopsis of Namibian architecture, through research and the participation of members of the Namibia Institute of Architects who contributed project material.

The exhibition comprises a snapshot of the current work of Namibian architects, placed in the context of history and location. It covers the influences of landscape, starting with the ancient geology of the country and travels through the different areas of the coast, hinterland, north and south. It considers cultural and material influences and ponders whether there can be a contemporary Namibian style. It looks at the most recent projects placed in urban and rural situations, and zooms in onto urban development in Windhoek. Faced with the legacy of apartheid and rapid urbanisation, the capital city is a microcosm of Namibian society, with architecture playing a role in various socio-economic spheres, from rich to poor, from private to public.

This exhibition will be in the National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) Main Gallery from 20 April until 6 May 2017.

June Shimuoshili