AFRICA and DESIGN

This is an architectural design of an affordable house developed by an Architectural Student of University of Ibadan. He wanted to solve the problem of high housing cost without infringing on the aesthetics.

Africa has an emerging economy that has always been appealing and attractive to prospective international investors because of the ever increasing demand of systems, and processes needed to explore the raw potentials (people and materials) in a very optimal manner that will ensure productivity and benefits for all.

However, design has never been seen as a worthy task to embark upon in Africa as people see it as an intangible and abstract endeavour. But in order to realize the future Africa and its progressive citizens have envisioned in key areas of development, DESIGN is very important.

Unfortunately, we cherish designers from outside Africa. This simple act of negligence has resulted to economic imbalances, infrastructural problems and epileptic resource management. This is because we now rely on outsiders to do our thinking for us.

Design has always been one of the most widely sought after services in the developed regions of the world but it has been played down by underdeveloped and developing countries. Therefore Africa must begin to cultivate the habit of taking designs seriously more than before. If we want to rise and become formidable Africans must rise to the task of coming up with indigenous designs that are responsive to the African terrain.

Because Africa is not interested in Design, it is very hard to design responsive systems and technologies to meet Africa’s genuine needs therefore Africa will always depend on foreign technologies to response to issues that are particular to Africa. If Africa would not rise to take the business of design seriously, we will always be in the shadow of other developed regions of the world.

Many design-based firms in Africa face the problem of taking up production and marketing responsibilities because Design is not enough to convince many African of the value that is being offered. This has been a major issue affecting the Design Industry in Africa. No organization wants to focus solely on Design because it is not seen as an important part of development.

Image credit: Pixabay

Attention must be given to the Design Industry for the purpose of initiating an Innovation Revolution that would open many Africans to a world of possibilities and opportunities towards lasting development.

Viable design contributes directly or indirectly to the economic growth of any country in terms of industrialization, employment, etc. It directly and indirectly affects all industries. Many conventional industries have been relying on various kinds of design services for efficiency in operation from outside Africa and this affects African economy in so many ways like unemployment, reduced cash flow and being at the weak side of leverage.

Africa must take the work of Design seriously if we want to be sustainable and independent!