In West Africa, they are debating the preservation of their architecture

Hotel de la Paix (1972-74) in Lomé

Lomé (Togo) – Unfinished or abandoned buildings are a typical landscape feature in West African countries such as Togo, Senegal, or Benin. However, voices are growing in these societies calling for the preservation of these structures. Last month in Togo, the first architectural forum took place, where world-renowned and emerging architects discussed the future of these buildings. The Guardian reported on this.

The reasons why many buildings in West Africa are abandoned or unfinished are numerous. However, the main reason is poor government administration. The only notable exception is the Lomé Palace in Togo's capital, Lomé. It was built in 1905 and became the seat of German, French, and British colonial governments. For a time, it was also inhabited by the Togolese government before falling into neglect in the 1990s. It reopened to the public only five years ago, in 2019. Now it hosts exhibitions of African artists and also held the architectural forum.

"Renovating places like the Lomé Palace is a significant undertaking," said Beninese architect Olufemi Hinson Yovo to The Guardian, who participated in the November forum. "The fact that I can take a taxi from Cotonou, drive here for three hours, and be with world-class and promising new architects...it's fantastic that this is even happening, but we need much more than this," she added. She was referring to many other significant buildings that are still waiting for rescue.

Just under five kilometers from the Lomé Palace stands the deteriorating majestic Hotel de la Paix from the 1970s. With its 216 rooms, it once hosted prominent West African figures.

"The Hotel de la Paix is an emblematic building that bears witness to the history of our country. At the time after independence was declared, when Togo wanted to assert itself on the international stage, it was one of the first luxury hotels that the government had built...It was a glorious period," said Togolese architect Sabrine Bako.

Today, however, only a neglected shell of the hotel remains. Part of the complex is now occupied by a new hotel, while the government has reportedly designated the main complex for demolition.

"In Dakar and Cotonou, we are witnessing how another historical building is being destroyed...it's like an epidemic," said Hinson Yovo.

"There are solutions for saving our architectural heritage. That's my opinion, but the politicians make the decisions," Bako adds to her Beninese colleague's words.