African Modernism

"Even in its ruinous state, the Hôtel de la Paix’s architectural spirit remains palpable. The hotel’s silhouette continues to dominate the Lomé skyline, acting as a powerful visual reminder of the city’s modernising ambitions in the 1970s. Its future determines how the city negotiates its relationship with its own modern past.‍"
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Title: "Revisit: Hôtel de La Paix in Lomé, Togo by Daniel Chenut - the Architectural Review."
Issue: February 2026 / The Coast Issue
By: Jeanne Autran-Edorh & Fabiola Büchele
Pages: 62-69

"Togo has the potential to play a leading role in architectural development of West Africa. But these witnesses of the past do not have to only explored, but also protected, cared for and integrated into new urban visions.‍" (Translated from German).‍"
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Title: "Togo. Unabhängigkeit Bauen."
Issue: January 2026 / Baunetzwoche #686
By: Jeanne Autran-Edorh & Fabiola Büchele
Pages: 6-24

"Tracing architectural histories across the continent through the lens of conservation and transformation opens up new perspectives on modernist architecture in West Africa. A striking case is Togo’s architectural heritage: In the capital city of Lomé, we find outstanding examples of modernist and modernist-inspired architecture, built in the second half of the 20th century during the postcolonial period.‍"
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Title: "Togo's Modern Architectural Heritage."
Issue: December 2025 / African Spatial Thinking | Denkraum AfrikaThe Coast Issue
By: Jeanne Autran-Edorh, Fabiola Büchele & Sabrine Bako
Pages: 78-89

“Togo’s modernist buildings are often discussed in unflattering terms and depicted as concrete monsters. But a closer look reveals that they are subtly – and beautifully – adapted for the climate, from their orientation to ventilation features such as brise-soleils. We can, of course, question the use and volume of concrete in these projects. Even so, they look more advanced than many of today’s designs.”
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Title: "Lomé’s Unlikely Legacy"
Issue: May 2025 / The Monocle Companion: 5 - Venice Architecture Biennale Special
By: Jeanne Autran-Edorh & Fabiola Büchele as told to Stella Roos
Pages: 104-107‍