International project
Palazzo Litta pavilion
venue for cultural and political events. Grand parties for figures such as Napoleon
Bonaparte and Margaret Theresa of Spain have taken place there. “I very much like
the power of Palazzo Litta’s architecture, the welcoming courtyard and the spacious
rooms, where in every corner you discover surprises,” says Kéré. “This is an excellent
setting in which to show contemporary design.” Courtyard Village is the centrepiece
of the exhibition “A Matter of Perception: Tradition as Technology,” which explores
how homegrown traditions go hand in hand with modern technology. The show was
organized by the Belgian publication DAMn° Magazine and the event planner Mosca
Partners. The exhibition was on view as part of Fuorisalone 2016.
About Diébédo Francis Kéré
Diébédo Francis Kéré is a German-trained architect from the small West African town of
Gando in Burkina Faso. As the first son of the head of his village, he was the only child
allowed to attend school. After excelling in his studies, Kéré was awarded a scholarship
to apprentice in Germany, where he went on to earn a university degree in architecture
and engineering. Parallel to his studies, he raised money to build a school in his home
village. The Gando Primary School was completed in 2001 and received the prestigious
Aga Khan Award.
Throughout his career, Kéré has focused on reinvesting his knowledge into his
community in Burkina Faso and beyond. Using his formal training, he has developed
innovative construction strategies that combine traditional materials and building
techniques with modern engineering methods. His work has earned him numerous
international awards, along with membership in Royal Institute of British Architects. He
has held professorships at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Accademia di
Architettura di Mendrisio, and is regularly invited to speak at events worldwide.