Togo (Republic of)

Tracing architectural histories across Africa, with a focus on conservation and transformation, expands our understanding of West African architecture. Togo's architecture is a prime example, showcasing a range of influences — from the ancient Nôk caves to the iconic Tatas Tamberma in Togo’s north, to Afro-Brazilian hybrid structures built in the south by freed slaves between the 19th and mid-20th centuries. In Lomé, modernist architecture from the mid-20th century stands as a testament to the city’s evolving identity. Some buildings, like Hotel Sarakawa and Hedzranawoe Market, remain in use, while others, like Hotel de la Paix, are in disrepair. Urbanisation in Lomé accelerated from 1938, and continued after independence in 1960, with the city spreading along the coast. The influence of foreign powers, particularly colonial ones, shaped the city’s architecture, often at the expense of local building techniques and materials. This legacy persists, with contemporary architecture still favoring imported materials over local, renewable resources. The Considering Togo’s Architectural Heritage exhibition encourages reflection on the architectural legacy of West Africa as a whole, and Togo and Lomé in particular, highlighting the importance of understanding what exists before contemplating future changes.