Architecture: Koffi & Diabaté Contemporary African Architect Agency

Koffi & Diabaté Architect Agency [Cote d’Ivoire]

Villa Mercury: Dakar, Senegal 2003 I don’t know whose houses these are but they are a fine example of contemporary African architecture and design from Koffi & Diabaté; a leading architectural firm based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Koffi & Diabaté Architect Agency is primarily a partnership between founder and manager, Guillaume Koffi and Issa Diabaté who initially started at the firm as an intern, then became an employee before eventually being made partner. The partners work alongside a team of 18, all sharing ideas to bring the concepts to life. Koffi & Diabaté’s portfolio consists of mainly commercial architecture following the ethos of applying modern architectural methods to the current African urban context; in projects ranging from multi-storey buildings, to interior and industrial spaces. The architects also undertake commissions for private residences and going hand in hand with architecture, furniture is also designed to complement the architectural designs.

[Image credits: Villa Mercury 2003 – KoffiandDiabate Architect Agency]

The villa designs are impressive, yet simple in stature. Built with hot, often humid climates in mind the sleek sprawling designs capitalise on the necessity for spaces that are cool, light and airy. The designs follow the notion of letting air circulate around wide open interior spaces that appear to flow seamlessly from one to another and huge floor to ceiling windows act as movable walls to let the outside in and vice versa. All exhibiting Koffi & Diabaté’s signature style there are some gorgeous homes to view and as I couldn’t decide which ones to post I have chosen three. These are homes built for entertaining, enjoying the company of family and friends whether taking a dip an infinity pool or dining al fresco on the vast veranda areas. Urban tends to conjure up images of concrete, hard, fast-moving environments; but here the use of wood and other natural materials gives the residences a certain warmth, softening the hard edges. The architects work to blend the lifestyle and cultural background of the users into the designs to ensure the finished project is functional and suitable for their needs.

Villa Pluton: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire 2006

[Image credits: Villa Pluton 2006 – KoffiandDiabate Architect Agency]

Koffi & Diabaté’s architecture can be seen throughout many West and other African capitals namely: Dakar, Senegal; Bamako, Mali; Cotonou, Benin; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The partners are also working towards changing the perception of their profession in the environment they live in, through showcasing examples of the quality of their work and through direct involvement in the National Association of Architects in Cote d’Ivoire, a local organisation that is currently presided over by Guillaume Koffi and has seen the launch of the first major building fair to take place in Cote d’Ivoire. Plans for the future include the proposed launch of the Architect Institute of Cote d’Ivoire; aimed at enhancing the knowledge of local architects in urban city planning, the use of local materials and encouraging the exploration of new architectural solutions.

Villa Saturn: Cotonou, Benin 2003