Fatshimetrie, November 2024.
During the “Kinshasa design week” exhibition recently held in the commune of Gombe, an innovative architectural project entitled “Cité de la foudre” captured the attention of visitors. Designed by Austrian architect Carmen Maria Egger, this urban planning proposal offers a new approach to the peri-urban development of Kinshasa. The “Cité de la foudre” is spread over the agricultural lands bordering the Congolese capital, between the urban periphery and the majestic Congo River.
The architectural concept imagined by Carmen Maria Egger is intended to be both functional and artistic. With its six vertical structures, symbolizing different meteorological phenomena and cultural aspects, the city invites its inhabitants to a unique sensory and aesthetic experience. Designed as a place of gathering and sharing, the “Cité de la foudre” offers collective spaces conducive to ritual, agricultural and cultural performances, encouraging residents to explore the fields, day and night, whatever the weather.
The project entitled “Counter city” stands out for its innovative approach to space occupation. By proposing a porous and multifunctional system for public activities, the “Cité de la foudre” redefines the role of peri-urban spaces, transforming them into places of meeting and celebration, beyond their traditional agricultural function. This bold vision aims to strengthen social ties, foster dialogue and find solutions to the daily challenges of the inhabitants of this territory.
The “Kinshasa design week” exhibition also highlighted other artistic talents. The designer artists had the opportunity to exhibit their creations during this major cultural event. Original works were presented at the Swiss residence, while the “Kindeswe masolo talk” event allowed the different artists to share their experiences and engage in dialogue with the public at the Academy of Fine Arts.
“Kindeswe masolo talk”, or the floor to designer artists, is part of an approach to promote and recognize the work of creators. This theme, centered on Kinshasa as a creative city of the world, highlights the diversity and vitality of the local art scene. By giving a voice to designer artists, the event aims to promote their work and open new perspectives on contemporary creation in the DRC.
Carmen Maria Egger, the creator of the “Cité de la foudre”, embodies a new generation of committed and visionary architects. A graduate in architecture based in Australia, she explores innovative urban and ecological concepts to rethink human spaces in extreme contexts. Her artistic approach, combining hand drawing and craftsmanship, reflects her sensitivity to the environment and her commitment to sustainable and inclusive architecture..
In short, the “Kinshasa design week” exhibition revealed the creative wealth and cultural dynamism of the Congolese capital. Through architectural projects such as the “Cité de la foudre” and initiatives such as “Kindeswe masolo talk”, the Kinshasa art scene is reinventing itself and asserting itself as a fertile ground for innovation and artistic expression. These meetings between artists, designers and the public demonstrate a cultural vitality capable of nourishing the collective imagination and fostering dialogue around contemporary urban issues.