Strictly speaking, shelter is outside the remit of this blog. However the article The Exigent City in the New York Times was an excellent piece of reporting, and I urge everybody to read it. (HT: Simmy Ross) The article closes with the following lines:
When I first contacted Cameron Sinclair, who started Architecture for Humanity with [...]...
I found traces of inadvertant humour in the African city guide in BSpirit, the inflight magazine of Brussels Airlines. Here are some exerpts:
Abidjan: Hotel Ivoire is a local landmark and a real treat if you like late-1960s architecture… The ice-skating rink was closed many years ago, but the bowling alley is still open every day until 10pm.
Banjul: Traditional wrestling is the Gambia’s national sport, and a fascinating way to spend a Sunday.
Bujumbura: If you’re interested in Burundian cuisine (predominantly beef or fish brochette, chips or fried plantain), try Le Layor …
Conakry: The many markets of Conakry offer the chance to take home African hardwood sculpture (some incredible pieces of ebony)…
Douala: Las Vegas Refuge will leave a lasting impression...
I like this old house that's getting a make-over near our office.When I first came to live in Lao, I was amazed by the old French houses, with the verandas and the many gabled roofs. Very few were in good condition - the stucco walls cracked, warped wooden floors from water damage, and vines growing through the windows. And people still lived in these houses, often several families sharing one house. Now, there's more housing in Vientiane - people have more money and are building their own houses at the outskirts of Vientiane and other people are spending money to renovate the old...