On Stage Design Indaba 2019: Mariam Kamara

Mariam Kamara's approach to architecture is as much about sociology and anthropology as it is about building.

A firm believer of design's significant role in the functioning of society, she kicked off her Design Indaba Conference 2019 talk by painting a picture of her home country, Niger, giving a clear portrayal of its context.

She explained that the land-locked country's dry climate and flat terrain has economic implications of its own. In addition, with a largely Muslim population, there are conservative-leaning nuances too that must be considered. Another challenge is presented in being restricted to just 3 locally-available materials: recycled metal, compressed earth bricks and cement. All these factors intrinsically inform the projects Kamara and her studio Atelia masomi have taken on.