Somali Architecture - Exhibition

Somali Architecture will be the official representatives of Somalia at the London Design Biennale. We are a collective of young Somalis passionate about historical conservation and architecture. Our exhibit, What Remains, will cover the unique history of architecture in the country as well as offer new designs for the future. We now need your help to make the exhibit possible!

Short Summary:

What Remains is an exhibit designed by Somali Architecture for the London Design Biennale. It asks, what remains when the war is over? The exhibition presents Somalia’s architectural heritage from the vantage point of today’s ruins. It reflects upon the visceral emotions evoked by the collapsing both past and present in the remains of the war. In considering the history of Somali architecture, What Remains is committed to designing new sustainable futures for the country’s reconstruction.

The Exhibition:

The theme of this year’s Biennale is “Emotional States” and all countries are invited to explore how design can evoke, communicate, and influence emotions. Our exhibition traces the history of Somali architecture before and after the civil war. It will reflect the impact of the civil war on this architectural heritage. Visitors will be guided through images and video projection that follow the devastation which not only transformed the physical landscape of the country but also carried with it unimaginable human costs. The main installation is a 3D model of historic buildings that are emblematic of the architectural styles of Somalia. The 3D models capture the eclectic style of the country and suggest how what remains could act as the foundation for future reconstruction.



Somali Architecture:

Somali Architecture is a collective formed by Yusuf Shegow, Madina Scacchi and Iman A. Mohamed. We are committed to promoting a public dialogue about the role of Somalia's architectural heritage in the country’s development. Our work in the past has involved the 3D recreation of historic cities in Somalia, consulting on projects in Somalia, and writing in architectural guides. In September, we will be taking part in the exhibition Mogadishu and Its Historico-Urban Evolution: Pages of the History of the City to be held at the Benadir Regional Administration. Our work has been featured on The ArchDaily, The Guardian, UNESCOYouth, Maandeeq, and more.


If you would like to see more of our work or would like to support us in a different way, please check out our website: http://somaliarchitecture.com/ or email us at [email redacted]  For more information about the London Design Biennale and more on this year’s participants, see their website: http://www.londondesignbiennale.com 

What We Need:

Our goal is to raise £20,000. We have already raised £7,200 privately and through sponsorships.

Costs to be covered:

- Venue:   £15,000
- 3D Model Printing:    £3,000 
- Video licencing:   £1,000 
- Printing the work, Fitting of the room:   £14,000

On behalf of Somali Architecture, I (Yusuf Shegow) founder of Somali Architecture will be withdrawing the funds to my personal bank account and will be the person in charge of handling the funds. How the fund will be spent will be coordinated among the rest of the team; Madina, Iman, Ahmed.

Sponsors

We are grateful for the support of the Benadir Regional Administration, Premier Bank, and Deeqa Construction & Water Well Drilling, LTD. If your company would like to be one of our official sponsors, please email us at [email redacted]


How You Can Help

You can support us by clicking on the "DONATE NOW" button on the right and choosing the amount that you would like to give. 

We understand that not everyone is able to contribute financially. You can also show your support by sharing this page on your social media (Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Somarchitecture Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somaliarchitectures , Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaliarchitecture/ , etc.) and with your friends and family. 

We are incredibly grateful for your support and we look forward to seeing you in London in September.