Francis Kéré, the African architect who designs according to nature

Francis Kéré, 61, is perhaps the most interesting figure in the world of architecture today. Born and raised in a small village in Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest countries, he has pioneered an architecture he himself defines as "according to nature." Respectful of the land, culture, and traditions of local communities (who are involved in the projects), and capable of using only natural materials. 

Thus Kéré became an international figure mainly for these reasons:

• Social and sustainable architecture: uses compressed earth, clay, wood and natural ventilation to create buildings suited to the African climate without relying on expensive technologies.
• Involvement of the local population: often residents participate directly in construction, learning useful skills and reducing costs.
• Aesthetic quality and innovation: his projects are not only “economical”, but also elegant, bright and climate-smart.
• Educational and civil impact: many of his works are schools, libraries, health centers and public spaces.

The project that made him famous is the Gando Primary School, his native village in Burkina Faso. The building, completed in 2001, uses local earth bricks and a roof designed to naturally cool the rooms in the extreme heat of the Sahel. This project won him the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004.

In 2022, he received the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, often considered the "Nobel Prize of architecture." He was the first architect from Burkina Faso to win it.

Among his best-known works are:

• the Serpentine Pavilion 2017 in London;
• the Parliament of Benin (project);
• schools and community centers in several African countries;
• installations and pavilions in Europe and the United States.

In 2026, Kéré was included by National Geographic among the “33 changemakers” of the year, that is, the personalities considered most influential in social and cultural change. 

Also in 2026, his book-length project, Francis Kéré: Building Stories, was widely discussed. It focuses on his idea of ​​"community architecture": building alongside residents, using local materials and sustainable climate techniques. Kéré also curated the project for a UNESCO virtual museum dedicated to stolen or purloined works of art. Kéré designed its digital architecture, drawing inspiration from the shape of the African baobab. 

Cover image source: La Repubblica

Read also: 

• Straw-Baked Houses: How They're Built and How Much They Cost
• This is how they build houses with mud in Africa