Pan-African Biennial gathers architects in Nairobi to redefine continental design

The inaugural Pan-African Biennial (PAB) is taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. Under the theme ‘Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience’, the event brings together architects from nearly fifty African nations to reclaim the continent's architectural narrative and establish independent institutional frameworks.

Founder and director Omar Degan emphasized that the biennial aims to move Africa from being an object of external study to a continent that defines its own architectural standards. Discussions have addressed the existence of a distinct African architecture, with experts asserting its long-standing presence despite historical external control over design discourse.

Participants are also focusing on climate change adaptation and urban resilience. Proposed solutions include using permeable surfaces to manage flooding, planting trees for shade, and integrating traditional building techniques—such as dome-shaped structures and natural materials—to better withstand wind and heat while protecting the environment.