►
Description
From VICII:
A discussion about the film “Women Builders and Earthen Architectural Heritage in Africa” as a means of addressing the re-claiming of cultural identify and global architectural expectations and climate change. Featuring the following speakers:
Sandy Baird, citizen of the world, co-producer of VICII
Eric Agnero, citizen journalist, co-producer of VICII
Diane Gayer, architect / ecological planner
Amélie Esséssé, architect / filmmaker
For more information visit vicii.org
11/17/2022
https://linktr.ee/townmeetingtv
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This video belongs to http://www.cctv.org and published with permission under Creative Commons License CCTV Center for Media & Democracy Programming is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
C
B
She's
worked
for
15
years
with
UNESCO
world
heritage
on
some
of
these
projects
and
she's
made
several
films
as
well
as
written
books,
especially
for
children
on
what
it
means
to
create.
You
know,
Hands-On
and
and
architecture
and
Earthen
constructions,
and
so
we're
really
happy
to
show
the
film
we've
showed
it
at
the
University
of
Vermont
this
week.
But
this
Vicki
program
is
very
special
and
we're
happy
that
CCTA
has
been
offering
us
this
space
and
that's
my
introduction
for
mnefield.
B
D
B
B
E
F
F
F
The
African
continent
is
full
of
exceptional
architectural
typologies,
changing
along
ethnic
lines.
Earthen
architecture
is
differentiated
according
to
various
construction
techniques
that
depend
on
local
geography
and
climate.
Monumental,
Urban
or
rural
or
even
minimalist.
Architecture
vary
along
the
lines
of
form
technique
and
Customs
Builders
tell
their
stories
through
their
expertise
and
their
history.
F
In
the
goal
of
bearing
witness
to
these
women's
accomplishments,
the
batiri
developed
team
suggested
setting
up
an
educational
construction
site
to
renovate
and
decorate
an
Earthen
home.
The
objective
is
to
know
and
transmit
expertise
and
to
research
best
practices
for
sustainability,
preservation,
maintenance
and
the
promotion
of
iconic
Earthen
architecture.
F
Our
film
will
take
you
to
three
countries
to
meet
three
different
groups
of
people
in
which
the
women
sometimes
practice
the
same
skills,
mostly
without
knowing
of
each
other.
Usually
the
women
organize
the
tasks
within
a
building
site
or
to
renovate
an
Earthen
construction.
The
most
senior
woman
manages
Logistics.
Another
woman
will
be
the
project
manager,
handling
the
requirements
and
sometimes
also
participating
in
the
labor.
F
Each
knowledge
expert
has
a
specialty,
for
example,
preparing
binding
agents,
mud
coating
paints
with
natural
pigments
and
drawing
Graphics.
That
may
include
relief
engraving.
They
are
the
main
players
and
teach
the
younger
people.
This
expertise
is
transmitted
from
generation
to
generation.
It
is
an
intergenerational
building
site.
F
F
The
muskoom
live
about
1250
kilometers,
away
from
yande
cameroon's
capital
in
Mahwah
in
the
far
north
province
of
the
country
on
the
banks
of
the
lugon
river.
At
the
border
with
Chad,
they
created
a
spectacular
type
of
architecture
that
resembles
a
mortar
shell
called
italuk.
The
layout
is
a
perfect
circle.
There
is
neither
framework
nor
support
of
any
type
nor
a
foundation.
The
shell
is
self-supporting.
F
F
The
women
who
work
on
this
building
mold
it
like
a
pottery
piece
and
prove
their
dexterity
in
the
field
of
Earthen
construction.
The
decorative
moldings
are
used
as
a
clever
scaffolding
and
water
runoff
system,
as
well
as
a
buttress.
It
is
architectural
handwriting
women
transmitted
this
expertise
to
men.
The
self-supporting
Dome
can
reach
a
height
of
15
meters.
F
The
Granary
is
the
centerpiece
of
the
compound.
Each
living
unit
has
a
specific
purpose:
the
unit
of
the
family,
Chief,
the
wife
initiation
or
hiding
place
cattle
space
kitchen.
The
grouping
is
enclosed
by
a
perimeter
wall,
protecting
it
from
external
attacks.
The
compound
is
spacious.
There
is
one
single
door
in
the
shape
of
a
Warrior's
shield
and
a
zenithal
opening
a
sort
of
Chimney
covered
with
a
straw
hat
inside
the
Turlock
is
decorated
by
women.
The
Furnishing
is
shaped
and
built
in
along
with
the
wall.
F
F
F
F
Island
we
set
up
another
educational
site,
the
local
people
decided
to
rehabilitate
the
Earthen
home
of
jehosh,
built
in
the
1970s
as
elsewhere.
Construction
tasks
are
distributed,
men
handle
the
basic
construction
work
and
the
women
apply
the
coating
and
the
decor
they
also
rehabilitate
when
needed.
Each
woman
knows
which
task
is
assigned
to
her.
The
younger
group
observes
the
elders
and
learns
I,
don't
know.
F
G
G
F
F
G
G
E
C
F
G
G
F
In
kandaji,
the
electrical
Dam
project
will
submerge
these
Nigeria
River
artistic
Islands.
How
can
we
preserve
this
expertise
in
Burkina
Faso
in
the
casino
region,
land
of
the
gurund
sea?
A
people
located
between
the
southern
Burkina
Faso
border
and
Northern
Ghana,
the
Fortified
Earthen
architecture
is
exceptional,
is
located
178,
kilometers
away
from
wagadugu
the
country's
capital
in
the
naururi
province.
It
is
a
rural
town
that
is
home
to
a
Royal
Court
representing
the
rich
cultural
heritage
of
the
casino
elements
linked
to
history
and
intangible.
F
The
Royal
Court
is
a
true
Labyrinth,
low
walls,
Mark
private
spaces,
partially
Open
Spaces
spaces
open
with
codes
known
only
to
the
court
inhabitants,
the
relationship
with
the
environment,
the
natural
materials
used,
clay,
laterite,
binding
agents,
natural
pigments,
fibers,
the
presence
of
animals,
the
relationship
with
ancestors
and
the
rituals
form
an
important
cultural
space
characteristic
of
this
Heritage.
This
can
be
called
A,
Link,
Between,
Heaven
and
Earth
foreign
have
a
unique
and
specific
space
for
women.
It's
located
to
the
west
of
the
compound.
F
In
order
to
respect
the
Setting
Sun
symbolizing
women,
as
well
as
being
associated
with
the
Moon,
the
home
of
a
woman
and
her
children,
is
always
specially
organized
the
same
way.
Whatever
the
size.
Its
construction
is
usually
circular
with
round
units
with
flat
roofs
which
are
joined
together
by
groupings
of
two
or
three.
This
is
called
a
double
lobed
or
triple
lobed
shape.
The
first
room
could
be
a
multifunctional
room
for
living
or
sleeping
when
there
is
no
third
room.
F
It's
small
semi-elliptical
door
marks
it,
along
with
the
low
wall
protecting
the
space
from
water,
runoff
or
animals
to
enter
the
home
yikes.
You
have
to
bend
down
and
walk
on
all
fours.
This
shows
the
Earth
as
due
respect
and
thanks
it
for
holding
the
home
such
symbolism.
You
also
need
to
go
down
20
centimeters,
so
that
the
Earth's
coolness
can
spread
to
all
the
rooms
such
Ingenuity.
This
area
is
lit
through
a
zenithal
light,
located
above
the
millstone
for
crushing
grains.
This
light
illuminates,
the
well-organized,
interior
and
the
smooth
decorated
walls.
F
There
is
a
pantry
and
built-in
Furniture,
a
bench
bed
piled
up
Pottery.
The
second
room
is
the
kitchen
access
through
the
first
room,
also
through
an
elliptical
door.
The
kitchen
contains
a
hearth
on
two
fixed
legs
and
a
movable
one
in
order
to
change
its
width
according
to
the
size
of
the
pot.
There
is
also
a
Greenery
smoke
escapes
through
an
opening
in
the
roof
over
the
Hearth
and
also
plays
the
role
of
xenithal
lighting.
The
Terrace
roof
is
also
multifunctional.
It
is
used
to
dry
grain
and
spices
or
as
an
outdoor
bedroom.
F
You
can
reach
it
by
a
wooden
or
Earthen
staircase.
These
double
or
triple
lobed
homes,
Point
towards
an
empty
space.
The
interior
Courtyard.
There
is
an
external
kitchen,
built-in
benches
Chicken
Coop
small
livestock,
other
small
Courtyards
extend
the
space
of
each
housing
unit.
As
for
the
men's
space,
the
men's
symbol
is
the
East
where
the
sun
rises.
This
is
the
time
when
his
work
day
starts
outside
of
the
compound.
His
home
is
a
simple
rectangular
room
with
a
flat
roof
furnished
with
an
Earthen
built-in
bed.
It
is
located
in
his
first
wife's
Courtyard.
F
The
bachelor's
housing
is
round
with
a
straw
roof.
It
also
functions
as
guest
housing.
The
Granary
is
conical
with
a
straw
roof
the
local
Earthen
building
techniques.
There
are
two
of
them
cop
style,
clay
and
straw,
mortar,
using
hand
rolled
balls
of
Earth.
This
used
to
be
used
for
everything,
but
nowadays
is
used
for
the
granaries
external
kitchens
and
chicken
coops.
F
The
Adobe
style
technique
is
used
for
the
housing
units.
However,
some
homes
are
deteriorating
and,
in
some
cases,
they're
completely
destroyed.
Technical
and
Sustainable
Solutions
are
needed,
while
preserving
the
expertise,
as
in
Nigeria,
the
casino
woman
Builders
participate
in
the
creation
and
application
of
Coatings,
as
well
as
the
decorations
which
represent
symbolic
messaging.
To
start
off,
we
decided
to
think
about
testing
Earthen
Coatings
in
an
adobe
building
in
the
capital.
F
Some
of
our
team
members
are
bachelor's
degree,
architecture,
students.
We
tried
out
several
mixes,
some
of
which
contained
lime
in
order
to
repair
the
cracks
we
made
three
layers
of
coating.
As
we
were
satisfied
with
the
results
we
decided
to
share
them
with
the
casino
women
Builders
of
the
tibili
Royal
Court.
We
jointly
organized
a
workshop
to
exchange
techniques
and
research.
We
discussed
and
decided
on
a
course
of
action.
F
We
made
a
preliminary
visit
to
the
Royal
Court
in
order
to
view
the
premises
and
to
determine
the
location
of
the
educational
building
site,
they're
very
organized
the
casino
women
Builder
experts
show
us
their
expertise
thanks
to
their
participation.
We
restored
in
several
stages
a
wall
as
well
as
the
decorative
symbols.
F
F
F
F
As
for
paints,
black
paint
is
made
with
black
graphite
powder,
which
is
natural.
Carbon
mixed
with
slimy
leaves
it's
applied
using
the
guinea
fowl
feather
bouquet,
either
on
or
between
the
grooves
white
paint
is
made
with
moisten
Limestone
powder
applied
in
chosen
intervals
between
the
areas
painted
in
Black
for
waterproofing
nearest
stalks
are
boiled
and
pressed
to
make
a
liquid
which
is
propelled
onto
the
wall,
thus
waterproofing
it.
F
F
After
this
process,
we
suggested
testing
new
mixes
with
materials
such
as
lime,
Gum,
arabic
and
nere
Juice.
Several
tests
were
carried
out
thanks
to
the
results
we
have
several
promising
Avenues
to
follow.
During
our
research
Workshop
in
the
Royal
Court
100
young
girls
from
10
Tivoli
rural
District
high
schools
also
came
to
learn
alongside
the
casino
female
Builders.
Thanks
to
a
competition
called
Dora
organized
by
the
designidani
Association
of
chebele,
the
entire
chibili
Royal
Court
was
filled
with
educational
activities,
transmitting
expertise
and
methods
for
creating
Earthen,
Coatings
and
decorations,
using
natural
pigments.
F
We
continue
our
research
on
solutions
for
Coatings
using
local
materials
in
the
goal
of
preserving
this
Earth
architecture.
Heritage
the
restored
walls,
respect
the
expertise
of
the
women
Builders.
They
would
like
to
continue
working
with
us
in
the
search
for
solutions
to
better
preserve
this
site
from
the
effects
of
climatic
and
anthropogenic
changes
we
are,
but
at
the
beginning
of
a
wonderful
human
and
heritage-related
adventure,
the
expertise
of
women
Builders
deserves
to
be
known,
promoted
and
supported.
F
E
G
A
A
B
E
D
D
B
There
was
a
lot
explained,
but
but
yes,
the
the
existing
cities
20
years
ago
had
more
of
this
architecture
still
intact
within
the
cities,
and
it's
been
the
loss
of
that.
That's
also
been
part
of
the
the
loss
of
the
Heritage,
but
the
the
part
of
the
point
of
the
film
is
to
show
the
Heritage
and
to
learn
from
that,
so
that
it
can
be
adapted
into
urbanized
situations
and
especially
because
the
competition
is
concrete
structures.
D
E
H
Preserved
in
in
a
rural
area
for
most
of
them
and
then
in
the
beginning
of
urbanization,
in
Africa,
but
if
you've
seen
in
the
movies,
they
were
Architects
students,
Architects,
meaning
that
they
are
also
open
to
new
techniques.
So
there
is
a
need
for
a
conversation
between
the
two,
but
most
of
the
countries
were
under
colonization.
So.
E
H
And
like
had
like
that
idea
of
an
awkward
world,
you
know
from
the
past
and
and
and
then
everybody
went
into
concrete,
but
everybody
went
also
into
concrete,
because
the
French
companies,
when
it
comes
to
the
French
colonial
power,
I
mean
Empire
the
English
companies
were
there
also
to
sell.
You
know
everything
that
is
around
concrete.
So
for
a
long
time
you
know,
architecture
was
only
about
the
way
it's
built
in
the
western
world
and
looking
at
your
own
ways
of
building
as
something
that
is
not
acceptable.
A
You
had
another
question
and
the
other
question
was:
it
seems
that
this
is
more
like
communal
space
and
architecture
for
a
community
rather
than,
for
instance,
in
this
country.
Architecture
is
often
based
on
in
housing
and
Village.
Villages
are
based
on
private
property,
a
single
house
for
a
single
family
rather
than
an
extended
family.
B
So
20
years
ago,
for
example,
where
Amelie
lived
there
weren't
any
any
barriers,
there
weren't
any
walls,
there
were
there
weren't
any
separations,
and
you
could
go
next
door.
You
could
go
in
and
out
of
of
your
familial
Zone
as
well
as
as
your
greater
neighborhood,
Zone
and
now,
of
course,
all
that
privatization
has
come
in
and
and
there
are
many
reasons
for
it,
but
there
is
that
that
push
towards
individuality-
that's
that's,
taken
hold
as
well
and.
D
D
B
So
it
takes
a
moment
for
you
to
go
back
and
reclaim
who
you
are,
and
in
this
case
you
go
back
and
you
reclaim
your
own
family
heritage
and
and
your
systems
within
within
the
countryside
that
you
grew
up
in
and
you
bring
that
forward,
and
that
becomes
the
conversation
between
the
past
and
the
future.
Yes,.
H
H
E
H
Had
who
are
Architects
have
learned
the
way
it's
you
built
today,
but
the
word
not
given
the
chance
to
make
to
to
to
to
to
take
these
ancient
techniques
and
to
go
to
the
modern
world
with
it.
It's
not
that
Africa
wants
only
to
build
this
way.
No,
we
want,
to
you,
know,
build
the
modern
way,
but
using
these
techniques
using
this
material
freely
for.
H
The
knowledge
you
know
without
being
told
that
you
are,
you
know
a
bank
of
savages
who
are
in
the
past
and
just
you
know,
using
bird
or
clay,
we
could
build
a
new
city
that
is
in
between
you
know.
It's
a
mix
of
you
know
all
the
the
techniques
that
you
know
we
learned
today.
You
know
freely
it's
a
matter
of
sovereignty,
it's
important
in
developing
your
own
City,
otherwise,.
B
So
Eric,
so
let
me
I
just
there.
We
have
that
situation
with
other
examples
or
no
and
I
want
to
also
see
if
any
audience
questions
but
like
I,
think
of
Paulo
soleri
and
the
southwestern
desert
of
the
U.S.
He
too
isn't
accepted
and
he
was
trying
to
build
a
future
called
an
arc
arcology
and
using
new
techniques
old
techniques.
A
H
D
D
B
It's
like
saying
that
Vermont
is
the
same
as
Southern
California
and
most
of
us
know
that
that's
not
true
and
we're
and
we're
States
and
we're
not
even
different
countries
and
the
regional
climatic
differences
and
cultural
differences
across
a
continent
are
huge,
but
but
to
Circle
back
for
a
minute.
Emily
in
1989.
B
D
B
What's
before
that,
okay,
but
at
some
point
during
her
studies
in
France,
because
she
was
a
woman,
she
wasn't
allowed
to
do.
Field
work,
site
work
on
a
and
she
was
also
first
in
engineering
before
architecture,
and
that's
part
of
the
reason
why
coming
back
to
the
women
that
she
met,
doing
Earth
and
construction
was
relevant,
is
because
they
were
women,
working
on
site,
working
with
materials
and
working
in
and
building.
D
D
B
To
read
to
to
learn
to
do
research
on
the
different
typologies
of
architecture
within
different
regions
of
Africa
allowed
her
to
have
the
conversation
with
modern
architecture
and
what
might
be
adaptable,
what
might
be
relevant
to
the
Future
within
urbanization
and
in
Africa,
but
I
offer
in
other
parts
of
the
world
too.
And
you
did
a
special
presentation
back
earlier
this
year
in
the
Southwest.
H
B
D
D
B
D
B
H
H
Yeah
another,
no,
no,
it's
like
the
same,
but
my
question
is:
how
do
you
now
we
move
forward
because
we're
living
in
a
very
interesting
time,
which
is
you
know,
everybody
now
thinks
about
climate
change,
how
to
adapt
to
climate
change,
and
it
looks
like
these
people
knew
already.
You
know
how
to
adapt
to
the
climate,
and
you
know
by
you
know,
using
clay
or
you
know
the
Earth
to
build.
How
can
we
use
it?
E
D
E
B
E
B
D
B
B
H
D
D
D
B
It
was
with
the
with
the
tale
of
that
so
bringing
Beauty
back
into
things
which
we
tend
to
forget
to
do,
especially
when
we're
worried
about
economic
things
or
transfer
of
Technologies.
But
the
beauty
of
Africa
is
critical
to
know
because
it's
very
vibrant
and
it's
part
of
its
spiritual
existence,
which
we've
talked
about
a
lot,
the
spiritual
existence
of
of
some
of
this
making
of
Earthen
architecture.
B
But
all
of
that
goes
to
a
very
critical
thinking
by
Emily
of
the
women,
the
peoples
that
she
worked
with
through
these
projects
and
over
this
time,
because
without
them,
this
wouldn't
exist
and
as
much
as
thanking
everyone
in
Vermont
that
she's
met.
It's
really
about
the
women
that
she
worked
with,
and
what
the
film
represents
is
many
many
hands
coming
together
to
make
it.
There
was
no
support
for
making
the
film
it
was
really
done
by
individuals
coming
together
and
and
I
mean
he's
talent
and.
A
H
Yeah
I'm
very
proud
to
have
like
an
architect,
also
also
coming
from
Africa,
because
we
tend
to
think
that
Africa
only
provides
refugees
and
people
that
are,
you
know,
plagued
by
War.
We
have
teamed
people
that
want
to
participate
in
the
Universal
in
the
global
debate.
It
is
time
now
that
you
know
we
stop
militarism,
and
then
we
start
discussing
as
brothers
and
sisters,
because
we
have
a
fantastic,
it's
it's
urgent,
but
we
have
a
fantastic
opportunity
to
do.
That
is
how
to
battle
climate
change,
how
to
bring
back
peace.