TOGO PAVILION: Considering Togo’s architectural heritage
Biennale Architettura 2025
dates 10.05.2025 – 23.11.2025
The Republic of Togo will premier its first pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2025 with a project titled Considering Togo’s Architectural Heritage. The inaugural pavilion is commissioned by Sonia Lawson, Founding Director of Palais de Lomé, and curated by Studio NEiDA, an architecture and research practice co-founded by architect Jeanne Autran-Edorh and curator Fabiola Büchele.
The exhibition explores the architectural narratives of Togo from the turn of the 20th century, focusing on the themes of conservation and transformation. Studio NEiDA takes us through the methodical documentation of Togo’s iconic architecture establishing a dialogue between conventional building practices to modernist construction techniques. This approach invites a broader perspective of the understanding of the architectural landscape of Togo and serves as an exemplary representation of its rich heritage.
The investigation of forms and materiality within West Africa’s built environment, from the ancient Nôk cave dwellings to the traditional construction techniques is exemplified by the Tatas Tamberma in northern Togo. The unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian architecture, developed by freed slaves who returned from Brazil, from the period from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s is uncovered, alongside remarkable instances of modernist architecture that emerged following the nation’s independence.
Several of these structures continue to serve their original purposes, such as Hotel Sarakawa, the Hedzranawoe market and namely, the ECOWAS and BOAD banks. However, the exhibition equally serves as a showcase for dramatic relics of Togolese modernism as a new example of beauty. Outlined in the show are prominent buildings in a state of disrepair, including the Hotel de la Paix and the Bourse du Travail, while in contrast, certain structures have benefited from renovation, particularly noteworthy are the refurbished Hotel 2 Février and the Palais des Congrès, which is in the process of restoration.
On accepting the commission Studio NEiDA said: “Togo’s architectural heritage, which spans ancient clay structures to complex histories and outlandish modernist experiments, is an incredible source of inspiration for our work. This built legacy—at times ingenious, at times eccentric—is a powerful guide for future architectural approaches that are contextual and climate compatible”.
On commissioning the pavilion, Sonia Lawson said: “I am delighted to commission the first Togolese Pavilion at the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. It is a milestone to showcase Togo’s diverse architectural heritage to a large number of visitors from across the world. The Palais de Lomé is a landmark architectural venue in Togo. Once a place of colonial exclusion, the institution’s programme engages in a dialogue of contemporary issues relating to culture, architecture and the environment. I hope the pavilion furthers the conversations on the future and preservation of architectural heritage in West Africa”.
The Togo Pavilion is organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation of the Republic of Togo. The commissioner of the pavilion is Sonia Lawson, Founding Director at Palais de Lomé in Togo. The exhibition is organised in collaboration with Zuecca Projects, Venice.
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Pic. 1: Hôtel de la Paix. Copyright photo Wody Yawo, 2024
Pic. 2: Tamberma Housing. Copyright photo Nicolas Robert, 2008
The Togo Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia
Considering Togo’s architectural heritage
Venue: Squero Castello, Salizada Streta 368, 30122 Venezia
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11AM-6PM; 10 May – 23 November 2025 (closed Monday)