Francis Kéré: Building Hope with Earth and Vision
The story of the first African to win architecture’s highest honor — and how he’s redefining what architecture means for the world.
Written by Marisol Vega
Editorial Contributor, Architecture + Design
A Humble Beginning in Gando, Burkina Faso
Diébédo Francis Kéré was born in 1965 in Gando, a small rural village in Burkina Faso, where basic infrastructure like schools and electricity were scarce. The eldest son of the village chief, he was the first child in his community to attend school — a decision that would later fuel his commitment to creating accessible, empowering architecture.
Kéré studied in Germany, training as a carpenter before earning a degree in architecture at the Technical University of Berlin. But even as he immersed himself in Western design education, his heart remained in Gando.
National Park of Mali · Bamako, Mali · 2010
Architecture as Empowerement
While still a student in Germany, Francis Kéré founded the Kéré Foundation (originally Schulbausteine für Gando) in 1998 to support the construction of a primary school in his hometown of Gando, Burkina Faso. Using a combination of his own limited resources and community backing, he spearheaded the Gando Primary School Project, returning home to personally lead its design and construction. The school was built using locally made clay bricks and featured a vaulted metal roof that naturally cooled the interior — a simple yet highly effective solution for the region’s climate.
More than just a building, the project became a catalyst for community empowerment. Kéré actively involved local workers, training and collaborating with them throughout the process, which fostered a deep sense of ownership and pride. The result was a cost-effective, climate-responsive school that surpassed traditional concrete structures in both performance and beauty. In 2004, the project earned the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, launching Kéré into international recognition.
A Global Career Rooted in Local Wisdom
Kéré’s work continues to blur the lines between modern and traditional, high design and grassroots impact. He founded Kéré Architecture in Berlin in 2005, but his projects span continents — from cultural centers in Africa to pavilions in Europe.
Notable works include:
Serpentine Pavilion (London, 2017): A blue, light-filled structure inspired by traditional West African gathering spaces.
Benin National Assembly (Porto-Novo): A tree-like structure symbolizing democracy and rootedness.
Léo Surgical Clinic & Health Centre (Burkina Faso): A human-scaled hospital designed for climate and dignity.
Startup Lions Campus (Kenya): A high-tech learning center made with local stone and passive cooling.
Through it all, his architecture stays grounded in climate responsiveness, community engagement, and cultural relevance.
Philosophy and Impact
Kéré is not just an architect — he’s a change-maker. He believes architecture should serve the people, especially the most underserved. His buildings are not flashy monuments; they are tools for education, health, and hope.
He once said:
“I wanted to show that architecture is not only for the rich. Everyone deserves beauty, light, and comfort.”
In 2022, Kéré became the first African and first Black architect to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious award in the field, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2004), the Global Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction (2012). He was also awarded the Praemium Imperiale (2023) and the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum (2024). The jury praised his “pioneering” and “transformative” approach, recognizing his commitment to sustainability, culture, and community.
Why Francis Kéré Matters Today
At a time when architecture can feel overly focused on spectacle or technology, Francis Kéré reminds us of its human core. His buildings breathe, adapt, and connect — to the land, to people, to tradition.
He shows us that earth and hands can still build the future — and that the best architecture starts not with a sketch, but with listening.
Where to Follow Francis Kéré
Website: kerearchitecture.com
Instagram: @kerearchitecture
Talks: His TED Talk (“How to build with clay… and community”) is a must-watch.
Photo Credits:
Some images in this post are sourced from Francis Kéré’s official website and Instagram. Additional images were found via publicly available sources and design blogs. We do not claim ownership of these images unless otherwise noted. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you are the copyright holder and would like an image removed or properly credited, please contact us.
