Sustainable Architecture Innovator & Founder of Kéré Architecture; First African Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate; Designer of Gando Primary School
Diébédo Francis Kéré Biography
Diébédo Francis Kéré is a Burkinabé-German architect known for his sustainable, community-driven design approach. Born in Gando, Burkina Faso, Kéré left home at age 7 to attend school, where the experience of studying in poorly ventilated classrooms influenced his commitment to creating better buildings. He received a vocational carpentry scholarship in Germany and later earned an advanced degree in architecture from the Technical University of Berlin. During his studies, Kéré established the Kéré Foundation and later founded Kéré Architecture.
Kéré's first major project, "Gando Primary School," was built in his home village with the help of local residents and received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. His architectural style incorporates indigenous materials such as clay and laterite and emphasizes community-driven construction methods, reflecting a modern vernacular architecture. Kéré's work combines formal training from the Technische Universität Berlin with traditional building techniques from Burkina Faso, focusing on local social and historical needs.
Kéré has completed projects in Burkina Faso, Mali, China, Mozambique, Kenya, Togo, Sudan, Germany, and Switzerland. Notable works include the "Lycée Schorge Secondary School" in Koudougou, the "Serpentine Pavilion" in London, and the "Startup Lions Campus" in Kenya. He also designed the "Sarbalé ke" installation for the Coachella Music Festival. Kéré has been commissioned to design parliament buildings for the National Assembly of Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou and the Benin National Assembly in Porto-Novo.
Kéré became the first African recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, which recognized the social impact and technical quality of his work. He has also received the Prince Claus Laureate Award, the Thomas Jefferson Medal in Architecture, and the Global Holcim Award Gold. Kéré is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the American Institute of Architects, and a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Kéré has served as a visiting professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and Yale School of Architecture, and holds the inaugural Chair of Architectural Design and Participation professorship at the Technische Universität München. Based in Berlin, Kéré continues to focus on sustainable architecture, social justice, and the use of local materials, demonstrating the role of architecture in promoting equity and sustainability in underserved communities.
Diébédo Francis Kéré Videos
Diébédo Francis Kéré Interview: Architecture is About People ...
Meet the award-winning Burkinabé architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, who here shares his thoughts on the impact of architecture in connection to his...
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Diébédo Francis Kéré is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Architecture, Architecture, Art & Design, Creativity, Environment, Social Activism -
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Diébédo Francis Kéré is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Diébédo Francis Kéré for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Diébédo Francis Kéré generally travels from Berlin, Germany and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are David Adjaye, Daan Roosegaarde, Ed Mazria, Michael Green and George Elvin. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Diébédo Francis Kéré for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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