Paper short abstract

co-author: Bernard Toulier

Paper long abstract

This is a proposal to deliver a photographic essay, focusing on the ubiquitous ‘balon’ houses; prefabricated concrete small family dwellings, originated in the USA, and introduced by architects and planners to settlements and cities throughout West and Central Africa in the 1950s. Whilst many of these houses still exist, their adaptation and contemporary context give limited visual references or cues to their history and significance in past planning ideals across Africa.