For this Close of Play online event, we are delighted to welcome Kunlé Adeyemi to give a keynote entitled 'Building African Water Cities'. Adeyemi is an architect, professor and development strategist whose works are internationally recognised for originality and innovation.

This online event is chaired by Professor Chris Platt, Chair of Architecture, The Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh School of Architecture and co-founder of the Studio KAP architects.

Kunlé Adeyemi is the founder and principal of NLÉ – an architecture, design and urbanism practice founded in 2010, for innovating cities and communities.

Adeyemi’s notable works include ‘Makoko Floating System (MFSTM)’ - a ground breaking, prefabricated, building solution for developments on water - deployed in 5 countries across 3 continents, with the latest iteration Mansa Floating Hub in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde.

This acclaimed project is part of NLÉ’s extensive body of work and new venture - Water Cities® Group and the African Water Cities Centre - focused on the intersections of rapid urbanisation and climate change.

Other projects include A Prelude to The Shed in New York, USA, the Black Rhino Academy in Karatu, Tanzania and the Serpentine Summer House at the Royal Kensington Gardens in London, UK. Alongside his professional practice with multiple prestigious awards, Adeyemi is an international speaker and thought leader. He is one of UNDP’s Africa in Development Supergroup member. Adeyemi is currently an Adjunct Visiting Professor at the University of Lagos, following appointments in various institutions including Harvard, Princeton, Cornell and Columbia Universities, where he leads academic research in architecture and urban solutions that are closer to societal, environmental and economic needs.

This event is part of GSA’s series ‘Close of Play: Climate Emergency and Creative Action’. The Glasgow School of Art’s yearlong series explores the ways in which creative actions and multi-disciplinary practice can address climate emergency, sustainability, and climate justice. Each event is hosted by a different part of GSA.

Alternative text for image: Triangular, wooden buildings floating on water. To the right a green ID reads 'Close of Play' and event details.