Acclaimed Burkinabé architect Francis Kéré, known for his pioneering communal approach to design and commitment to sustainability, has been named the 2021 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medalist in Architecture.
Kéré received his architectural degree from the Technische Universität in Berlin in 2004, having originally been trained as a carpenter both in his native country of Burkina Faso and in Germany. While still an architecture student he set up the association Schulbausteine für Gando e.V, later named Kéré Foundation e.V., which loosely translates to “School Building Blocks for Gando” to fund the construction of a primary school for his hometown.
Over the course of nearly two decades, Kéré has gone on to become one of the world’s most distinguished contemporary architects, celebrated for his pioneering communal approach to design and his commitment to sustainable materials, as well as modes of construction.
The Thomas Jefferson Medalist in Architecture Public Talk has always been a memorable occasion that brings our community together. We invite all our students, faculty, staff, alumni, admitted students, colleagues and the larger community to join us for this virtual event in celebration of Francis Kéré’s distinguished work: Monday April 12, 5pm (EDT) on Zoom.
