Afro-Futures in European Enclaves

We started this collective project because we felt the need to document the unseen richness of Afro-European stories and networks and increase their representation in European architecture institutions. Beyond a digital archive and book collection, we are acting upon the collected information through design, art, and architectural media. The project shows dynamics of solidarity and collective self-organization, and informal networks of trust, developing alternative African European Futures.

Authors: Mário Barros, Ana Casimiro, Diogo Henriques

Afro-Futures in European Cities' is a project being developed by Mário Barros, Ana Casimiro, and Diogo Henriques; following the original idea developed with Menna Agha and selected in the Future Architecture Platform Call 2021 ‘Landscapes of Care’.

Cast: Mário Barros, Ana Casimiro, Diogo Henriques

Typography: Tapiwanashe S. Garikayi.

Music credits: “Epic Tribal Drums” by Matt Campbell, “Toutlayt” by Lahcen Akil.

Acknowledgments: Nasra Abdullahi, Menna Agha, Nicole Anand, Ellie Armon Azoulay, Daniel Barber, Sónia Barros, Joana Bastos, Gisela Faria, Djeny Ferreira, Kalu Ferreira, Samia Henni, Lucy Kwe, Marta Lança, Daniel Cardoso Llach, Milia Lorraine Khoury, Olivette Otele, Hélder Pereira, Macarena de la Vega, and Mabel O. Wilson.

Source of sound excerpt of 'The Schuman Declaration': European Commission Official Youtube channel (2014), #EUArchives​ – The Schuman Declaration. Available online at: https://youtu.be/pzhpA7_-1oA​ (Accessed 12 February 2021).

All videos and images for illustrative purposes only.

Location: Aalborg / Denmark and Bristol / UK

Mário Barros is an African-Portuguese designer and educator, expatriate in Vietnam and now in Denmark, researching design-driven sustainability in industrial design. Ana Casimiro is a Portuguese artist, an expatriate in Vietnam and now in Denmark, working in installation, performance, video-art and documentary. Diogo Henriques is a Portuguese architect and researcher, previously living in Europe and Asia, and currently in the UK, working on urban futures, international networks, participation and education. They are 3 creatives with multiple personal and professional relationships with Africa, African communities, culture, heritage, and migration.