This is knowledge that we in the Global N have largely lost – especially outside the world of building conservation. Are we missing vital tools that we will need both to limit climate change, and to deal with its effects?
Each webinar will feature an invited specialist from the Global S. Our guest will present their work and then speak about their knowledge and experience with us, as we seek to draw out practical lessons for the Global N. We will be covering a wide range of vital topics, including vernacular architecture as continuing practice (not least its adaptation to a changing climate), the traditional operation of buildings for usability and comfort in extreme weather, and ways of managing change and loss.

Session 1:

The fortnightly series, on Wednesday afternoons, will begin on 28 September, with Professor Cordelia Osasona of the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
A specialist in the history of architecture and an active member of the CHN, Professor Osasona has taught and published widely on African traditional and vernacular architectural forms and practices, passionately championing the cause of conservation of imperiled architectural heritage: not least the important role it has to play in addressing climate change. The first female Architect produced by the University of Ife, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, she is also the pioneer Head of Architecture at the University of Ibadan. Her present research and fieldwork centres on the restoration and renewal of Nigerian Brazilian houses, and revivalist experiments with vernacular building features.
Professor Osasona will be speaking on “The Renewal of ‘Heritage’ Architecture in Ile-Ife: Issues, Challenges and Outcomes”. As she will stress, ‘heritage’ encompasses not only the historic values of traditional and vernacular buildings, but also the values of those who live in and work in them.