A.03: Architecture and Intersectional Sustainability

Mariam Issoufou Kamara’s concept of Intersectional Sustainability goes beyond the typical understanding of environmental sustainability. She defines it as a multifaceted approach to design, addressing not just environmental concerns but also the socio-economic and cultural needs of the communities being served. In her lecture at Rensselaer School of Architecture, Kamara argues that sustainability must include preserving cultural heritage and uplifting people through context-sensitive architecture. In essence, she calls for architects to consider the full spectrum of sustainability, ensuring that the impact of their designs supports social equity and cultural relevance as much as environmental protection.

For example, in her project, the Hikma Religious and Secular Complex in Niger, Kamara integrates local materials and traditional techniques while addressing modern needs. This project reflects her commitment to sustaining both the environment and the cultural identity of the community​.

In the beginning of her lecture "Architecture and Intersectional Sustainability", she introduces this argument by stating that we're facing an "environmental collapse" that can't be remedied without addressing other vulnerable points as well, meaning; economic, social, political, and cultural factors. She defines this as the "intersectional" approach.

She then goes on to support her argument by explaining how architecture has become pretty linear in terms of materiality. She discusses how materials such as steel, glass, and concrete have become an architectural staple, but contribute greatly to the rate of pollution. She builds on her argument by showing how architecture must adapt to local climates, mitigate environmental harm, and ensure that spaces remain functional in changing conditions. Her focus on using local materials like earth and clay, which have low embodied energy, helps reduce reliance on imported, high-energy materials like steel and concrete​.

A key example is her Niamey 2000 housing project in Niger, where Kamara employs natural ventilation and solar orientation to reduce energy use, while ensuring that the homes are adaptable to extreme heat.

Niamey 2000 Housing, Niamey, Niger / Mariam Issoufou Architects

Kamara's exploration of materials plays a role in creating resilient architecture. She emphasizes the use of locally sourced, low-impact materials, such as mud bricks, which are sustainable and well-suited for hot climates. In the Dandaji Cultural Center, she uses rammed earth to blend with the natural environment, offering both thermal insulation and a strong connection to local building traditions.

At the global scale, Kamara critiques Modernism’s obsession with industrialized materials like steel and glass, which are not environmentally friendly or culturally sensitive.

Campus Commons, SUNY at New Paltz / ikon.5 architects

 At the local scale, she strives to reconcile modern design with local cultural identity by integrating traditional skills and techniques into her projects. Her work in Niger shows this, where local craftsmen are involved in the construction process.

Regional Market, Dandaji, Niger / Mariam Issoufou Architects

On the individual scale, she tailors her designs to the daily lives and needs of the community. The Niamey 2000 project is a prime example, addressing local needs for affordable and climate-appropriate housing.

Kamara’s design process is deeply rooted in the historical, cultural, and environmental context of the places she works in. For example, in her Hikma Complex, she researched the cultural significance of the site’s history as a religious and educational center to inform her design​. This approach of deep research and engagement with the community helps shape her architectural responses, ensuring they are not only functional but also meaningful.

As I consider my own thesis research, Kamara's method of immersing herself in the social and historical context of the site will serve as inspiration. Whatever I may decide to research as my thesis topic, I will be sure to gather significant research on the locals and their culture, history, and surrounding environment.

In her urban design work, Kamara focuses on both the environment and how people connect. Her Niamey 2000 housing project has areas where people can come together, making it easier for neighbors to hang out and get to know each other. This helps build a sense of community, following ideas that encourage making spaces that are good for both people and the planet.

Kamara has challenged clients' briefs in her projects to propose more meaningful solutions. For example, in the Hikma Complex, she reconsidered the requirements for a religious center by incorporating non-religious activities to promote community involvement and education. This broadened the project's focus beyond its original religious intent, demonstrating her conviction in the societal impact of architecture.

In her work, Kamara demonstrates the principle of Form Follows Climate by designing buildings that are responsive to the surrounding environment. For instance, in the Hikma Complex, the architecture is specifically crafted to enhance natural ventilation and provide shade, thereby minimizing the reliance on artificial cooling systems and creating a more comfortable environment for occupants.

Kamara recommends that lessons in sustainability and the use of local materials from her African projects could be applied in the U.S. context. However, she warns that due to cultural differences, directly replicating African techniques in the U.S. may not always be suitable.

Kamara strongly supports the idea of using history as a tool to address current design issues. During her presentation, she highlighted the significance of delving into a location's history in order to develop architecture that is both sustainable and culturally meaningful. Her projects at the Hikma Complex exemplify her approach of integrating historical elements into contemporary architectural designs.

What I find most inspiring about Kamara’s approach is her commitment to using architecture as a tool for social empowerment. She combines historical research, community engagement, and environmental sustainability into a cohesive design strategy, and that is something I aim to incorporate into my future projects. Her focus on local materials and climate-responsive design offers a thoughtful model for architecture that truly serves its end users.