African Architecture Matters is a registered foundation, with the aim to • Build knowledge on African Architecture & Urbanism • Maintain a knowledge centre on African Architecture • Deliver services, initiate, support and facilitate projects in the field of architecture, with an affiliation to African architecture Architecture in Africa is much richer than is commonly known. On issues like; private, semi private and public spaces, individuality versus collectiveness, formal versus informal, sustainability, all issues which we urgently have to deal with in Western planning and often fail to address successfully, experiences can be learned from the African continent. African Architecture Matters ensures that valuable knowledge regarding ar-chitectural & urban developments that take place on the continent can be made comprehensively available for practi-cal, educational and scientific use.After years of experience in Africa, both in design practice and in architectural debate and research, the founders of African Architecture Mat-ters offer a knowledge and service centre concerning African architecture. African Architecture Matters has been established by the co-founders of ArchiAfrika.

Since the founding of Architectenbureau Jowa in 1976, conversion and interior design of private homes, offices, and public venues have been a significant part of our commissions. Whether it is a villa or an apartment, a multinational or a one-man business, the lifestyle and the working conditions of the resident/user are the starting point for the design process of custom-made living and working areas that can grow along with the client's needs and time requirements. In 1982 the exhibition 'Cotton Ikats' for the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam launched the start of our specialisation in exhibition and museum design, including lighting. Many high-profile museum projects followed, both in The Netherlands and abroad. The Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam Historical Museum, and The Nieuwe Kerk are loyal clients of ours. The Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the National Museum of Sana'a have also engaged our office on more than one occasion. Architectenbureau Jowa is inscribed in the 'Register of Architects' and is a member of the 'Association of Dutch Interior Architects' (BNI). We work with a small permanent staff of interior designers and a management assistant. When necessary, freelance experts from other fields are engaged for specific projects such as graphic and multimedia applications. This makes our office a dynamic and flexible organisation in both the literal and figurative sense. The small scale ensures a personal approach in direct communication with the client. From the creative process to the implementation, the extent of our involvement is tailored to the wishes and needs of the client. In addition to our design skills we are regularly engaged to formulate the design brief, budget and budget control, planning, and project coordination. The design style of Architectenbureau Jowa is characterised by aesthetic simplicity, originality, functionality and durability. Image