We profile ID+EA from Senegal, and explore Black Rock House

Aug 26, 2023

ID+EA from Senegal features in the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios, with a commission for artist Kehinde Wiley

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox

Thank you for signing up to Wallpaper. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

ID+EA was founded by Fatiya Djene Mazza in Senegal in 2015, and has gone from strength to strength since. Now, the dynamic practice is joining the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios. Its Black Rock House is a residence with a strong art twist – and our spotlighted project (created by Senegalese architect Abib Djenne in collaboration with Djene Mazza, Kehinde Wiley – an artist who features in the Wallpaper* USA 300 – and textile designer Aïssa Dione).

ID+EA may be a young studio, but Djene Mazza has already undertaken many projects and collaborations in a variety of scopes and sizes. A holistic approach that prioritises researching the varying cultural, societal, environmental, and economic aspects of each commission allows the architect and her team to 'devise sustainable and high-impact design solutions', she explains.

'Our studio takes immense pride in formulating designs that harmoniously blend elements of traditional and contemporary styles. Our objective is to pioneer a fresh, engaging narrative that challenges conventional African design norms,' said Djene Mazza.

'By fusing the steadfast principles of classic design with the daring innovation of modern architecture, we create a cohesive, dynamic design framework. In doing so, we strive to push the boundaries of African architectural expression, promoting a creative atmosphere that truly explores the potential of the architectural landscape.'

Commissioned by artist Kehinde Wiley (currently showing at the de Young Museum, San Francisco), Black Rock House is located in Dakar, Senegal, and serves as the home for an artists' residency programme. The home, contemporary and idyllically drawing on its dramatic, seaside location, offers domestic spaces alongside a platform for African American and African artists to 'join forces, ideas and influences for the next generation'.

The house's clean lines, modern interiors and open spaces underscore a convivial as well as forward-thinking atmosphere, created to foster innovation. Meanwhile, the dark pigment of its main material – concrete – served as inspiration for the house's name.

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 23rd edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Congo, Ecuador, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK, the USA and Vietnam, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

id-ea.pro

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox

Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture Editor at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018) and Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020).

‘Kyushu’ is a new show from photographer David Abrahams that documents his trip to a town on the Japanese island

By Mary ClearyPublished 28 August 23

Kelly Wearstler and Serax launch two tableware collections that encapsulate the American designer’s bold approach with everyday simplicity

By Rosa BertoliPublished 28 August 23

Danish duo Mikkel Kristensen and architect Mikas Emil’s mansion conversion offers dreamy, cinematic escapism at Marqí, a secluded boutique hotel

By Jessica Kelham-HohlerPublished 28 August 23

Mamy Tall from Senegal is part of our series of profiles of architects, spatial designers and builders shaping West Africa's architectural future

By Ellie StathakiPublished 20 December 22

Studio Worofila from Senegal is among our showcase of architects, spatial designers and builders shaping West Africa's architectural future

By Ellie StathakiPublished 18 December 22