The Zando Central Market redevelopment in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, exemplifies a groundbreaking approach to urban revitalization, earning recognition at the 2025 Holcim Foundation Awards. This project by THINK TANK architecture stands as a testament to how architectural innovation can address critical urban challenges while embracing local context and fostering community engagement. The design philosophy, rooted in collaboration and a deep understanding of the region's socio-economic fabric, has transformed an overcrowded and strained market into a vibrant, climate-responsive civic infrastructure.
At its core, the project underscores the significance of integrating local resources and expertise in large-scale public works. By revitalizing nearby terracotta factories and utilizing locally sourced materials, the Zando Market not only champions sustainability but also empowers local industries and craftsmanship. This thoughtful integration, coupled with a design that accommodates Kinshasa's dynamic urban life, positions the market as a model for future developments in Africa, demonstrating a harmonious balance between functionality, cultural resonance, and environmental responsibility.
Collaborative Design and Cross-Cultural Impact
THINK TANK architecture's approach to the Zando Central Market was characterized by extensive collaboration, transforming constraints into opportunities. Through workshops and discussions with local authorities, vendors, and various stakeholders, the project brief evolved, ensuring the design met the community's diverse needs. This collaborative spirit, extending from refining the program with engineers to engaging firemen and vendor representatives, allowed the team to integrate international expertise with a profound understanding of local realities. The architects' commitment to detailed planning, even when not on-site during construction, ensured precision while also allowing for adaptive flexibility, a crucial element in dynamic environments like Kinshasa. The project's recognition with a Holcim Award highlights its significance as a model of successful cross-cultural collaboration, demonstrating how diverse international and local teams can unite around a common vision for sustainable development.
Marine De La Guerrande, an Associate Partner at THINK TANK architecture, emphasized the project's role as a "reservoir of ideas," blending global knowledge with local production and traditional methods. The award validates this approach, marking a significant milestone for the firm as its first international venture. This project serves as a compelling example of what can be achieved when various entities—African clients, French architects and engineers, Chinese contractors, and Tunisian consultants—collaborate towards a shared objective. It sends a powerful message of hope, particularly in an era often marked by nationalistic tendencies, illustrating the potential for positive outcomes through cross-border cooperation. The market's design, which thoughtfully accommodates both formal and informal economies, reflects a deep respect for the city's unique urban dynamics, proving that large-scale infrastructure can be both transformative and deeply rooted in its context.
Sustainable Architecture and Community Empowerment
The architectural design of the Zando Central Market is a masterclass in climate-responsive and community-centric construction. By utilizing open concrete structures and locally produced terracotta bricks, the project minimizes reliance on imported systems, strengthening local industries and preserving indigenous skills. The reactivation of three local terracotta factories, specifically for this project, not only ensured a steady supply of materials but also fostered economic growth within the region. The natural variations in the local clay, resulting in diverse brick colors and finishes, contribute to the market's authentic and timeless aesthetic, resonating deeply with Kinshasa's vibrant cultural landscape and earning praise for its "African market" identity.
Beyond its material choices, the market's design intentionally accommodates Kinshasa's informal economy. Recognizing that "empty space" quickly transforms into informal markets in African urban contexts, the architects incorporated accessible open areas, such as an inner street between 10 and 13 meters wide and open terrace roofs. These spaces enable smaller vendors to rent minimal areas, supporting economic inclusivity and reflecting the city's dynamic commercial activities. This integration of formal and informal economies showcases architecture's capacity to act as a catalyst for social responsibility, balancing short-term demands with long-term ecological and social considerations. Architects, through such projects, play a vital role in preserving livable spaces, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring that development benefits all segments of society, embodying a holistic approach to sustainable urbanism.