Our guest today is a prominent Beninese Architect and a member of the Benin National Order of Architects and Urban Planners who gave us the honor to respond to our questions.
The Cotonou Times: Can you please introduce yourself?
Bachirou Adjibi: My name is Bachirou Adjibi, a Cotonou based Architect operating for thirty years now.
The Cotonou Times: Why did you choose to study architecture?
Bachirou Adjibi: It has been such a long time. I must admit that I did not really know the implications. I was often with my father who at the time was building many houses. Being close to him, I was initiated in the follow-up of the works and the control of the materials. Little by little, I started to feel the desire to work in the construction industry. Back then I wanted to be a building technician, let’s say an engineer, and by researching and documenting myself, I chose to become an architect. . This is how I enrolled in a French University in I went to study in Paris.
The Cotonou Times: How many academic years did you study before obtaining your degree?
Bachir Adjibi: At the time, one had to study for an initial period of two years crowned by a diploma called CEFA (Certificate of Fundamental Study in Architecture) and then another three years term which bestows the Degree of Architect. But one must admit that the course was such that it used to take six to seven years for the the fastest among us to present their thesis and obtain their Degree. It could take others up ten years or more.
The Cotonou Times: Is this academic career available in the Republic of Benin?
Bachir Adjibi: To the best of my knowledge architectural training is not available in the Benin Republic. However, it seems that a local school has been offering for some time a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
The Cotonou Times: Can you give us an approximate idea of the cost of studying architecture until graduation?
Bachir Adjibi: There is a regional school of Architecture based in Lome (Togo) which has been training trained most of the Architects and Urban Planners from African francophone countries. Admission is through competitive examination, but for those who have not been unsuccessful, there is a possibility of entry with a tuition fee ranging between 2.500.000Fcfa to 3 million Fcfa per year.
The Cotonou Times: The construction industry, particularly in the private sector, is very important in Benin; does this mean that architects are overwhelmed with work?
Bachir Adjibi: Apparently, one can actually think that there are so many projects available in our sector, especially today with all the major projects undertaken by the Benin government. But there are actually only 10 to 15% of architects who manage to get a foothold in the installation of a private practice and obtain private and public contracts .But one thing is certain, the diploma today makes it possible to mix a variety of subjects ranging from the art sector, urban planning, construction, development and many other related sectors. We can say without being mistaken that it is indeed a sector with a future, provided that the specialists really know how to look after themselves in order to develop in this area.
The Cotonou Times: What is the main difficulty you have been facing in exercising the profession of architect in the Republic of Benin?
Bachir Adjibi: Establishing a private practice is not easy, too many factors have to be taken into account, and so many potential clients do not always know the relevance of seeking the services of an Architect. But thanks God, things seem to be moving in the right direction little by little.
The Cotonou Times: What is the mission of the Benin National Order of Architects and Urban Planners?
Bachir Adjibi: To federate all the architects and urban planners in the country and establish work practices; the architects being also State agents, this organization is also responsible for enforcing the legislation in this area in order to improve the living environment. The Benin National Order of Architects and Urban Planners fully play its role in this regard.
The Cotonou Times: What advice can you give to those wishing to practice this profession?
Bachir Adjibi: Being an Architect is a beautiful and noble profession. It requires a lot of elevation and courage. Even with a Degree in his pocket, the architect is not sure to earn his bread easily on a daily basis. His take-off will largely depend on himself, on his vision and his ambition in this very competitive but ultimately very fulfilling field. If a young person wants to become an architect, he must have in mind that being an Architect may be good, but that the real work begins after graduation and that you will have to constantly prove yourself on the ground in order to obtain a level of recognition.
