IT WAS ONCE THE RADIANT CITY OF AFRICA
In Brazzaville, The Air France Housing Unit is in terminal decline. Barely 60 years ago, this building, inspired by the creations of Le Corbusier and once a shining example of Tropical Architecture, is now a masterpiece under threat. Like a stricken cruise-liner, ‘The Red Building’ forces us to reflect on the fate of colonial or post-colonial architectural works and their misappropriation at the hands of the population or local elites. There is strong support in some quarters for the historical and architectural riches of Brazzaville to be given World Heritage status by UNESCO. Let us hope that the Air France Housing Unit will be granted this classification.