Architectural Cases

In honor of the visionary curator Koyo Kouoh, a new foundation has been inaugurated, dedicated to sustaining and broadening her extensive intellectual, curatorial, and institutional heritage that spanned Africa and resonated globally. This Basel, Switzerland-based organization is envisioned as a nurturing ground for emerging artists, curators, and cultural thought leaders, perpetuating Kouoh's steadfast commitment to deep critical inquiry, vibrant artistic dialogue, and the creation of enduring cultural frameworks. The announcement of its formation comes at a time when the art community continues to reflect on Kouoh's profound influence, especially following her historic selection as the curator for the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2026, themed 'In Minor Keys'.

The foundation underscores Kouoh's multifaceted identity, recognizing her not only as a curator but also as a formidable institution builder and a strategic cultural innovator. Her journey, which started in Douala and led to Dakar, saw the establishment of RAW Material Company in 2008. This innovative space was conceived as a hub for rigorous research, experimental curation, residency programs, and collaborative learning, operating distinctly outside conventional academic confines. RAW, often described as a dynamic laboratory, an educational institution, and a vital platform for exchange, became the embodiment of Kouoh's conviction that artistic creation and knowledge generation are intrinsically linked processes, flourishing through continuity and sustained dialogue.

RAW Material Company stands as a vivid testament to Kouoh's intellectual and political ethos, and the foundation actively supports its ongoing vitality. Beyond RAW, the foundation also acknowledges her pivotal role in shaping the Forum program of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, her co-founding of Partcours Dakar, and her instrumental work in expanding the international footprint of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa during her tenure as executive director and chief curator from 2019.

Among the many significant projects championed by the foundation is 'When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting.' This seminal exhibition, co-curated by Kouoh with Tandazani Dhlakama, premiered at Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town. It meticulously gathered a century's worth of Black figuration from diverse generations and geographies, illuminating crucial themes of self-representation, intimacy, memory, and aesthetic beauty. As the exhibition journeyed internationally, captivating audiences in cities like Basel, Brussels, and Stockholm, it became a powerful emblem of Kouoh's unique ability to craft historically rich yet universally resonant artistic narratives.

The foundation further positions 'In Minor Keys,' the forthcoming 2026 Venice Art Biennale exhibition, as a direct extension of Kouoh's expansive curatorial philosophy. Characterizing this appointment as a 'watershed moment in the broader landscape of contemporary art,' the foundation interprets Kouoh's vision for the biennale as a transformative re-evaluation of how contemporary art is perceived and discussed across different cultures and historical contexts.

The foundation's governing board is composed of distinguished figures from the fields of curating, publishing, finance, and the arts. Philippe Mall, a Swiss saxophonist and composer, serves as president, with cultural strategist Michèle Sandoz as vice president. Other notable members include curator Josef Helfenstein, Adrienne Edwards, curator and writer Kate Fowle, artist Alfredo Jaar, and banker and arts patron Cathia Lawson-Hall. An advisory board is anticipated to be announced in the near future.

Throughout the foundation's initiatives, Kouoh's frequently quoted adage, 'You have to set up your own house and build your own home as opposed to trying to get into someone else’s castle,' serves as a guiding principle for its future trajectory. Through its commitment to archives, institutional backing, publishing endeavors, fostering discourse, and forthcoming programs, the foundation aspires to continue erecting the essential structures that Kouoh believed were indispensable for artists and thinkers to thrive and endure.

In the picturesque Pasiego Valleys of Cantabria, Spain, Estudio Mínima has undertaken a remarkable transformation, rehabilitating a derelict rural cabin into Casa Mínima. This project serves as a compelling testament to how the highest standards of energy efficiency can be met without compromising the authentic character of traditional architecture. The endeavor meticulously retains the original structural footprint, the robust dry-stone masonry, the classic pitched roof, and the customary exterior stone staircase, focusing all innovative modifications within the building's internal spaces.

The rehabilitation introduced a sophisticated, high-performance interior layer, acting as a second skin. This inner shell, composed of organic insulation, brick, and lime plaster, is applied directly against the existing 80 cm thick stone walls. This ingenious approach significantly enhances thermal efficiency while ensuring the building's external appearance and inherent material integrity remain untouched. Completing the energy system are mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and an integrated heat pump, which together guarantee consistent air quality and minimal energy use throughout the year. For an added touch of warmth during colder seasons, a compact wood stove is available. Furthermore, triple-glazed timber windows not only minimize heat loss but also maintain an unobstructed visual connection with the surrounding natural beauty. All technical installations are discreetly integrated and hidden, allowing the internal environment to be defined by a sense of calm, stability, and material purity.

The selection of materials underscores a philosophy of continuity and local relevance. Lime plaster, locally sourced oak wood, reclaimed stone, and ceramic elements form a refined palette that intrinsically links the revamped structure to its environment. Rather than merely mimicking the original design, the project thoughtfully delineates each new layer, enabling observers to appreciate both the historical and contemporary elements simultaneously. What once served as a stable on the ground floor has been reimagined as the primary living area, where the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces flow harmoniously, creating a continuous indoor landscape that frames the valley beyond.

Outside, the neglected service courtyard has been revitalized. It is now paved with the very stone slabs that once constituted the stable's floor, preserving echoes of its agricultural past. This outdoor area now extends the home's living space into the natural setting. On the upper floor, the traditional layout of Pasiego cabins is respected, featuring two bedrooms accessible directly from outside via the original stone staircase. These rooms, adorned with oak and finished with lime, cultivate a serene and contained ambiance, where proportion, texture, and light craft an atmosphere conducive to rest. Ultimately, Casa Mínima embodies a meditation on longevity, representing an architectural methodology where sustainability encompasses not only operational efficiency but also a deep reverence for what already exists—its history, its materials, and its enduring relationship with the landscape.