My African Aesthetic
5.1. Don Lawrence: Jamaica. New York. Norway artwork

5.1. Don Lawrence: Jamaica. New York. Norway

My African Aesthetic
S5 E101:12:35
Play episode

Show notes

Don Lawrence shares his transformative journey as an architect, connecting his roots in Jamaica to his experiences in New York and Norway. His family influences and diverse geopolitical experiences shape not only his design approach but also embody the importance of cultural heritage and community in creating meaningful and sustainable spaces.  Our discussions highlight the interplay of culture, education, and identity in shaping one's life and design philosophy. We also focus on the significance of sense of place and the African aesthetic in design. Finally, Don discusses an exciting project in Bali, where he and his team combine local craftsmanship with sustainable methods—highlighting the significance of recognizing traditional techniques, drawing lessons from traditional African building techniques and aesthetics. This blend represents a holistic approach to architecture that seeks to honor the materials, the environment, and the individuals who inhabit these spaces. Through Don Lawrence's reflective narrative, we grasp essential lessons about identity, resilience, and the quest for innovative and sustainable design practices. His story serves as a reminder of the profound influence of cultural roots and personal experiences in creating architectural spaces that resonate deeply with the communities they serve. Recorded: 03.08.2024 https://www.don-lawrence.com/ Visit our website for more insights and updates on our future episodes!Support the showInstagram: @myafricanaesthetic  Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

More from this show

More
  1. 6.6. Black History Month Norway 2025: Diaspora Dialogues-African Living- Community & Social Sustainability

    African Living: Community & Social SustainabilityKinam Imole Konlan (sosial entrepreneur), Terese Mungai-Foyn(Actress and director) and Eunice Nanzala Schumacher(moderator) reflect…

    01:50:35
  2. 6.5. Black History Month Norway 2025: Diaspora Dialogues, African Living: African aesthetics in a global context

    Diaspora Dialogues, African Living- African aesthetics in a global context.The talk connects historical and contemporary African aesthetics and design philosophy. We explore how Af…

    01:55:20
  3. 6.4. Unwasted_African aesthetics and the global translation of African narratives with Prof. Mugendi Kanampiu M’Rithaa

    Professor Mugendi Kanampiu M’Rithaa is a pioneering transdisciplinary designer, educator, and President Emeritus of the World Design Organization. He is a thinker whose work spans…

    S6 E449:02
  4. 6.3. Kouomegne Celia Kamdom

    In this episode, Celia shares how a move from Paris to Norway, and a lifelong pull toward design led her to create Oriaku, a jewelry brand that fuses African craftsmanship with Sca…

    40:47
  5. 6.2. George Daniels: South Africa.Norway

    George Daniels, Managing Director of the Oslo Afro Arts Festival talks about how the festival contributes to reshaping cultural narratives in Norway through the power of African ar…

    S6 E242:55
  6. 6.1. Regina Ohiama Udalor: Nigeria.Norway

    Discover how youth-led filmmaking is reshaping cultural narratives in Norway and beyond. In this episode, Regina Ohiama Udalor, producer & director at Peridot Films and founder of…

    S6 E101:06:00
Now Playing