Tuareg Trails of Tomorrow: Re-imagining Arlit’s Future Along Ancient Trade Routes | Masters Design Thesis on Regenerative Architecture

Site Context

The people of Arlit have witnessed the destruction of the Sub-Saharan landscape for forty years as a result of massive deep desert excavation and contaminated local water aquifers. While Niger ranks 187th out of 191 countries on the UN development index, French government-backed mining companies like Oreno (formerly Areva) report profits exceeding 311 million euros.

The health of the 80,000 residents of Arlit and Akonan is in jeopardy due to mining, as contaminated water wells contain radiation 500 times higher than that of standard UN levels. As the world clamours for eco-capitalist ideals, the people of Arlit pay the price. With Areva’s mining operations expanding, further north. A cleaner future for the West means a darker reality for those ensnared in the shadows of exploitation.

After 40 years of uranium mining, Arlit is left in the shadows, causing cultural erosion. Powering distant homes while its resources dwindle. The children of once hopeful workers struggle with economic distress and consider going back to the nomadic Tuareg lifestyle that their ancestors abandoned.

Amidst this desolation, the Tuareg people’s renowned defiance of French forces reverberates, their tenacity an unstoppable force. Now that the Sahara and uranium mining are posing a threat, can the Tuareg adopt a strategy to revive the desert’s life force by cleaning up contaminated aquifers, building a robust ecosystem, and providing a ray of hope in the face of hardship?

Trans-Saharan Railway: The Trans-Saharan Railway, a large-scale railroad initiative, was a symbol of French colonialism in Africa, tainted by deceit and exploitation. Initially welcomed as a symbol of development, the railway was plagued by financial mismanagement and never came to fruition. This left a legacy of hardship for African labourers and colonial subjects. The hypocrisy of French colonial goals is evident in the contrast between the grandiose rhetoric of colonial propaganda and the harsh realities faced by those involved in construction. Despite the grandiose hopes for a national renaissance, the colonial endeavour in Africa mainly served to further French interests at the cost of African lives.

Design Process

The design process began with addressing the pressing issue of harmful dust particles, leading to the development of electrostatic sand catchers. This innovative technology effectively reduces the spread of dust particles by producing an electrical potential that draws the particles to a specific barrier.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a wide range of cultural factors had a major impact on the typologies incorporated into the scheme. The key sources of inspiration were the skin- and bone-like structures reminiscent of the Tuareg people, as well as the traditional Agadez architecture made of clay, adobe, and earth brick that dates back to the Songhai and Mali empires.

Contemporary interpretations of these historic structures were created as part of the design approach to bring these rich cultural practices into the present day. An effective and culturally relevant scheme emerged by integrating advanced technologies with traditional design elements.

Final Outcome

This proposal is an initiative centred on the revitalization of the ancient Tuareg caravan routes. Its key feature is a linear cityscape that was created to honour and conserve the rich heritage found along these historical pathways. This pays homage to the legacy of these routes and aims to catalyse industries, especially for the younger Arlit population whose prospects are dwindling.

The project seeks to revive the essence of traditional productive practices like metalworking, fabric dyeing, jewellery craftsmanship, and desert agriculture. While simultaneously addressing the pressing challenges posed by the persistent threat of uranium extraction, which continues to cast a shadow over the region.

Through the integration of the revival of historical trades with a response to contemporary issues, the initiative seeks to foster a self-sustaining ecosystem and a resilient community. The main aspect of the proposed strategy is the implementation of dust barriers that are positioned to collect harmful airborne dust particles using electrostatic charge.

Lower soil pollution levels from the use of sand catchers provide the ideal growing conditions for these resilient crops. By using careful crop selection and cultivation methods, the project aims to ensure the long-term food security and economic viability of the local populations.

Syntropic Farming for the Reversal of Desertification provides a comprehensive approach to ecosystem restoration and soil regeneration. By replicating natural forest ecosystems, this promotes biodiversity, soil fertility, and water retention, slowing and even reversing the effects of desertification.

Conclusion: As a symbol of the devastation caused by colonialism in the past, the proposal anticipates a future in which sustainable elements coexist peacefully with the historical legacies to support a new community.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]