Architecture
Heritage
Urbanism
in West Africa

Architecture, Heritage, Urbanism in West Africa (AHUWA) research centre is based at the University of Liverpool. We partner with institutions, collections, scholars, and communities across Africa and beyond to investigate the most pressing questions about cities, design, history, heritage, and urbanism.

We write histories and tell stories

With a focus on West Africa we write new histories and promote new voices. We have a particular specialism in modern architecture, cities, and coastal heritage.

Heritage

We catalogue, record, and document architecture, heritage, and the built environment.
We work with local communities, artists, writers, designers, architects, historians, and scholars to understand heritage and culture in West Africa.

Sustainability and
Environmental Design

The Sustainable Development Goals are at the core of all our research projects. From undertaking environmental analysis of modernist libraries through to celebrating the rich architecture and urbanism of the 'African City', we want to see places that are inclusive, resilient, and address the climate emergency.

Programmes and Projects

Programmes

Projects

People and Partner Organisations

Members

Affiliates

Partner Organisations

AHUWA is a large community of scholars, designers, activists, and practitioners. The Centre is directed by Professors Ola Uduku and Iain Jackson at Liverpool School of Architecture.

Events

Blogs

Publications

1. Pottgiesser, U., & Uduku, O. (2024). Educational Buildings in Africa: A Modernist Review. In Modernism in Africa (pp. 8-31). De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783035628357-002
2. Uduku, O. (2024). Upgrading of townships in South Africa after apartheid. In Tradition, Location and Community (pp. 235-250). Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003514169-17
3. Uduku, O. (2024). Foreword: The Architecture of John Godwin and Gillian Hopwood. In Who Are Godwin and Hopwood? (pp. 9-16). De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783035626773-001
4. Abubakar, I. R., Onyebueke, V. U., Lawanson, T., Barau, A. S., & Bununu, Y. A. (2025). Urban planning strategies for addressing climate change in Lagos megacity, Nigeria. Land Use Policy, 153, 107524. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107524
4. Olajide, O. A., & Lawanson, T. (2025). Claiming the right to the city: the politics of urban reform coalitions in Lagos. Environment & Urbanization, 37(1), 57-75. doi:10.1177/09562478251318231

Call to Action

Are you ready to be part of something meaningful?At AHUWA Lab, we believe in the power of collective action to drive real change. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, innovation, education, or community development, your voice and your actions matter. Now is the time to step forward.We are building movements and we want you with us.Click below to get involved. Sign up for updates, attend our events, or become a member of our growing network of changemakers.Together, we can turn ideas into impact.

Let's stay in touch

Please sign up for our quarterly news letter or write to us AHUWA/UCL Lab