Jean-Philippe Vassal, Niamey, Niger, 1984
OfHouses guest curated by Benedict Clouette & Marlisa Wise (Interval-Projects): “Vassal
and Anne Lacaton moved to Niger after graduating from the Ecole
Nationale Superieure d'Architecture in 1980. Vassal worked in Niamey for
the next four years, during which time he built this house on the River
Niger. Made of twigs, straw, and rice matting, it consists of three
elements – a fenced yard, a domed enclosure and a roof, a forerunner to
the material economy and light construction of their later work. It
lasted two years, and Vassal returned to Paris.“ (Photos: © Lacaton et Vassal Architectes.)
