Christian Benimana: Designing Purpose, Not Just Skylines

Christian Benimana, Co-Executive Director and Sr. Principal at MASS Design Group, joins us on The Century of Cities to reflect on how African cities have evolved from post-colonial identities to centers of economic gravity, yet often without a clear sense of purpose. He explores why many urban centers across the continent are now caught between growth and confusion, and why re-imagining identity is essential before we can talk about sustainability. Christian challenges conventional thinking on architecture, participation, and design, arguing that cities are not merely physical spaces but living ideas. He questions whether Africa's megacities can survive their own momentum, and calls for new models that use technology, culture, and human dignity to shape places that serve people, not just economies.