Diabaté thinks that architects need to know the people, understand their habits and culture, and respond appropriately to their social, cultural, and climatic environments. The architects who enjoy the freedom of exploring urban issues will focus their work on the entire ecosystem rather than single buildings. “For me, as an architect, it’s important to reclaim control over our cities. As government is not actively solving the issues emerging from a lack of urban planning, architects need to step in and be proactive,” says Diabaté.

After graduating from Yale University with a master in Architecture, Issa Diabaté worked at several high profile firms. In 2001, he cofounded his practice with Guillaume Koffi to form Koffi & Diabate Group. Their projects incorporate strong social missions and address urban development issues coming from the rapid growth of African cities. The group works on developing new urban forms and types of dwellings designed as an invitation to live differently, in a sustainable environment adapted to local cultures.