MOHOA. A Lesson in Sustainability Given by Modern Heritage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Sacred Architecture of Paul Dequeker

The Tropical Modernism that spread in the sub-Saharan Africa, consigning to history many ancient architectural artifacts and practices. The Democratic Republic of the Congo preserves some precious examples of tropical architecture that were realized before and after independence. The aim of this paper is to examine this heritage and the sustainability already embedded in the language of tropical architecture, and its application in the design process through analyzing quintessential instances of Paul Dequeker's work, in particular his sacred architecture. Six projects in DR Congo are presented: King Christ Church, St. Anthony I Church, St. Luke Church, St. Augustine Church, St. Anthony II Church and St. Raphaël Church. This research explores each case study through a qualitative method analyzing, first, historical documents relating to their conception as architectural projects, and second, as part of an African modern heritage that needs to be classified, studied, and protected. Moreover, the analysis focuses on the tropical details and features characterizing the architectural artifacts.