Tola Ojuolape discusses her work as the lead interior designer on The Africa Centre project in Southwark, where the team transformed the bar, restaurant and gallery areas into a contemporary and authentic pan African space.
Tola Ojuolape is a multidisciplinary designer who has garnered experience working in London and globally for the last decade at various studios including award winning design agency Blacksheep where she led global design on hospitality projects, luxury lifestyle, and start up brands with clients including the Ritz Carlton, Hyundai Card, and Marriott Hotel Group.
Tola set up her eponymous studio to deliver projects tailored to each client, which vary from creative direction, brand strategy, interior design and styling. Common to all projects is a commitment to creating spaces that have a cultural undertone that inherently feel human and seeped in richness.
Tola was appointed to lead the interiors look and feel for the refurbishment of The Africa Centre; a cultural hub championing the cause of the African continent and its diaspora since 1961. Working alongside the architects Freehaus led by Jonathan Hagos with the involvement of esteemed Architect and Project Manager Annette Fisher and Tapiwa Mutsinde curator of Atelier 55, Tola’s response to the brief was rooted in honouring and unfolding Africa’s sense of place through craftsmanship, materiality, tactility and the warmth it evokes.
Here, Tola discusses the details of the interior spaces at The Africa Centre and how she supported the client’s ambition to work with designers and makers from across the continent and diaspora.
Where did the conversation with the client begin and what was their brief?
The Africa Centre reached out as they were looking for a designer of heritage, a Pan-african, and a contemporary look and feel to create an appropriate space celebrating the soul and creativity of the continent. Marrying my experience working in commercial F&B design for the last 10 years in London, love and travels around the continent, it was a perfect fit as I had just become independent and in the process of setting up my young studio.
I was appointed upon approval of my proposal unanimously by the board. I recognised from the onset it was an important responsibility to consolidate ideas and themes from the continent. The concept was centred around the unifiers that make the African continent special and unique and I concluded this came from the natural essence of hand made, tactile and crafted objects seen throughout the continent. This governed all of the materials and finishes I sought to deliver in the space across all floors. We collaborated with a number of designers and makers from the continent and diaspora to achieve the look and feel.
Tell us about some of the new design features that were unique to this project?
The indigo colour used across all levels is inspired by the rich history of dyeing textiles from West Africa, indigo cloth dyeing was a highly valuable skill passed on by specialist dyers through generations up to now. I sought to pay homage to heritage with the use of the indigenous colour as an eminent feature in the interior spaces – specifically a backdrop to the exhibition space and stairwell areas. It also served as a contrast to the terracotta tones and timbers.
I welcomed the challenge because I believed in it from the onset. I worked closely with the clayworks team to get the right colour. I have also been working with the colour for number of years and understood the depth and contrast translating it into clay could bring. The colour was also strongly tied to the concept. Now the space is complete, it has been positively received and everyone is so pleased.
Sourcing from artisans across the continent was also a unique feature championed by The Africa Centre from the onset. It was a privilege to source and work with various craftsmen from the continent. An opportunity to celebrate the soul and craftsmanship of design unique to Africa.
Can you talk about the use of materials throughout?
Materiality and tactility was at the heart of the project. Natural clay plaster beautify the walls as well as natural handmade sun breakers are a feature around the restaurant area in the interiors space. It was important to translate the design through tactile materiality and use colours like the indigo textured plaster as a signifier to elements across the continent.
How did you tackle issues surrounding sustainability?
From the onset, sustainability was to be considered. Working with materials like natural clay plaster, sustainable and FSC approved timber, as well as ethically sourced interior elements to compliment the space.
What was the most challenging part about this project?
Like many projects, involving the interior designer from the onset always helps a smoother process. Managing the logistics of sourcing and ensuring delivery was challenging, however all items sourced were delivered one time and had impeccable quality suitable for the commercial environment.
The project was also made possible with the collaboration of Tapiwa Matsinde, a respected African Art Curator who procured a lot of the items sourced from the continent. I have to acknowledge her contribution to support the procurement and logistics from the continent.
www.tolaojuolape.com | IG: @tolaojuolape.studio
Photography by Felix Speller
Â
