Tropical Architecture for a Warming World

The architectural revolution in Ghana and India that could inspire how cities adapt across our warming world.

As we look to a future shaped by climate change and record temperatures, architects, urban designers and city authorities must design in ways that help residents cope with new environmental extremes. This spring the V&A opened its latest exhibition celebrating the hugely influential Tropical Modernism movement which was developed in countries in West Africa and South Asia, that could provide a guide for cities around the world today.

Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence (open until September 22) looks at the ways in which Modernism was adapted to the hot, humid climate of countries colonised by Britain in the 1940s and how, after Independence, India and Ghana, adopted the style as a symbol of modernity, self-actualisation and progressiveness, distinct from colonial culture. For the Great Exhibition Road Festival, its curators will look at how Tropical Modernism sought to work with rather than against climate, and how its scientifically informed techniques might provide architects with sustainable solutions to increasingly extreme climate conditions.

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are most suitable for ages 14+.

This event is part of the Flourishing Futures talk series. The talk will have some advance tickets released to visitors closer to the Festival weekend as well as having drop in spaces on the day.

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

The event has step-free access and a hearing loop system.

To attend the Festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the programme, and opportunities to book free tickets for popular events.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE FESTIVAL