DESIGN
A REFLECTION ON THE DNA OF DESIGN IN AFRIKA by Fatimata Ly for AFRIKADAA Photos ©10and5.com
In Biology, DNA contains the genetic instruction used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. Each segment carries the genetic information known as genes. DNA is also called the blueprint of life and as the blueprint of a building; the DNA blueprint gives instructions to each cell to build the organism. While this might sounds a bit scientific or far-fetched, I would like to make an analogy between the definition of DNA and the common use of DNA as an acronym or to define the core, the essence of things. The DNA Design Network Africa recently launched by the DCCD Danish Center for Culture and Development is said to promote beautiful products known as “African design”. I will attempt to discuss the implied meaning of the DNA term. How it could reinforce stereotypes and confine design to a limited path in Africa. 86