Antananarivo increasingly overcrowded

The rapid growth of major cities, such as Madagascar’s capital, has led to rapid urbanization without proper development planning.

Originally designed to accommodate 300,000 residents, Antananarivo now hosts a population of 3 million, with a fragmented urban landscape that fails to meet urban planning standards. The Malagasy Order of Architects highlighted this observation during World Architecture Day, celebrated at the City Hall of Analakely. The event emphasized the importance of training the next generation of architects, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills to address today’s urban challenges. The preservation of the city’s architectural heritage was also a key topic of discussion.

This year’s theme, « Architecture, Heritage, Education », reflects the critical role architects play in societal progress. According to Fara Rahoeliarivahy, President of the Order of Architects, these “experts” in construction have a profound impact on a city’s development. It is generally recommended that individuals consult architects for construction projects exceeding 150 square meters. However, when looking at the current situation, many developments do not comply with this guideline. Rahoeliarivahy notes that this has resulted in a chaotic urban landscape, with 80 % of buildings in Antananarivo lacking proper building permits.

This issue largely stems from the fact that people are not seeking the expertise of architects. The burdensome and costly procedures required to obtain building permits often discourage individuals from following the correct process. Currently, there are ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the role of architects. « It’s important to emphasize that our services are suitable for all types of projects, whether small or large-scale », added Fara Rahoeliarivahy.