AFARAI is an Amsterdam-based studio that specializes in spatial design, led by architect Afaina de Jong. The studio’s aim is to cross the boundaries of the traditional architecture practice by dealing with the existing city with an interdisciplinary approach, integrating theory and research with design. As a studio AFARAI considers itself a feminist practice that encourages change on social and spatial issues and that accommodate differences.

De Jong has worked for renowned international firms before establishing her own firm in 2005. With her studio AFARAI she works on the boundary of architecture and art. Her work is deeply connected to represent people and cultural movements that are not traditionally represented in architectural form. De Jong situates her work and its form languages, colors, patterns and narratives in the public realm as part of the collective imaginary. Her discourse is international and intersectional, connecting counterculture with architecture.

De Jong is the head of the Contextual Design MA department at Design Academy Eindhoven. She has been an active educator for years amongst others at the Faculty of Architecture at TU Delft and The Sandberg Institute and has been a guest lecturer at Columbia University GSAPP in New York, KTH in Stockholm and the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Her design research The Multiplicity of Other was commissioned for the Dutch Pavilion at the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale.   

CONTACT

Nieuwe Teertuinen 17F

1013 LV Amsterdam

Email: me@afarai.com

Photography: Laila Cohen Studio