Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD

Spécialiste de l'Urbain, des Politiques Environnementales, je travaille à l'intersection des Êtres Humains, de leurs Milieux et Territoires, et du Savoir.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

We are formed in and through relationships with others. If Humans are "incomplete," then the city that hosts them must be designed to facilitate completeness and connections, rather than hinder them.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

The issue is not always the absence of knowledge. It is the absence of translation. I work with teams to turn strong research into policy briefs and content that improves visibility. If useful, I’d be happy to suggest 1–2 ways your work could reach a wider audience. dm me.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

If societies differ so significantly in their most intimate gestures—marrying, eating, or judging—it would be striking if they did not also differ in the way they organize the space in which all of this unfolds.

Yet, in planning, we often choose to feign ignorance.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

We must ensure a constant flow between the "lower floor" (vernacular culture, grassroots practices) and the "upper floor" (power structures, institutions, elites).

Any viable spatial organization must connect these two levels.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

In the Fon region, a popular proverb suggests it is always better to work, even when the Fâ has promised wealth.

The perception of who is “in need” or who deserves help is not universal. It is shaped by unique values and narratives around work, luck, and dignity.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

Each society has its own way of doing things.

From the way emotions are expressed to the ways we cook the same cereal. These cultural differences shape our very sense of justice and equity, the perception of what is “just” in one context compared to another.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

Human-centered urbanization is not a modern innovation.

It is a return to the foundational knowledge held by peoples both here and abroad. It demands that we restore human dignity to the core of urban practice.

#Urbanism #HumanDignity

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

Si les sociétés diffèrent dans leurs manières de vivre, pourquoi ne différeraient-elles pas dans leurs manières de bâtir?

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

Chaque société a sa manière de faire les choses. Et cela se voit dans nos villes.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

“All knowledge is sterile, which does not lead to action and end in charity.”

— Désiré-Joseph Mercier

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

My teaching philosophy now centers on promoting critical thinking, experimental learning, relational pedagogies, and reflective engagement with global challenges in urban studies, environmental politics, and African studies.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

Teaching is worth it. I learned a lot through it at primary, secondary and university level. I offer my services to help NGOs workers, institutions, researchers, executive bodies turn their thoughts about the urban and the environment into educative public engagement contents.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

I simply attempt to remain faithful to the idea of human dignity, to learn along the way, and share what I think and find in the process. If you are interested in what happens in cities, and in the environment, and what does not happen? Then, follow me for more.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

My initiative here is simple.

To write about people and the places they inhabit, across the many environments we share on this common planet.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

If human beings are endowed with worth, value and distinction, then they ought to live in places that preserve and promote their dignity.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

My undertone is :

African.
Catholic.
Transdisciplinary.

So, some may agree, others may not. It is just reflexions about themes I think are worth the interest. Cities, the Environment, Humans, Non-Living things.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

To any understanding of the word good, I would add one element:

the preservation of human dignity in all circumstances.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

The word good is surprisingly difficult to define.

One understanding suggests that something is good because it is desirable, or because it expresses a certain perfection or purpose.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

When I refer to people, I simply mean human beings linked by a common interest.

Even if their interests differ.

One may want electricity to watch football.
Another may want paved roads.

[Emmanuel Awohouedji, PhD @AwoXweji]

I learned over time that place is often analysed together with space.

Place carries meaning.
Space is more abstract and geographical.
Think of the work of Yi-Fu Tuan and Doreen Massey.