Vernacular African Architecture

MUDOBE

Goals of the Project
An unique style of Africa Architecture already exists. This should be documented and integrated into all levels of African architecture- even the urban ones. The use of traditional techniques and materials should be encouraged not discouraged..

Vernacular Architecture in Africa has been vanishing in recent years. In West Africa, as well as the rest of Africa, western materials and construction techniques are rapidly replacing traditional ones. This is true even in the most remote areas Modern methods are seen as “civilized” and a reflection of affluence. Traditional materials and construction techniques have implications of being substandard or “primitive”. As a result, these techniques are not being passed on to future generations. In just a few generations, this part of Africa culture could be only a memory. Documenting these structures and techniques and understanding why these traditional architectural relations work is the goal of this project. A second goal is to demonstrate that traditional materials have the strength, comfort and beauty of modern applications. A change in perception has the potential of supporting a vernacular architecture. Indigenous materials: Why is this important? By using materials which are native to the area, it will reduce

By using materials which are native to the area, it will reduce the use of more expensive imported materials. More importantly, vernacular materials are part of cultural manifestations. The question is raised: if a system works well enough, why should it be changed by outside influences which may not be fully understood?
The development of towns introduced modern materials. These materials and construction techniques have slowly made their way even in the most remote villages.