It’s no secret that every culture has their own style they like to embrace in architecture. But, with the rising Westernization of many African nations, a lot of architects are fighting against the cultural erosion by designing and constructing buildings designed with local resources and needs in mind.
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The Rise of West African Architecture
The continent of Africa hosts a variety of diverse and unique nations. Architecture around the continent has been trending towards imported design and materials, but in West Africa there has been a lot of push-back from locals that want to see African-focused solutions instead of unnecessary idea importation. This more recent movement to incorporate more local solutions to building has led to a number of fantastic structures that are uniquely suited to their locations.
Amazing Buildings Around the Region
1. Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, Botswana
Botswana is not exactly a West African nation, but this structure is too beautiful not to mention. All the buildings in the compound here are organically shaped to blend into the hilly regions around the area. Local stones and compressed earthenware bricks were used to form each building into shapes reminiscent of ancient huts that used to occupy the land. The design is well suited to the region, and has taken advantage of traditional techniques that completed negate the need for air conditioning.
2. The Central Market at Koudougou, Burkina Faso
Shopping at this market in Burkina Faso is an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re in the area. High, vaulted ceilings with dramatic arches give the inside of the market an open and airy feel that’s beautiful and efficient. All the materials used are locally produced, including the compressed earth bricks. Not only is a great collection of buildings, but it’s also a key feature for the local economy, as it provides a central selling space for a large number of small business owners.
3. Thread Cultural Center, Senegal
Although it was designed by a Japanese architect, this cultural center is a prime example of a structure that meets the needs of the local area while embracing the hand tools and resources available there. Schools, events, and markets are all hosted within the compressed earthenware walls and under the bamboo ceilings. Everything used to build the building was gathered from nearby areas of Senegal.
4. Gando Primary School, Burkina Faso
Architect Diébédo Francis Kéré from Burkina Faso came from humble beginnings in the village of Gando. After he succeeded as an architect elsewhere, he returned to design and build this school in his home village. In an effort to construct with sustainable methods, he used mud bricks and Eucalyptus wood. The trees cut down were not native to the land, and didn’t do well in the climate, so he replaced them with fruit-bearing mango trees instead. The design features an innovative ceiling style that blocks heavy rains while also allowing an enormous amount of airflow in the hot, dry seasons.
5. Makoko Floating School/MoMa’s Uneven Growth Concept, Nigeria
There are a lot of challenges associated with the ever-expanding city of Lagos, Nigeria. One of those challenges is the Makoko section of town, a poor and over-populated area between downtown and the ocean coastline. One architect’s solution to the need for schools in the close streets was to build a clever floating school structure with local wooden materials and metal roofing. While this by itself isn’t revolutionary, the same architect drew up concepts for an entire floating community in the area, which could revolutionize the area if the plans are carried out.
Africa is full of examples of architecture that’s well suited for the needs of each region as well as what’s available there. Just focusing on West Africa shows you just how diverse and incredible the continent is, and how it may continue to embrace its own culture in the future.