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Article Title

Ebusua Fie

Abstract

Honorable Mention

Inspired by the Fanti of Ghana.

What inspired you to enter this special competition to create a modern architectural language for Africa?

Growing up in the Caribbean and currently living in Ghana, I‘ve been interested in the conversation surrounding the development and definition of both a Caribbean‘ style and African‘ style and the cultural, social, political and historical issues that surround this. The competition seemed like a perfect avenue to continue to investigate these interests.

What did you find most interesting or challenging during the research and development of your prototype?

Trying to study and investigate the traditional models and interpreting into a modern manifestation without replicating, or tacking on traditional elements without rigor and purpose.Also, getting the people I‘ve engaged with to understand that buildings utilizing earth or other locally sourced materials are NOT synonymous with poverty. When they‘ve seen images they realizeitcanbebeautifulandwell executed with today‘s technologicaladvances.

Why do you believe African homeowners will be interested in building a home such as the one you have submitted today?

A prospective homeowner would choose to buy this home design due to the following factors: It is environmentally sustainable, reducing homeowner‘s reliance on air conditioning thereby reducing life cycle costs; References traditional values in terms of community and family relationships while maintaining privacy; Small footprint, allowing building in more dense areas or on smaller plots of lands

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