Abstract
Honorable Mention
Inspired by African cultural identity and modern convenience.
What inspired you to enter this special competition to create a modern architectural language for Africa?
Architecture in Africa today is a receding echo of our heritage. Africa's history and culture is rich and diverse, yet we often live in environments with imported architecture that don't reflect Africa's heritage and our identities. Architecture is the creation of spaces subjective to context, identity and the basics of life. Through architectural design that considers Africa's cultural context, history and materiality, a comprehensive, thoughtful and sustainable architecture can be developed for Africa.
What did you find most interesting or challenging during the research and development of your prototype?
Many factors influenced African Architecture. Historical influences, western architecture, religion and indigenous culture form the heritage of African architecture. A copy and paste approach does not create a deep understanding and connection to Africa. It was challenging to develop a harmony of architectural gestures pertaining to the history and evolution of Africa, indigenous culture and modern lifestyle.
Why do you believe African homeowners will be interested in building a home such as the one you have submitted today?
The transition from rural to urban areas in search of modern conveniences is a rapidly increasing phenomenon. In Nigeria for example, most urban migrants have what is commonly called 'family houses' in the rural areas of their individual cultures. Fusion point maintains cultural identity with modern conveniences. Additionally, the use of local sustainable material adds indigenous character and creates a more flexible design. More importantly, it reduces cost of sourcing and importing foreign materials.
Included in
African Languages and Societies Commons, African Studies Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons