Abstract
Honorable Mention
Inspired by the music of Africa.
What inspired you to enter this special competition to create a modern architectural language for Africa?
We are interested in creating an African built environment that will intrigue and attract the world at large.
What did you find most interesting or challenging during the research and development of your prototype?
It was interesting to find out that Africans are deeply connected. In search of land, indigenous people migrated and exchanged aspects of culture. One challenge was that African cultural heritage is not extensively documented. And although we as Africans can get information we need from interviews, observations and personal experiences, non-Africans are at loss to the knowledge of the richness of our various cultures.
Why do you believe African homeowners will be interested in building a home such as the one you have submitted today?
The Jali unifies all African cultures, with its design elements and aesthetic features. The Jali tells the story of the African musical culture in a unique way. When African homeowners understand the concept of the Jali, they will gladly use their houses to explain to other ethnic groups their cultural musical story. In this way, African homeowners will pass on a part of their cultural heritage to others.
Included in
African Languages and Societies Commons, African Studies Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons