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Vernacular Architecture

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Vernacular Architecture In Africa
Changes Over Time

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.
Vernacular architecture is the construction and building design of settlements that relate to their contexts and available resources. In his book, Ambe Njoh states ”Vernacular architecture is usually the product of specific climatic cultural, and economic conditions of a particular place.” Many different countries throughout Africa are not fortunate enough to buy building material or they just are not able to get access to any. Many African cultures custom build homes or any other buildings using traditional techniques that fall under vernacular architecture. Vernacular architecture is especially beautiful in Africa, in parts such as East Africa. Their architecture has constantly been evolving with nature. The people live with the nature, therefore the buildings shape nature and the materials used shape the building. African architecture uses a wide range of local materials such as thatch, stick/wood,

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