LibGuides: ARCH3230 Late Global History of Architecture: Resources for African Architecture

Online Toolbox

Here you will find several online tools to help you with research and coursework

Dunwoody Library Catalog search for resources available from Newkirk Learning Commons
EBSCOhost A collection of online databases geared towards higher education.
Journal of Interior Design The Journal of Interior Design is a scholarly, refereed publication dedicated to a pluralistic exploration of the interior environment. Dunwoody students have access going back 7 years from the current date. Must be on Dunwoody device to access content.
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EBSCO Resources for African Architecture

Arigue, B., Sriti, L., Santi, G., Khadraoui, M. A., & Bencheikh, D. (2023). Exploring the Cooling Potential of Ventilated Mask Walls in Neo-Vernacular Architecture: A Case Study of André Ravéreau’s Dwellings in M’zab Valley, Algeria. Buildings (2075-5309), 13(4), 837. https://doi-org.dunwoody.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/buildings13040837

Exploring Eye by John Beswick -- 3 Part series for Architectural Review

Beswick, J. (2009). Exploring Eye. Architectural Review, 226(1351), 092–097.

Beswick, J. (2010). Exploring eye: in the second of a three-part series, the AR returns to the west coast of Africa to examine its traditional and emerging vernacular architecture. Architectural Review, 227(1356), 84–89.

Beswick, J. (2010). Exploring eye: in the final part of this series on West Africa’s vernacular architecture, the AR examines the link between construction methods, climate and the human factor. Architectural Review, 227(1359), 82–87.

Boden, R. (1992). The influence of traditional values and historic symbolism on urban design. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 9(4), 287–300.

Epée Ellong, & Diane Chehab. (2019). The African Dwelling : From Traditional to Western Style Homes. McFarland.

Franco Frescura, & Joyce Myeza. (2016). Illustrated Glossary of Southern African Architectural Terms : English-isiZulu - an Illustrated Survey of Historical Terms Appertaining to the Indigenous, Folk and Colonial Architectures of Southern Africa. University Of KwaZulu-Natal Press.

Meliouh, F., Sekhri, A., Aoul, K. A. T., & Hamel, K. (2023). Post-occupancy evaluation of the neo-vernacular “courtyard” in contemporary mass housing. Case study: 124 duplex dwellings by the El Miniawy brothers in Biskra (Algeria). Technium Social Sciences Journal, 40, 511–528. https://doi-org.dunwoody.idm.oclc.org/10.47577/tssj.v40i1.8365

Motsamayi, M. F. (2020). Serving Social Justice: Transformation of the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. South African Museums Association Bulletin, 42(1), 34–43.

Ngowi, A. B. (1998). Strategy in housing construction: a case study of Botswana. International Journal for Housing Science and Its Applications, 22(3).

Ozo, A. O. (2009). Urban change and conflict in the traditional character of an African city: the example of Benin City, Nigeria. Planning Perspectives: PP, 4, 485–507.

Web Resources for African Architecture

8 Instances of Vernacular architecture influencing Modern architecture in Africa
Arunkumar, A. (2021, July 31). 8 instances of vernacular architecture influencing modern architecture in Africa - RTF: Rethinking the future. Rethinking The Future. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-styles/a2184-8-instances-of-vernacular-architecture-influencing-modern-architecture-in-africa/
Modern and vernacular: A symbiosis fot the centuries. Here is a glimpse into the rich world of the African modern vernacular.
54 Structures That Prove African Architecture Is Widely Underrated
Bresler, A. (2020, April 9). 54 structures that prove African architecture is widely underrated. Matador Network. https://matadornetwork.com/read/best-african-architecture/
Mixed neo-vernacular but also ancient, modern, and colonial
Africa's iconic architecture in 12 buildings
Ndukwe, I. (2021, October 11). Africa’s iconic architecture in 12 buildings. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58855205
African Vernacular Architecture Patterns: A Source of Inspiration for Contemporary African Artists
Rédaction, L. (2023, March 5). African vernacular architecture patterns: A source of inspiration for contemporary African artists. ON ART MEDIA. https://www.onart.media/events-centered-on-contemporary-african-art/african-vernacular-architecture-patterns-a-source-of-inspiration-for-contemporary-african-artists/
African vernacular architecture is a style of architecture that reflects the history and culture of African peoples. The motifs that adorn the buildings are often inspired by natural elements, religious symbols or mythological stories. These motifs are popular with contemporary African artists, who use them to create unique, contemporary works of art.
ArchiDatum: Architecture in Africa
Hub of reviews of sustainable architecture projects from Africa
The Architecture of Hassan Fathy: Between Western and Non-Western Perspectives
(Download) A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Canterbury by Abdel-moniem M. EI-shorbagy University of Canterbury 2001
Center for Health and Social Advancement, Laongo
Fernández Galiano, L. (2020, December 18). Center for Health and Social Advancement, Laongo - Diébédo Francis Kéré Kéré architecture . Arquitectura Viva. https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/centro-de-salud-y-promocion-social-5
The construction of a health center as part of the Opera Village project followed the aim of improving basic health assistance for the local population. Diébédo Francis Kéré
Exploring the Cooling Potential of Ventilated Mask Walls in Neo-Vernacular Architecture: A Case Study of André Ravéreau's Dwellings in M'zab Valley, Algeria
Arigue, B., Sriti, L., Santi, G., Khadraoui, M. A., & Bencheikh, D. (2023). Exploring the Cooling Potential of Ventilated Mask Walls in Neo-Vernacular Architecture: A Case Study of André Ravéreau’s Dwellings in M’zab Valley, Algeria. Buildings, 13(4), 837. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040837
This study investigates the thermal performance of the ventilated mask wall used in the low-income neo-vernacular dwellings designed by André Ravéreau to cope with the warm desert climate conditions of M’zab Valley, Ghardaia, in southern Algeria.
Exploring Vernacular East African Architecture: Lessons for the Modern World
Buccellato, A., & Reineccius, M. (2019, June 6). Exploring vernacular East African architecture: Lessons for the modern world. Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. https://www.acsa-arch.org/chapter/exploring-vernacular-east-african-architecture-lessons-for-the-modern-world/
From Emergency to Emergent Design
Cascone, P. (2020, July 3). From emergency to emergent design. Interni Magazine. https://www.internimagazine.com/features/opinions/paolo-cascone-africa/
Catastrophism prevents the western world from understanding the potential of the African continent: the capillary and very widespread talent for self-organization.
The History Behind 'African Modernism: The Architecture of Independence'
Spula, I. (2016, March 28). The history behind ’African modernism: The Architecture of Independence ... Architect. https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/exhibits-books-etc/the-history-behind-the-architecture-of-independence-african-modernism_o
The (2016) exhibition at the Graham Foundation highlights the international and vernacular architecture juxtaposed throughout the continent.
A look inside Morocco's first Contemporary Art Museum
Masaye. (2017, October 2). A look inside Morocco’s first Contemporary Art Museum. OkayAfrica. https://www.okayafrica.com/morocco-first-contemporary-art-museum-mohammed-vi-museum-for-modern-and-contemporary-art/
Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre by Peter Rich Architects
Fairs, M. (2013, May 7). Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre by Peter Rich architects. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2009/11/07/mapungubwe-interpretation-centre-by-peter-rich-architects/
A centre built to house prehistoric artefacts designed by South African practice Peter Rich Architects won the World Building of the Year award at the World Architecture Festival in November 2009
Nigeria's plastic bottle house
Olukoya, S. (2011, November 9). Nigeria’s plastic bottle house. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14722179
Nigeria's first house built from discarded plastic bottles is proving a tourist attraction in the village of Yelwa.
The Pursuit of an Identity for Angolan Architecture: Interview with Grupo BANGA
Baratto, R. (2020, October 7). The pursuit of an identity for Angolan Architecture: Interview with Grupo Banga. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/948597/the-pursuit-of-an-identity-for-angolan-architecture-interview-with-grupo-banga
Ramos Castellano Reflects the Colorful Architecture of Cabo Verde with 'Casa Celestina'
Stevens, P. (2021, December 13). Ramos Castellano reflects the colorful architecture of Cabo Verde with “Casa Celestina.” designboom. https://www.designboom.com/architecture/ramos-castellano-casa-celestina-sao-vicente-cabo-verde-01-04-2021/
on são vicente, an island of cabo verde in west africa, ramos castellano arquitectos has completed a mixed-use building that seeks to enter into a dialogue with its vibrant context. the project, named ‘casa celestina’, contains commercial and co-working space on the ground floor with seven apartments above. the building’s façade is defined by its square openings, which, from the outside, reflect the colors of the city and its vernacular architecture. however, from the inside, these apertures edit external views to ensure calmness and concentration.
The Rise of Contemporary African Architecture: Blending Tradition and Innovation
Adeyemi, A. (2023, April 15). The rise of contemporary African architecture: Blending tradition and Innovation. MoMAA. https://momaa.org/the-rise-of-contemporary-african-architecture-blending-tradition-and-innovation/
Includes a list of architects and their schools of design
Senegal: Building sustainable schools using 'moon bricks'
Dia, A., & Alexandra, K. (Eds.). (2020, November 11). Senegal: Building Sustainable Schools Using “Moon Bricks.” BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-54897897
Lebanese architect Leila Meroue is using a technique intended to build shelters on the moon, to build a sustainable school in the Senegalese village of Tivaouane Peulh.
Sub-Saharan Africa Architectural Guide Series (6 articles)
Ravenscroft, T. (2021). Sub-Saharan Africa Architectural Guide. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/tag/sub-saharan-africa-architecture-guide/
A collaboration with Dom Publishers, the editors of the Sub-Saharan Africa Architectural Guide have picked architecture highlights from Africa. The guide aims to "showcase the wealth of fascinating projects" and "everyday architecture"
This stylish African architecture will blow you away
Compton, N. (2017, August 29). This Stylish African Architecture Will Blow You Away. Wired Magazine. https://www.wired.co.uk/gallery/best-african-architecture
From Kenya to Morocco, a string of world-class buildings are appearing across the continent, representing the very best of modern architecture
How a Return to Vernacular Architecture Can Benefit the People of Mali's Dogon Region
Zilliacus, A. (2017, April 7). How a return to vernacular architecture can benefit the people of Mali’s dogon region. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/868010/how-a-return-to-vernacular-architecture-can-benefit-the-people-of-malis-dogon-region
The Painted Houses of Tiébélé: A Model for Communal Collaboration
Yakubu, P. (2023, June 23). The painted houses of Tiébélé: A model for communal collaboration. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/1002826/the-painted-houses-of-tiebele-a-model-for-communal-collaboration?ad_medium=widget&ad_name=related-tags-article-show
Why African Vernacular Architecture Is Overdue for a Renaissance
Agbo, M. (2018, February 20). Why African vernacular architecture is overdue for a Renaissance. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/889350/why-african-vernacular-architecture-is-overdue-for-a-renaissance
Tented love: how Senegal created a spectacular new African architecture
Wainwright, O. (2022, January 13). Tented Love: How Senegal created a spectacular New African architecture. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/jan/13/tented-love-senegal-spectacular-new-african-architecture-dakar-tent
African Vernacualr Architecture - Be Practical
Henderson, R. (2023, April 29). African vernacular architecture- be practical. Architect Russell. https://www.architectrussell.com/african-vernacular-architecture/
An argument for limiting modern vernacular architecture.
Circularity in the New Gravity—Re-Thinking Vernacular Architecture and Circularity
Dabaieh, M., Maguid, D., & El-Mahdy, D. (2021, December 29). Circularity in the new gravity-re-thinking vernacular architecture and circularity. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/1/328

Video Resources for African Architecture

HoA TV - Whaashoon Eritrea Inspiring Architectural Project (english)
Horn of Africa TV. (2021, March 11). Whaashoon Eritrea Inspiring Architectural Project (English). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsjqmvPwpFc
Waashoon Architecture overview starts at 12:30
Ethiopia's Green Structures and Puzzle Houses
Planet Forward. (2016, January 14). Ethiopia’s Green Structures and puzzle houses. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwtkim8k9u4