African architecture is a diverse and rich field, with a long and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. In this essay, we will focus on early African architecture, exploring the ways in which different cultures and societies on the continent built and designed their homes, villages, and cities.
One of the earliest forms of African architecture is the round hut, a simple but effective design that is still used in many rural areas today. These huts are made of mud or clay, and are typically constructed with a circular or oval shape. The walls are thick and sturdy, designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions found in many parts of Africa. The roof is also rounded, and is often made of grass or straw.
Another common type of early African architecture is the beehive hut, so called because of its shape. These huts are made of mud or clay and are constructed in the shape of a beehive, with a conical roof and a circular base. They are often built close together in villages, creating a sense of community and connection.
In addition to these types of huts, early African architecture also includes larger, more complex structures such as palaces, temples, and tombs. These buildings are often made of stone or brick, and showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the people who built them. The Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali is a particularly striking example of early African architecture, with its towering minaret and intricate brickwork.
One of the most fascinating aspects of early African architecture is the way in which it reflects the cultural and social values of the people who built it. For example, traditional homes in some parts of Africa are designed to be welcoming and open, with large, open-air courtyards and shared living spaces. This reflects the importance of community and family in these cultures.
In conclusion, early African architecture is a rich and varied field, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. From simple round huts to complex palaces and temples, the buildings of Africa are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the people who built them.
The Diversity Of Early African Architecture/Ruins Thread
Numerous temples were built by the Egyptians, famous among them was the Temple of Deir El-Bahri built to honor Queen Hatshepsut 18th Dynasty , by architect Senimut. In South Africa, there are several locations of prehistoric cave art and skeletal remains of early humanoids. Vernacular architecture of the Christian period is scarce. In big cities, sections were usually reserved for certain ethnic groups. Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa. Carthage had a unified system of sewage and pipe water. Kush was a source of raw materials such as gold, ivory, and cattle, while Egypt traded processed items like grain, wine, and linen.
African Architecture
Such scholarship has chosen to deal with the vernacular and ignore the historical monumental architecture-- tombs, walls, palaces, in support of the view that Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa lacks those structure, contrary to the accounts of European explorers, Arab traders, and other outside visitors to the continent. Three towers stand pars pro toto for a series of architectural projects that attempt to push the young nations forward, and to actively participate in a nation-building process. But, as one might expect, a mud building would not necessarily last over a long period of time. This site is an amphitheater, which dates backs to the third century. The design concept was based on a flower with the open and closed blossoms represented by the top of the tower and auditorium building respectively.
Early African Architecture/Ruins
Market places, plazas were essential features of West African architecture. Historical Dictionary of R 352. Dušan Milenković and Branimir Ganovic, the Yugoslavian architects, had previously been involved in projects in Belgrade, among them the Ušće Tower housing the Central Committee of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. Egyptians dug water-ways that run for kilometers used for both transportation and irrigation Engineering an Empire: Egypt. When it rained, the house roofs would collect water into a space in the courtyard for later use. Buildings made from such materials, no matter how well constructed, last for only a limited time.
