Traditions in Architecture by
This book introduces students, professionals and the general public to the architectural achievements of diverse cultures outside the Euroamerican tradition. Rather than concentrating on geographic or chronological categories, however, the authors have arranged their subject matterthematically in order to focus on the basic needs common to all human communities.The book is divided into five major sections, each of which deals with vernacular as well as monumental structures. These five topics are discussed in terms of particular architectural solutions, comparing and contrasting geographically separated buildings and construction traditions. Forexample, the issue of architectural meaning is studied through symbolic gardens in China, verbal ornament in the Islamic world, and the wall paintings of Ndebele women of southeast Africa. Theoretical issues related to particular building traditions are illuminated by these juxtapositions.Traditions in Architecture begins with an investigation into the ways in which the continuity of traditional forms is maintained. Next, the authors explore practical issues such as housing and food structures, climate and ecology, building materials, and architectural forms and methods.Architectural goals and purposes, which determine what is built, vary from culture to culture and are given special attention. Planning and design -- ways in which space is used in patterns of organization -- constitute a discussion ranging from urban plans to landscaped settings. The text concludeswith an examination of cultural values, investigating the interaction between architecture and social relations, traditional theories, decision-making, and the economics of building.
African Nomadic Architecture: Space, Place, and Gender by 
African Modernism by
The late 1950s and early 1960s saw a large number of central and sub-Saharan African countries gaining independence, and one of the key ways in which they expressed their newly established national identity was through distinctive architecture. Parliament buildings, stadiums, universities, central banks, convention centers, and other major public buildings and housing projects were built in daring, even heroic designs--markers of the bright future these nations envisioned after independence. African Modernism is the first book to take a close look at the relationship between these cutting-edge architectural projects and the processes of nation building in Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, and Zambia. Presenting some seven hudnred color photographs by celebrated photographers Iwan Baan and Alexia Webster and insightful analyses of the interactions of architectural innovation and developing national political and social cultures, African Modernism will be of interest to historians of architecture and Africa alike.
Bioclimatic Architecture in Warm Climates: a guide for best practices in Africa by
This book provides a comprehensive, hands-on approach to bioclimatic building design in Africa. Bioclimatic design is at the core of urban sustainability, and is a critical issue in Africa, where "imported" building typologies are being used at an increasing pace, disregarding the local context and consequently causing damage to the environment, to the economy, and to the culture itself. This book provides a concise set of sustainable design guidelines to be applied in both new buildings and the refurbishment of old buildings, and integrates bioclimatic design strategies with other sustainability issues such as: cultural aspects, affordability, and urban planning. Chapters are fully illustrated with photographs and drawings and include best-practice examples and strategies making it accessible to engineers, architects, students and a broad range of professionals in the building industry. Encompasses all climatic regions in Africa; Integrates bioclimatic design strategies with other sustainability issues; Discusses new design to refurbishment, from urban to rural, including office buildings, residential, tourism, social housing and self building.
