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The Vernacular Architecture As A Model For Sustainable Design in Africa.
The Vernacular Architecture As A Model For Sustainable Design in Africa.
Mr Bonginkosi G. Mabaleka
mabakks@yahoo.com
Aim
In this piece of writing the writer will make particular reference to vernacular
architecture in Africa in the country Libya and Zimbabwe and how it has developed
and what determines the vernacular architecture in these selected countries. The
writer will examine how vernacular architecture has developed over the years and
how modern sustainable design has adopted elements of vernacular architecture.
The aim of this research is also to explore and evaluate the architectural design
elements that can be adopted from the vernacular architecture in Africa and seek
solutions from traditional architecture, in order to come up with cheaper and better
ways of providing good standard sustainable buildings and spaces for rural areas
and cities. The research mainly addresses the Africa situation and we expect this to
assist in the process of eradicating poor perception of the vernacular architecture by
most Africans. This paper will examine some vernacular architecture in Africa to see
how it has impacted Africa and it has been in harmony with the environment.
Abstract
The onslaught of modern technology has robbed our communities of the construction
skills and environmentally sensitive design of their dwellings. “Modern Architecture”
is becoming more and more environmentally unfriendly not only to people, but also
to the surrounding natural environment, including the excessive use of energy in
cooling buildings. That is why we have to revert back to vernacular architecture to
see how we can be salvage the vernacular principles and use them in sustainable
architecture. There has been a turn around after years of environmentally unfriendly
materials and bad architecture to sustainable building materials and construction
methods.
Introduction
Vernacular architecture concepts where developed and used through the centuries
by many civilizations across the world through trial and error, hence architectural
styles are different and based on the local conditions. Vernacular architecture around
the world is impressively rich with indigenous techniques early ancient people used
to protect themselves from the diverse weather conditions they were subjected to.
These early dwellers survived by sheltering themselves in the traditional buildings,
which have been experimented on through the ages.
In vernacular architecture, not only the climatic problems were resolved, but also the
aesthetics, physical and social functions of the dwelling is considered this is why the
designs are so different across Africa. Generations after generation, the dwellings
provided comfortable life conditions as a result of the great architectural experience.
Very good examples can be drawn from the cross section of Africa that is from
northern part of Africa, Libya to the southern part of Africa, South Africa. The design
or structure of these early dwellings or settlements was determined by things like
climate, culture, environment and materials. Their dwellings seemed to live in
harmony with their surroundings, other words they were sustainable.
This awareness means that the new designs and any refurbishment have to be
sustainable. Vernacular architecture in the past produced a built environment which
met people's needs without deteriorating the environment. This paper discusses the
concept of how we can use vernacular architecture principles to create sustainability
in building design with the search of the vernacular in Africa.
Chapter 1
Vernacular Architecture
1.1Definition
Defining vernacular architecture is not easy as there are a lot of definitions. This
paper will start by trying to define the word “vernacular”. It is derived form the Latin
word “ vernaculus” which means native domestic, indigenous ,therefore it could
mean “ native science of buildings” Paul Oliver in Dwellings says “the term
vernacular generally refers to language or dialect of the people”.
Oliver (2006), in Dwellings, goes on to say that, “as yet there is no clearly defined
and specialized discipline for the study of dwellings or the larger compass of
vernacular architecture. If such a discipline were to emerge it would probably be one
that combines some of the elements of both architecture and with aspects of history
and geography”.
Many scholars now use the term "vernacular architecture" to refer to structures made
by empirical builders, without the intervention of professional architects and without
the use of industrial components. It is still the most widespread method of building
homes across the globe according to (Rapoport 1969). All forms of vernacular
architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies
and ways of life of the cultures that produce them.
From the different definitions above of vernacular architecture one concludes that it
is a term from academic architecture to categorize structures built outside of
academic tradition. The term “vernacular architecture” has many interpretations, but
its core definition suggests structures made without the intervention of professional
The definition can include a wide variety of domestic and agricultural buildings,
industrial buildings, commercial structures, etc.
Paul Oliver (2006) points out that, “vernacular architecture comprises dwellings and
all other buildings constructed by the people related to their environmental contexts
and available resources”, and they are customarily owner or community-built,
utilising traditional technologies. All forms of vernacular architecture are built to meet
specific needs, accommodating the values, economies and ways of living of the
cultures that produce them.” The study of vernacular architecture explores the
characteristics of domestic buildings in particular regions or localities, and the many
social and cultural factors that have contributed to their evolution. Paul Oliver goes
on to say that “a culture without the presence of its history is a culture without roots
and meaning”.
Industrial architecture is less common because in came with the early settlers who
brought in the western influence in later centuries. The buildings included mills,
workshops, and kilns and for commercial building chapels and schools. (Brunskill
1992).
Many architects have studied vernacular architecture history their studies have
resulted in the imitative and cosmetic way of designing. This was done by the use of
indigenous building methods. The building knowledge of vernacular architecture is
passed by local traditions. This is based on knowledge achieved through trial and
error and then passed down through the generations, in contrast to the architecture
planned and designed by architects. In order for us to see how climate, culture,
environment and materials influence vernacular architecture, the writer will look at
three different regions in Africa. In North Africa we look at Libya, Central Africa –
democratic republic of Congo-DRC, and in southern Africa Zimbabwe. The above
names counties are different in climate, culture and environment.
African architecture works on a traditional village scale, rather than following global
architectural styles. African architecture is a direct evocation of its physical
environment, and it is stylish depending on tradition. The climate of Africa is
extremely varied, from forests to grasslands and to deserts. The availability of
building materials is also varied, from mud to stone and to thatch, and they change
region by region.
Namibia
Zimbabwe
South Africa `
2.2 Libya
Libya is situated in at the northern part of Africa surrounded by countries like Algeria,
Niger, Chad, Sudan, Egypt and Tunisia. Libya is 4th largest country in Africa mostly
covered by the desert and has Islamic influence on the architecture. The climate of
the most Libya is distinguished with dryness with a big difference in temperature.
The area of Great Sahara plays a very important part in determining the climate of
the country. In the coastal area, the winter season is considered moderate, despite
the fall of snow in some high areas sometimes. Where the summer season is
considered hot relatively temperature reaches the maximum average in August and
the monthly temperature average does not exceed 30 Celsius degrees throughout
that period. There is no rain in summer.
Libya has Mediterranean climate at the areas near the coastline on the
Mediterranean Sea and Saharan climate as one moves away from the sea in land.
Some parts of Libya is covered by the Libyan Desert and some by the Sahara
desert, hence the climate has had a very big influence on the vernacular
architecture. The Mediterranean climate in Libya the dwelling often include a
courtyard with a fountain or pond so as to allow air to be cooled by evaporation and
air is drawn through the building by the natural ventilation set up by the building form.
2.3 Zimbabwe
Seasons in Zimbabwe
The traditional buildings in southern Africa ,like Zimbabwe , South Africa etc are
mainly constructed using clay moulded bricks or stone for the walls and grass
thatched roofs with opening between the roof and the walls to allow air-circulation.
The huts have reasonably size windows to allow air circulation during hot days.
.
Fig.5 Thatched huts Fig 6 round thatched hut with small
windows
2.4a Climate
The people living in colder climates heat themselves burning wood or organic
disposals. The people living on warm and humid climates have utilized the air
currents for minimizing the effects of humidity. The people living in the hot dry
climates built houses with high thermal mass as a result of the big temperature
differences between day and night, and very low humidity. What they have in
common is that, they all have picked up the right forms, using the local building
material, and they have overcome the negative impacts of the climatic conditions.
The buildings have to be protected from bad weather conditions, for instance in
areas with high precipitation , the clay bricks have to be recovered almost every year
with some thin clay plaster, to protect and preserve bricks.
2.4b Culture
In other cultures in Zimbabwe in the Ndebele tribe women lay the floors, mud plaster
the walls or decorate them. The preparation of the materials and erection of the main
structure done by man. But, in either case it is the passing on of methods and the
training of the children, who will be the builders of the subsequent generation, which
are vital to societies and the perpetuity of their shelter
The homesteads are carefully crafted and maintained, showing the owners' pride in
their homes. Many Zimbabwean houses are decorated with wall paintings and may
The local environment and the construction materials it can provide, governs many
aspect of vernacular architecture. Since Libya has two types of climates, the
Mediterranean and the Sahara climates, the architecture is different near the cost
compared to inland. Materials determine the architecture e.g. clay, wood, grass
stone in some parts of Libya whereas inland clay is mostly used. Sun dried clays
bricks for the walls and then bricks are plastered with clay. The roofing is normally
packed with clay and reinforced with timber or palm then plastered with clay for
thermal reasons (Oliver 1997 p2101). In Libya because clay, the readily available
and locally sourced material that is why it is the common building material.
Vernacular architecture reflects the use of local materials and the acquisition of the
tools and skills with which to make them. Whether they’re nomadic or sedentary,
such subsistence or expanding economies will still be largely dependent on the
climate, soils, vegetation, seasons and other natural resources and phenomena. In
areas rich in trees will develop a wooden vernacular, while areas without much wood
may use mud or stone like in many parts of Zimbabwe
Some of these structures have no distinction between wall and roof, their cladding
converges at the peak, and they look like temporary structures. These vernacular
dwellings are structurally sound , with timber frames or walls of stone or earth
supporting the separately constructed roofs. Exposed roofs to high precipitation, the
roofs may be clad with layers of grass thatch, or slate, or tiles of fired clay, which are
usually attached to a wooden framework. During construction the raising and placing
of these various building elements will often involve family and community members
working to construct the whole or a part of the shelter.
How these structures are built depends on what materials are available locally.
Some areas have good quality clay that is used to make fire dried earth bricks, burnt
fire bricks rammed earth (Velinga Oliver Bridge 2007 p24). The main materials of
brick, bamboo, thatch, and poles are used in various combinations and techniques.
The colour of brick and plaster depends on the colour of the local clay, which can
range from deep red or orange to brown or grey and white.
Sub-Saharan Africa produced some large-scale works, such as the Great Zimbabwe
in Zimbabwe, but on the whole we do not find "architects" in traditional African
building. What we find instead are traditional builders, who combined a certain
priestly function as well. Fig 11 and 12 above are all symbolic imagery of traditional
African building. Using mud may have certain technical disadvantages, but it is
probably the most expressive and inexpensive of all materials. It not only lends itself
brilliantly to surface decoration, but the very shapes of the buildings express their
functions and their ideology.
An African style should focus on vernacular materials, with modern materials used
as reinforcement when needed for larger structures or greater stability. Research is
needed to understand different soil conditions and to come up with load calculations
for pole and mud-brick structures. As many African countries struggle to solve
housing problems, vernacular architecture may be one answer since building
materials are proving to be expensive.
African architecture is continuing to evolve. Just as early migrating tribes and later
missionaries brought their own influences, modern construction materials and
techniques have undoubtedly affected traditions. But if people can be reassured
about the beauty and quality of their vernacular styles, positive shift back toward
tradition could be archived.
Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the
health and comfort of building occupants, by improving building performance. The
basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable
resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.
(http://www.lanl.gov/environment/risk/p2_sd.shtml)
3.3 Eco-buildings
There are two groups of architects designing ecological buildings, the first group
employs more the advanced technological achievements, and the second group
employs the basic solutions depending on the knowledge and inherited experience .
Architects like Hassan Fathy, Rasem Badran, and Raj Rewal are belonging to that
second group of architects. These architects get their inspiration from vernacular
architecture. They are well connected to the local building traditions and reject the
architecture, which is not familiar to the built environment. Fathy has aimed to create
Ironically, many of the beautiful new vernacular structures being constructed are
going up in game parks, as lodges for tourists such as the one above fig13. It seems
ironic that the only new structures built in the vernacular styles were not being so
much appreciated by the natives, instead by visitors This new vernacular
architecture is called developmental vernacular architecture, it refers to the
Africa has harnessed a lot what can mother nature has to offer in terms of natural
building materials and methods .natural building materials are materials which
require no or small amounts of processing, and are environmentally friendly. The
common natural building materials are earth, straw, wood, stone, lime . These are
the methods that have been tried and tested and seem to work effectively, and they
i) Adobe is one of the oldest building materials and it is basically just earth that
has been moistened with water, it is sometimes chopped straw or other
fibres are added for strength, and then allowed to dry in the desired shape.
ii) Cob is a very old method it uses moistened earth, straw and other fibres, it is
quite similar to adobe, but it a has higher percentage of long straw fibres
mixed in.
iii) Ramming earth is at least as old as the Great Wall of China. It is similar to
adobe and cob techniques, in that the earth used is mostly clay and sand
no straw or fibres added, material is compressed or tamped into place,
usually with moulds or forms that create very flat vertical surfaces.
v) Poured earth is similar to ordinary concrete, in that it is mixed and forms like
concrete and uses Portland cement as a binder. The main difference is
that instead of the sand/gravel used as an aggregate in concrete, poured
earth uses ordinary soil. Little to no maintenance is required of poured
earth walls, since they have a high resistance to the deteriorating effects of
rain and sun.
vi) Rock dates back to the beginning of human history. It should not be
surprising that such an abundant, indigenous, long-lasting and useful
material can be utilized http://www.doomguide.com
This was a deviation from the normal burn clay bricks or cement bricks/ blocks which
are usually used with an asbestos roof for most of the low income housing projects in
Zimbabwe. This pilot project by the Intermediate Technology Group was
implemented with the participation of the Chitungwiza municipality in 1993 as a low
income housing . The aim of this project was to evaluate the response of the people
towards earth structure and the performance of low tech and sustainable materials
used in the construction of low cost housing ( Zami & Lee 2008 p50). The use of
local labour and the absence of imported materials sent a message to the local
communities. The message that was sent was that, the solution of affordable
sustainable and low cost housing is possible. Up to now this structures stand as a
success to all players working in the housing industry in Zimbabwe. It is sad that
Zimbabwe fell back is the development if vernacular architecture to help the locals.
This was due to the political situation which led to some funders of some projects
withdrawing their funding.
South Africa which is a neighbour to Zimbabwe has come further in using vernacular
architecture as a model for sustainable design by supporting the construction of
sustainable houses. The houses have been constructed using vernacular materials
such as adobe fig 16 and 16b, clay bricks ,wood, grass for thatching ,and some
houses were constructed using sand bags as fig 17 and 18 show.
The use of this building material has continuously grown as the locals are happy to
own the clay built houses. The locals are involved in the construction by making clay
bricks and in the actual construction of the houses, thereby lowering the cost of
building these houses. Making use of modern construction technologies, houses are
to be long-lasting and affordable.
The peoples’ perception has changed as the realize that building with clay does not
only offer a cost-effective alternative but also leads to a more pleasant climate like
the concrete built houses, demand has become so overwhelming. The Clay House
project is now helping different communities, and teaching them on clay technology,
making strong bricks and how to build clay houses that will last longer. The standard
of these houses is of good quality such that the electricity can be installed in them.
The Namibia people have had their perception of vernacular materials reversed, they
are blending the vernacular materials and the modern materials such as Micro
Concrete Roof tiles (MCR) which are made from cement, sand and water. These are
ultra thin tiles but strong and durable.
Chapter 4
The integration can be seen in the light of six historical principles (vernacular trends)
to improve the energy efficiency and thereby effectiveness and useability of
dwellings.
They are:
To this list can be added six new techniques of environmental design (technologies,
methods of effectiveness, and design synthesis):
These twelve principles can be combined, as suitable, into synthesized solutions for
various locations, users and climates that meet cultural needs with available
materials under local conditions, effective and self-sufficient buildings. The objective
of design principles is to reduce negative impacts on the health of occupants and the
environments. To make vernacular more sustainable , it can be integrated with
modern technologies listed above ,e.g. photovoltaic, solar panels
Chapter 5
Conclusion
Vernacular architecture has been there for centuries and it has developed over the
years through trial and error. This type of knowledge has been passed on from
generation to generation and is has been tried and tested over the years. Some of
these vernacular structures have survived all sorts of harsh weather conditions. The
normal built vernacular house using clay, can have a life span of over 70 years. Now,
with the use of present knowledge of clay or earth as a building material, the lifespan
of buildings is far much more than 70 years. Vernacular architecture was once pride
and heritage to the different tribes and cultures in Africa , but as a result of
imperialism it became perceived as low status housing by those who could afford
modern building materials. This paper has shown how far Africa has come in its
architecture and where it is going.
In some countries in Africa, this modern vernacular architecture has found its right
place, by helping those who could not ever afford owning a house in the townships.
The case in point can be drawn in Namibia and South Africa, where the councils
have worked with the locals to build clay houses. There are a lot of examples across
Africa of this modern vernacular architecture, but for the purpose of this study,
Images
Available at:
http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com/images/60987
(Accessed 05 October)
Fig. 11 Zambian women beautify and strengthen their homes with plaster. Photo :
Jon Sojkowski.
Available:
Fig 24 Sustainability
Available at:
http://www.lawenforcement-facilities.com/sustainabil...
(Accessed: 29 February 2010)
References:
Zami, M. S. & Lee, A Volume 1, 2008 - The Built & Human Environment
Review
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http://www.tbher.org/index.php/bher/article/view/6/4
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Architecture of Africa
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Vernacular_Architecture
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Sustainable design
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_design
(Accessed 12 November 2009)
Sustainable design
Available at:
http://www.lanl.gov/environment/risk/p2_sd.shtml
(Accessed 2 April 2010)
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