When we talk about architecture, we talk a lot about European, American, and even Asian architecture. But do you know what we rarely talk about?
African architecture.
What’s that, you say? Exactly. We rarely talk about it so we barely have any idea what it looks like, how it’s made, who made it, and how it inspired other builders.
An account called Nkem on Twitter knows this issue too well and has taken it upon himself to show the world. He knows African architecture is beautiful and needs to be seen.
So he posted it. And it is beautiful and unique.
Would you like to see it, too?
Nubian buildings are made with adobe or sun-baked clay bricks. Would you believe the Nubian architecture was made with mechanical support?
They used clay bricks so they were able to mold those curves and create perfect domes. Each nook and cranny was made by hand. Can you imagine doing that today?
One common feature in Nubian architecture are the intricate geometric patterns and religious connotations. Do you know what these patterns mean?
Nubian architecture isn’t just about the intricate patterns but they’re all so colorful, too! No wonder photographers seek out these houses and buildings to capture with their cameras.
5. The wonders of South Africa
One common feature in South African architecture is how it always reflects the environment around it. Unlike Nubian architecture, they use stones because these materials have stood the test of time.
We love seeing the African structures because they’re so unique, in terms of the overall style and the personal design. And we love how each design can be both modern and traditional at the same time.
We’re assuming this is a house and it’s so awesome to see African houses include their personalities and culture in the design. And doesn’t it seem so inviting, too?
Madagascan architecture, like this one, has Southeast Asian influences in their architectural style. The rectangular style and peaked roofs are influenced by Asian architecture but look at this one. The intricate patterns and design are still reminiscent of African architecture
Castles don’t only exist in Europe. Africa has castles, too! And this has been around since the early 1800s. No one lives there now and is now used as a museum.
Another common feature of African houses are the open windows. Feeling the breeze all day every day where we live is, sometimes, something we can only dream of.
Swahili homes are found by the coast of Kenya. And they have arches, courtyards and towers. Can you see those features in this house?
Now, this is a courtyard! Imagine spending most of your days out here, especially in the morning with a cup of local Kenyan coffee. What a life!
13. Preserved architecture
This is great! Look at this traditional architecture preserved and continued to stand out among its neighbors. Is there anyone living in it? If there are, good for them for keeping this tradition intact.
African architecture is magnificent because they have managed to preserve the traditions from the ancient times. You got to appreciate the marksmanship of the workers who created this.
15. Look at those features!
One feature that’s very Sudano-Sahelian are the wooden beams that jut out the walls. And this one has so much of it!
They look like clay structures but they’re really real. These Sudano-Sahelian structures are made with mudbricks and adobe plasters and it’s really amazing how they’ve stood the test of time.
17. Building with intention
When the workers were building these structures, they apparently made sure every material had a purpose. The beams were really placed there for future reworking purposes. Wow!
Would you believe this is still Sudano-Sahelian architecture? But this has a modern take to it. And this looks so small from afar but look at the main door. This is huge!
19. Evolving architecture
The great part about traditional architecture is it’s flexibility to evolve. Notice the beams sticking out, and mudbricks and adobe plaster that’s reminiscent of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. But then the style has been updated to a cubic style than cone-roofed.
This looks like it’s from a sci-fi film. But this is real. This is a school library and research center with the world’s
largest collection of books for scholars to engage both theological and scientific matters.
This feels like a building that came straight from Wakanda. Will the Black Panther come out from the top?
Egypt isn’t the only place with pyramids. The Ivory Coast has it as well. And it’s right smack in the city!
National museums are always a must-visit place whenever we travel to a new city. Want to know the city’s traditions and cultures? Go visit their national museum?
24. The majestic government building
It’s so simple but so majestic. This is the Presidential Palace in Senegal and its design really says a lot about the head of state.
25. Would you like to work here?
Imagine going to work in this beautiful building. Does this excite you and motivate you to get up in the morning?
And this one is in Nigeria. It’s pretty great how they have learned to evolve with the times but still kept their traditions.
This is African vernacular architecture, where they use local materials, customs, and techniques to build it. Although, the construction has becoming more modern and Western. Do you like this?
When you live in this dome, you’ll be reminded everyday to be thankful for the gift of life. And you’ll get awesome views of both the sunrise and sunset.
Do you see how the African architects have successfully blended the ancient architecture with contemporary designs? And we love how the sun shines on it and makes the colors pop!
It feels like this is a building from Tattooine. But this is a hotel, specifically Sheraton Hotel in El Gouna. Good for Sheraton for creating a hotel that use local design and style.
Morocccan architecture is so recognizable because of its bright, bold, and vibrant colors and design. It’s one of those designs that when you see it, you know it’s Moroccan. Do you agree?
This is one common feature among rural African homes. The conical roof sits atop a cylindrical single-cell house or structure.
33. Traditional house painting
This is a traditional style of painting called Ndebele house painting. Can you guess which tribe it originated from? That’s right, from the Ndzundza Ndebele people of South Africa. They created these symbols to express their grief from the war in the late 1800s. Today, it is continued to be used a symbol of expression.
As you can guess by the name, these houses were influenced by the initial settlers in the Western Cape of South Africa, the Dutch. But instead of sticking to sharp edges, they incorporated ancient African architecture with the curved roof and large windows.
This is a cricket stadium that incorporated contemporary African vernacular architecture. Way to keep the African traditions alive!
36. On the side of a volcano
Want to stay close to nature literally? Stay in one of these rooms at the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These rooms were created in typical Rwandan design and style and used natural materials, like wood and volcanic stone.
Most of the African cylindrical houses have plain walls decorated in different colors. This one decided they wanted more style and added their own personality.
This is the Monument of Martyrs in Burkina Faso. It has built its own custom and traditions when it erected this monument. It’s a testament and tribute to the people who have lost their lives for the city as well as its direction towards modernism.
The Supreme Court in Cairo, Egypt has stayed true to its historical roots and uses pre-colonial African architecture for its building design.
This is Fasil Ghebbi, an ancient fortress that was home to Ethiopian emperors. Would you love to see the history and secrets it holds? You can because this has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it has been preserved so we can visit.
When we talk about architecture, we talk a lot about European, American, and even Asian architecture. But do you know what we rarely talk about?
African architecture.
What’s that, you say? Exactly. We rarely talk about it so we barely have any idea what it looks like, how it’s made, who made it, and how it inspired other builders.
An account called Nkem on Twitter knows this issue too well and has taken it upon himself to show the world. He knows African architecture is beautiful and needs to be seen.
So he posted it. And it is beautiful and unique.
Would you like to see it, too?