HAA 193X: African Architecture

 One of the consistent underlying issues between Mali, Ethiopian, Zimbabwe, and Swahili architecture is a lack of consistency throughout shifting ideas around identity, particularly within issues of religion, culture, and location. Both Ethiopia and Swahili are located in areas that create an issue similar to a congestion of different motifs, as Ethiopia is located near the origins of Christianity which causes many different combinations of interpretations of the Bible in architecture. Similarly, Swahili is located very close to the Middle East and Asia, and as a result has a large fusion of architecture of which “origin” has been historically debated. Zimbabwe, contrastingly, struggles to interpret the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, especially as further research leads to more questions. Religion has also led to destruction of architecture, especially within the context of the Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali, which was worn down purposefully by Sekou Amadou. As destroying a mosque is for...

In my space, our two “sides” are organized with symmetry and balance in mind, such as our mirrors and beds being arranged in the same way, which suggests that this is a place with communication between both of us, and a partnership. This is further illustrated by the theming, such as the flowers hanging from the center of our ceiling and the tapestry blocking the door. The amount of decoration that was put into the room but the quality of the pieces means that we care a lot about curating a space but don’t have the money to invest as much. The room is accessible, indicating that one or more of the folk staying are disabled. You can actually see our flowers in the background of the picture, as well as my various strawberry lanterns. While it’s very clear I love pink, what I wanted to focus on in my room is the top of my dresser. It showcases most of my important belongings and things I collect, crystals and eclectic items from nature, jewelry, and possibly too many trinkets. This space ...

       The notion of the home evokes feelings of safety, shelter, life, and family. In many African cultures, such as the Tamberma who reside in northern Togo, the home not only has a family as an occupant but is a family member itself. This can be seen through the anthropomorphism of architecture, and the inherent treatment and integration of the home as its own being into the family structure. Houses are fed, dressed, and partake in funerals as methods of integration into the family. This can also be seen in how a house often will have “eyes of the wall” or have a womb.      The womb, as seen above, acts as the woman’s bedroom and is kept safe in the middle of the home. The house itself is built by the men, but the woman decorates the space as a way to give it human characteristics. The façade of the house is similar to skin, and it is bathed in oil to keep the surface of the house even. The level of care and devotion poured into the creation and car...