Architecture is responsible for expressing the culture and development of people, and the future for Africa is here. The previous perception of Africa is changing with increased growth. The rates of poverty and suffering are dropping, and the rate of investment is on the rise. Africa stands and a perfect position to reshape its future in rebuilding for the modern era. The population of Africa is also rising due to increased developments, and therefore, further expansion into the future must be right. The representation of African culture should focus on authentic African architecture. Africa identifies in the architectural expressions that highlight the identity of the African culture.
Due to the colonialism that affected Africa for long, most of the constructions followed colonialist designs. Development projects focused on the wishes of the colonial imperialists. Therefore Africa has opened a new chapter. Growth and development of authentic African practices have led to an increased demand for African architecture within the continent. Organizations are available and working to come up with buildings that develop Africa. Africa is engaging in activity that identifies with the culture of the people rather than the Western culture. Every region in Africa has distinct cultures, and so far, architecture is promoting Africa’s identity (Hosagrahar, 2012).
Studying these African architects, making their names on the continent is essential because of how they present their values in their work. Tanzanian David Adjaye comes from a fused background that he reflects in his work. Despite becoming known for many sensitive projects in developed countries, he is famous in Africa in his drive to transform the continent. He intends to present Africa in a new light rather than as a continent of clichés. Adjaye wants to bring Africa forward as a severe center for innovation in the field of architecture. He spearheads projects and research that focus on understanding the various distinct African cultures (“7 Architects Designing a Diverse Future in Africa,” n.d.).
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Another influential architect is Francis Kéré, who uses his skill to transform the lives of people by using local methods. His research seeks to find local solutions to problems faced in architectural work like temperature, weather, and lack of enough resources. His work is famous because he makes use of local resources and replaces the power-consuming concrete and heat systems with mud bricks and overhanging roofs that cools the building.
School Library in Gando, Burkina Faso Centre for Earth Architecture in Mopti, Mali
Nigerian Adeyemi focuses on cities expanding at a fast rate. He plans to change the face of Lagos into luxurious centers. He also believes in a different idea for Africa. Mphethi Morojele and Urko Sanchez are also pioneers in development of culture through technology.
The South African Embassy: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Makeka is a South African architect who works to transform the apartheid buildings that were built like fortresses and make them into more delicate structures. After apartheid, he uses his projects as a voice and makes the face of the continent reflect the social identity. There is a lot of cultural interest and personality in the work and philosophy of these architects. Africa deserves more architects who will uphold the vision for a modern Africa that speaks about its identity.
Kiru House, Manda Island, Kenya, Africa
The projects by the African architectures show that the problems of the developing countries can be easily tackled through innovation. Being true to the African identity and culture will give Africa the recognition it so deserves. Africa is unique in culture, and every culture is plentiful, but these factors have not been in architecture. The face of African development and construction lies in the identity and culture of the continent. Issues like housing and poor planning will no longer be a problem with this kind of focus on African affairs. The results of these projects have solutions that solve African problems that face the African people.
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