Abstract:
As we seek to position ourselves within this new century, the notion of defining an African urban architecture is
both complex and compelling. Contemporary African cities are dynamic environments that have an ongoing and
complicated evolution. Current realities such as rapid urbanization and globalization have accelerated
development and profoundly affected political, social, and economic systems. These realities present an
enormous challenge not only to architects seeking to practice within African urban environments but also to those
who seek to understand its implications beyond the continent’s borders. This paper seeks not so much to define
an African urban architecture, but to suggest a framework through which to examine African cities, to discuss
means by which architects can engage these environments, and to postulate ways in which that framework of
understanding can provide insight for practice beyond the continent.
