A search for specificity : learning from Africa

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.