CPDI AFRICA BLOG

The Hausa Resort and Cultural Center aims to capture the essence of Hausa culture at a glance given the visitor an immersive experience at one location. Drawing inspiration from the layout of a typical Hausa city, and more specifically inspired by the Emir’s Palace in Kano, the resort has been laid out as a mini gated city that captures various activities that highlight Hausa culture and architecture. Play video below to watch the design  Quick Animation. Conceptual Statement The Gidan Hausa Resort and Cultural Center is designed to give the visitor an experience of Hausa culture from the large scale i.e. the city with its robust activities to the small scale of the home with its intimacy and privacy. Play video below to watch the full design Presentation. 15 elements of Hausa architecture incorporated into the design of the resort Illustration of the main entrance  Illustration of a villa entrance View from within a courtyard in a private villa Read also some of Hauwa res...

Hello everyone, I am Hauwa Mahmoud. I am from Kano, Nigeria, and of Hausa-Fulani and Idoma ethnicity. I completed my education up to secondary school level in Kano. I am currently studying architecture at The Pennsylvania State University where I am also working towards a minor in Crime, Law, and Psychology. Architecture, as a field, to me has always been very fascinating because it has the ability to capture and express so many different arts and sciences. It is constantly evolving with new ways of solving problems.  I love African architecture, especially because it is a reflection of my cultural identity in the built form. It is more than just building buildings; real African architecture is (and should continue to be) a reflection of a people’s complete and authentic way of life.   My experience as a CPDI Africa intern was incredible. It gave me the opportunity to dive into the history of some of the many different languages of African architecture. The connectio...