CPDI AFRICA BLOG

Introduction: Have you ever imagined what the architecture of Africa would look like today, if the great civilizations of Egypt, Timbuktu, Mali, the Dogon, Zulu, Yoruba, and thousands of other African empires had continued to develop and evolve in their own unique identity? Imagine the transformation of the African landscape into sprawling metropolises filled with architectural masterpieces celebrating new interpretations of traditional design elements, portrayed with all the comfort of modern innovations and technique. The Community Planning & Design Initiative Africa (CPDI Africa) 2021 culture-inspired, research-based design competition aims to promote the development of new architectural languages for the African Diaspora that are culturally and environmentally sustainable. What Africa would you build if given the opportunity to develop African skylines in her own image? Eligibility: The CPDI Africa 2021 competition is open to both students and practitioners of architecture and ...

The Resilience Haitian resort and culture center reflect the resilience of the Haitian people and the culture of Haiti. The main architectural features that were analyzed to design the project was the lakou, or courtyard, the galri, or porche, and the jaden, or garden. These characteristics are very important when analyzing Haitian architecture. Furthermore, resilience and jaden mostly influenced the project. Kherby wanted to represent the resiliency because that’s what the Haitian people are known for. Play video below to watch the full design Presentation The thought of freedom from slavery was first proclaimed by Haitians in 1804. The jaden was an important factor in the design because, the Haitian population have hope for a better future and usually send their kids to school in other places. He wanted to take the idea of 'planting & growing' and compare to 'learning & practice'. Another element kherby wanted to portray in this structure is the use of detrime...

Hello everyone, My name is Kherby Jean and I am a 4th year architecture major at Tuskegee University. Born in Haiti, my parents always told me to be humble and work hard. My parents brought me to the US in 2010 for one reason, a better life. I am pursuing architecture because I am passionate about helping and would like to create affordable housing for people in my home country, Haiti. Through faith, knowledge and community, I believe that this is possible. In addition to architecture, I am a partner at a clothing company called Blakhveny where we represent culture and social change. Overall, my goal is to help people, have an impact on the future generation, and inspire change.  Learning about African architecture and Haitian architecture was truly an exhilarating process, I learned so much about my history and culture. As stated above, I was born in Haiti, but I had never connected my Haitian identity to my African identity until CPDI Africa. Seeing and learning so much a...

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...

Emathafeni African Cultural Villa is a resort situated in the southern region of Africa being south Africa, east cape province. it is located on the rural region of Matatlele. It is cultivated with representing the Xhosa culture and celebrates ubuntu. The African cultural resort has a cultural center that showcases the Xhosa tradition and culture to visitors. the accommodation is ideal for couples, groups and family that wants to explore the cultural architecture being expressed in different elements. Play video below to watch the design Quick Animation. CONCEPTUAL STATEMENT: The architecture of EMATHAFENI (On the Plains) Xhosa Villa Resort & Cultural center is to reflect the unfolding journey of a Xhosa women - from being a girl to a women yet incorporating it the process of clay pot making.  Women are the craft makers for clay pots; which traditionally are symbolic elements for the use of storing water, drinking umqhombothi (traditional beer) for traditional ceremonies. In mo...

What 5 modern elements can we propose for creating a   recognizable modern Language for Xhosa (Nguni) Architecture? + Aesthetic + Culture + Spiritual + Material + Sustainable Inspired Elements

Today at CPDI Africa we continue our journey into the exploration of YORUBA Architecture, through its dynamic traditional languages, aesthetics, spirituality and technology. Selecting KEY elements from traditional Yoruba Design, what 5 Modern Elements can we propose for Creating a Recognizable Modern Language for Yoruba Architecture!? I've summarized this KEY QUESTION for our summer Cohort of architects, as I progresses on this journey to creating a modern Masterpiece of YORUBA Design for the Internship. Follow my full research on Traditional Yoruba design on this BLOG, and glean the 25 Traditional Elements that Inspired this PROPOSED 5 Standards for Designing Modern Yoruba or 'Afrofuturistic' Architecture. Enjoy!!! Read also:         -      The Most Interesting Facts I Learnt Researching Yoruba Architecture          -      25 Elements of Traditional Yoruba Architecture      ...