CPDI AFRICA BLOG

To better understand the architectural practices of traditional African communities, our intern, Mary-Margaret Ben-Chioma, researched some of the customary land practices of traditional Nigerian communities. By understanding the relationship these people formed with the land, we at CPDI Africa believe we can understand the inspiration behind their architectural designs. We have prepared an explanation video for Mary’s findings below.

So much research has gone into the connection between mental and physical health in relation to greenery within the built environment. Experiencing nature through its green outdoor spaces has been linked to reduced heart and respiratory diseases, higher happiness levels and stronger societal bonds. However, living in urban areas nowadays limits the number of green spaces one can have physical or even visual access to. Our living conditions have turned inwards, such that most of our activities are carried out indoors, with little regard to the outdoors. To this end, the large windows we typically find in contemporary buildings are not only for daylighting and ventilation, but also for maintaining a visual connection to the outdoors. However, the positive benefits to be gained from looking outside through a window depend on the nature of the built environment and whether the outdoors are worth gazing at. Most traditional African homes had one vestibule entrance and tiny openings as windo...

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...

A Resort is defined as a place that is frequented for holidays or recreation or for a particular purpose. A cultural center or cultural center is an organization, building or complex that promotes culture and arts. Cultural centers can be neighborhood community arts organizations, private facilities, government-sponsored, or activist-run.  Igbo culture is a rich sub-Saharan way of life peculiar to this tribe. This Resort is an Architectural translation of this way of life, to promote and immortalize it, cutting through every aspect of their ways of life. Play video below to watch the design Quick Animation. Ventilation and Lighting are responsible for Thermal/Visual Comfort in Hot Tropic Zones (usually ridden by high temperatures coupled with high humidity). Having a fantastic Air flow and movement is then as key as choosing a sustainable green material that will improve thermal comfort fit for our climate. Unity  is more represented on the  Circle  better than any...