This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
The Hidden Gems of African Architecture ¶
Published on September 4, 2019, most of us have only seen the side of African architecture that is influenced by external western cultures. However, what you may not know is that our traditional and historic architecture is exceptional.
From the great pyramids of Egypt to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, the continent's most breathtaking buildings are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of African cultures. The most common materials used in the engineering of these structures are stone, thatch, wood, mud, and brick, which were chosen according to the area's interaction with the environment, geographical factors, and the community's needs.
For example, stone was used if the area was prone to rainfall or termites, while thatch was used if the area's climate was hot. The result is a diverse range of architectural styles that reflect the unique cultural and environmental contexts of each region.
Here are a few examples of the continent's most breathtaking buildings:
- The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
- The Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, Egypt
- Bosjes Chapel, South Africa
- The Nubian Pyramids at Meroe, Sudan
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- The Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt
- Timbuktu, Mali
- Nubian architecture in Sudan
- Heritage house in Kenya
- Ndebele architecture, South Africa
