This conference is part of an attempt to
define and propagate African architecture.
It aims to build on previous work, for
example the Conference on Modern
Architecture in East Africa, Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania, July 2005 (www.archiafrika.org/news9.htm).

More often than not, African Architecture has been presented to the world
by various foreign scholars from a Eurocentric perspective. This has largely
been done along two lines:

• monumental structures such as the pyramids of Egypt, the underground
.rock churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, and the Great Zimbabwean Ruins

• rectilinear and circular earth buildings as well as nomadic dwellings which
are often described as indigenous architecture.

This, and the dearth of literature on African Architecture, especially by
Africans, has tended to perpetuate a mystique about the subject. Recent
developments challenging the Eurocentric focus on Architectural education
world-wide have rather resulted in romantic and exaggerated accounts of
African Architecture. Such accounts need to be corrected so that what
actually pertains on the ground will be properly recorded and discussed.

Major new investment is underway in many countries, and high quality and
high profile developments have either been recently completed or are under construction. An understanding and recognition of what is being achieved will gain support for much-needed capacity building in the subject. It can contribute to the changing profile of Africa’s emerging economies, and encourage inward investment. It can increase self-confidence of African nations in the global context.

Conference Booking Online

Book online by clicking HERE.