Vernacular architecture - Artists/architects influenced by Africa

Ruins of Great Zimbabwe

Ancient civilizations in South Africa have influenced generations of people in their architecture - both in the past and nowadays. Over the border from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe - in Limpopo Province - we have an important World Heritage Site at Mapungubwe, near Musina in the Northern Province.

The indigenous buildings in this area are examples of vernacular architecture. This vernacular architecture is a type of architecture that is unique to a particular area and relies on the indigenous skills of the local people as well as local materials.

This link to the  Shangana Cultural Village will give you some ideas on current vernacular architecture in the Northern Province.

Read more about this in Architect Tsidi Moahloli’s article on 
Retroactive: A Harmony in Resilience, Ecology and Values
Moahali mentions "The dwelling’s connection to nature in all its glory and complexity cannot be overstated. While modern structures stand on the environment, the indigenous dwelling sits in its context and appears to grow from it".

Entrance to the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site by Abre Crafford

With this thought in mind, look at the presentation link below to find out how Crafford has looked at this vernacular architecture to create an uniquely African building with a contemporary twist.

Here is a link to an illustrated infographic on the above building for you. This can be printed out as a chart for your studio.
Link to infographic

Some more illustrations ....
Mapungubwe architecture - Crafford

Extension reading .......
Another architect who is interested in vernacular architecture is Peter Rich. Please look at Peter Rich's drawings for your own pleasure and skill development .....
Travel sketches
Information Centre Peter Rich Architects (Mapungubwe)

Interpretive Centre by Peter Rich
"Timbrel vaulting is used to construct billowing forms that expose the arched edges of their thin shells, an analogy of the archaeological revelation of past cultures."

[This vernacular architecture fits in with the school’s NCS Curriculum Theme 2: South African artists influenced by African and/or indigenous art forms]

Article by the ArtTeam 2014