Guy Says African Architecture Isn’t Showcased Compared To European And Asian, Posts 44 Of Its Gorgeous Examples
Byzantine, Gothic, Baroque, Modernist… We are familiar with many different styles of ‘Western’ architecture because they are celebrated and rightly so. Ottoman-style mosques and the pagodas of East Asia are also instantly recognizable, as well as the temples of the pre-colonial civilizations that flourished in Central and South America.
However, the Great Pyramids Of Giza aside, the glories of African architecture are often shamefully overlooked. Sadly, this is a symptom of a larger problem overall, where the rich diversity and culture of the African continent is largely glossed over in international media. Most reporting from the continent focuses only on issues that reinforce negative stereotypes – those of poverty, disease and war.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
There is much to appreciate about pre-colonial Africa – which is barely ever mentioned outside of history books. Up to 10,000 different states and autonomous groups with distinct languages and customs existed, and many advanced kingdoms and empires – such as the Asante Union, the Mossi Kingdom and the Zulu Kingdom – thrived before Europeans arrived with their guns, slavery and religion.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
A Twitter account called ‘Igbo Excellence’ (the Igbo people are an ethnic group from south and eastern Nigeria) decided that it was time to showcase some of the best African architecture, and his thread went viral as people appreciated these overlooked gems.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Starting with Nubian – an ethnolinguistic group of Africans indigenous to present-day Sudan and southern Egypt believed to be one of the earliest cradles of civilization, Igbo Excellence posted examples from different areas and eras of African history, reminding us of the long and varied histories of peoples all across this vast continent.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
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The mud mosques of the Sahel, including the magnificent Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, are particularly impressive. The entire community of Djenné takes an active role in the mosque’s maintenance via a unique annual festival. This includes music and food, but has the primary objective of repairing the damage inflicted on the mosque in the past year, which is mostly erosion caused by the annual rains and cracks caused by changes in temperature and humidity.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
The Great Mosque of Djenné has incredible cultural significance not just for the town but for the country as a whole – it features on the coat of arms of Mali. I would love to visit it one day!
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
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Africa did not escape communist-era brutalism, with this monolith below dedicated to Angola’s first president Agostinho Neto towering over the skyline of the capital city, Luanda. It commemorates the president’s contribution to the overthrow of Portuguese colonial rule over Angola, which became a self-declared socialist state from its independence in 1975 until 1992. Angola’s current flag is said to be inspired by the Hammer and Sickle.
Other, more modern forms of Afro-futuristic architecture can be found in countries such as Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
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Somali architecture is a rich and diverse tradition of engineering and design. Spanning the ancient, medieval and early modern periods in Greater Somalia, it also includes the fusion of Somali architecture with Western designs in contemporary times.
It involves multiple different construction types, such as:
Stone cities, castles, citadels, fortresses, mosques, towers, megaliths, menhirs, dolmens, stone circles, monuments, temples, aqueducts, and lighthouses.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Swahili architecture is a term used today to designate a whole range of diverse building traditions practiced or once practiced along the eastern and southeastern coasts of Africa.
What is today seen as typically Swahili architecture is still very visible in the thriving urban centers of Mombasa, Lamu and Zanzibar.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
The architecture of Madagascar, a large island nation off the east coast of mainland Africa, is unique in the continent. It bears a strong resemblance to the construction norms and methods of Southern Borneo from which the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar are believed to have immigrated.
Throughout Madagascar and the Kalimantan region of Borneo, most traditional houses follow a rectangular rather than round form and feature a steeply sloped, peaked roof supported by a central pillar.
Image credits: 1ncognito___
As you can see, there is plenty to admire in the diverse and unique styles of architecture from all across the continent.
The original post by Igbo Excellence has so far attracted over 600k like and retweets, as people discover and rediscover this rich cultural heritage. People added their own examples as well, giving us a newfound appreciation for the wonder of African architecture!
Scroll down to see the rest of the examples for yourself and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Image credits: 1ncognito___
Image credits: 1ncognito___
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Image credits: MarcZayat
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Little sister looking over my shoulder whispered "how can people make something so beautiful..." And honestly, I too am at a loss for words on how beautiful it all is.
Ok, first of all, brutalism has nothing to do with communism. Secondly, half this list is irrelevant, because international styles with minor local influences do not make "local architecture". Most of these could be taken from Africa and planted wherever, and would fit the contexts just as well. That's why it's called "international style". A lot of these examples also show strong islamic influences, so again, not entirely African. What is shown little in this list, and I think should make the very subject of this thread, is vernacular architecture. The examples from Ghana and Zimbabwe are exactly what should be shown more, as I had never seen them before. It's true, African architecture isn't studied much, aside from Egyptian, but that's because they did not influence the rest of the world much. It's a shame, really, they look unique and smartly engineered to overcome tough climatic conditions, which makes them very sustainable and could actually make them trendy again.
Studying it could absolutely be useful. Besides the aesthetics, as climate change progresses there are going to be more places with similar climatic conditions like the ones in many African places now and we could learn a lot from African architecture
Load More Replies...Some of these are stunning and very different to what I am used to. I was first introduced the Ethiopian architecture when my friend shown me pictures from a visit and I couldn't believe such epic churches and castles hadn't penetrated public consciousness or inspired a slew of fantasy art.
This building was catalogued in the wrong category by the poster. This is building is newer home of the supreme court in Cairo, Egypt. It was designed by architect Ahmed Mito and was completed in 2000. The style is a revival of ancient Egyptian architecture. The 4000 square meter (43000 Sq ft) building also houses a library and a museum. supreme-co...323da8.jpg
I studied Arts History for 9 years and it pains me to say we barely touched African art. Not just architecture, but in general. And it's crazy, since I'm from Portugal and we have a very tight history with Africa
Igbo people are from Eastern Nigeria not Southern Nigeria. Just wanted to point that out.
This structure is part of the Sheraton Miramar hotel, also in the resort town of El Gouna (Red Sea) in Egypt. It was designed by architect Michael Graves in 1995. A modernistic approach in blending Nubian and Arabian styles. miramar-5d...dbf41b.jpg
Thank you for this and your other comments clarifying some information! Very interesting!
Load More Replies...Looks like they pull influence from some of the coolest designs around the world. I definitely need to learn more about this. Eye opening. I had never really thought about native African architecture. It’s incredible!
This is a private house in Egypt, more specifically in the resort town of El Gouna on the Red Sea. The style is accurately described. west-golf-...249e2d.jpg
Beautiful, informative, has something to do with art, has nothing to do with USA politics and social media celebs. That's kind of post I like to see on boredpanda!
The Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town is one of the most magnificent buildings I've ever set foot in. Simply amazing!
I'm from Cape Town and I have never heard of this place. I have already bought tickets to see it... Thank you
Load More Replies...True, the south of Spain is not only the closest to Africa that Europe ever gets, but beginning with the Umayyad conquest of Hispania (from 711), al-Andalus (until 1492), also known as Muslim Spain, Muslim Iberia, or Islamic Iberia, was a medieval Muslim territory and cultural domain that in its early period included most of Iberia, today's Portugal and Spain. The influence from northern Africa and Arabia was strong indeed.
Load More Replies...Very pretty, and I hope they are all being utilized so that they will be preserved for the future architects in all of us!!
Oh wow, I'm in love with all the architecture Styles. I really have to go there
No pictures of Nambian architecture? That's ok, I'm sure Trump will be happy to provide some after 15 minutes with a Sharpie.
"Igbo Excellence" is absolutely right! As a former collector of Architectural digest I have NEVER seen any African Architecture showcased, except when they said a designer/architect was "inspired by Africa".
This is the Royal Palace of Dahomey. Not Nigeria - Benin. african-ar...617ec0.jpg
I curate an architecture blog on Instagram and would love to include more African styles! If you have any photos tag us at: #architectural_ornamentation :-)
Missed the mark by omitting the International Kenyatta Conference Center in Nairobi.
Missed the target by omitting the Kenyatta Conference in Nairobi, Kenya!
So inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing these brilliant structures so I’m able to honor them in my next project!!
The two first examples of Afro-futuristic architecture were actually designed and built by (in order) by a North Korean Architect and English Architect Thomas Heath. They both just happen to be in Africa, but are examples of modern Korean and British Architecture.
Thank you for arranging the images together by Nation /region. Being raised in the US, there are a few Architectural styles I was somewhat familiar with (Moroccan, Ethiopian, Swahili) and I do feel the Great Mosque of Djenné is pretty well known but there was quite a lot here that was entirely new to me. The Ghanaian architecture really stood out, it is quite distinct, and unlike anything anywhere else. The Building in the middle of the Ethiopian set is very unique along with the South African buildings and the Nigerian buildings. The last image of the Afro-futuristic architecture set really captured my attention....quite an impressive landmark...and d**n I am amazed this is the first time I am seeing it...which is depressing considering I have an architecture degree....
Hi, Does anyone know the location of all of these places? My husband and I are leaving to travel Africa soon and have a love for Architecture, this post has been great as an eye opener! I have seen a few comments with locations but not too many. Thank you
Thx submuch for this. Here n american we r miseducated on how home looks.
Until Europeans arrived with their guns, slavery and religion? Arabs, and Islamic Jihadic Colonialism predated the Europeans by 1300 years. Stay with the architecture, which IS interesting, and leave the false narrative racialist politics alone.
Until Europeans arrived with their guns, slavery, and religion? Arabs and Islamic Jihadic colonialism predated the Europeans by 1300 years. Stay with the architecture, which is interesting, and leave the politics alone.
It's interesting that in all the articles on architecture I've seen, NONE of these images have appeared. Not one. And almost all are quite noteworthy. Is this another example of unconscious racism?
Poverty, disease and war are not stereotypes of Africa. They’re the cold, honest truth. Not saying there’s not more to the continent, but those are the chief issues
There’s also wealth and education there too. Africa is no small place.
Load More Replies...You might want to look up Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, etc. Just because *your* forgettable flyover city lacks any architectural diversity, doesn't mean the rest of the West (whatever that means - Western Europe, global West, United States) does. And many of these African buildings could be built to code here, with experienced construction companies. And it would be an honor and privilege to have them here.
Load More Replies...There is always a f idiot around. Congratulations- it's you this time.
Load More Replies...Little sister looking over my shoulder whispered "how can people make something so beautiful..." And honestly, I too am at a loss for words on how beautiful it all is.
Ok, first of all, brutalism has nothing to do with communism. Secondly, half this list is irrelevant, because international styles with minor local influences do not make "local architecture". Most of these could be taken from Africa and planted wherever, and would fit the contexts just as well. That's why it's called "international style". A lot of these examples also show strong islamic influences, so again, not entirely African. What is shown little in this list, and I think should make the very subject of this thread, is vernacular architecture. The examples from Ghana and Zimbabwe are exactly what should be shown more, as I had never seen them before. It's true, African architecture isn't studied much, aside from Egyptian, but that's because they did not influence the rest of the world much. It's a shame, really, they look unique and smartly engineered to overcome tough climatic conditions, which makes them very sustainable and could actually make them trendy again.
Studying it could absolutely be useful. Besides the aesthetics, as climate change progresses there are going to be more places with similar climatic conditions like the ones in many African places now and we could learn a lot from African architecture
Load More Replies...Some of these are stunning and very different to what I am used to. I was first introduced the Ethiopian architecture when my friend shown me pictures from a visit and I couldn't believe such epic churches and castles hadn't penetrated public consciousness or inspired a slew of fantasy art.
This building was catalogued in the wrong category by the poster. This is building is newer home of the supreme court in Cairo, Egypt. It was designed by architect Ahmed Mito and was completed in 2000. The style is a revival of ancient Egyptian architecture. The 4000 square meter (43000 Sq ft) building also houses a library and a museum. supreme-co...323da8.jpg
I studied Arts History for 9 years and it pains me to say we barely touched African art. Not just architecture, but in general. And it's crazy, since I'm from Portugal and we have a very tight history with Africa
Igbo people are from Eastern Nigeria not Southern Nigeria. Just wanted to point that out.
This structure is part of the Sheraton Miramar hotel, also in the resort town of El Gouna (Red Sea) in Egypt. It was designed by architect Michael Graves in 1995. A modernistic approach in blending Nubian and Arabian styles. miramar-5d...dbf41b.jpg
Thank you for this and your other comments clarifying some information! Very interesting!
Load More Replies...Looks like they pull influence from some of the coolest designs around the world. I definitely need to learn more about this. Eye opening. I had never really thought about native African architecture. It’s incredible!
This is a private house in Egypt, more specifically in the resort town of El Gouna on the Red Sea. The style is accurately described. west-golf-...249e2d.jpg
Beautiful, informative, has something to do with art, has nothing to do with USA politics and social media celebs. That's kind of post I like to see on boredpanda!
The Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town is one of the most magnificent buildings I've ever set foot in. Simply amazing!
I'm from Cape Town and I have never heard of this place. I have already bought tickets to see it... Thank you
Load More Replies...True, the south of Spain is not only the closest to Africa that Europe ever gets, but beginning with the Umayyad conquest of Hispania (from 711), al-Andalus (until 1492), also known as Muslim Spain, Muslim Iberia, or Islamic Iberia, was a medieval Muslim territory and cultural domain that in its early period included most of Iberia, today's Portugal and Spain. The influence from northern Africa and Arabia was strong indeed.
Load More Replies...Very pretty, and I hope they are all being utilized so that they will be preserved for the future architects in all of us!!
Oh wow, I'm in love with all the architecture Styles. I really have to go there
No pictures of Nambian architecture? That's ok, I'm sure Trump will be happy to provide some after 15 minutes with a Sharpie.
"Igbo Excellence" is absolutely right! As a former collector of Architectural digest I have NEVER seen any African Architecture showcased, except when they said a designer/architect was "inspired by Africa".
This is the Royal Palace of Dahomey. Not Nigeria - Benin. african-ar...617ec0.jpg
I curate an architecture blog on Instagram and would love to include more African styles! If you have any photos tag us at: #architectural_ornamentation :-)
Missed the mark by omitting the International Kenyatta Conference Center in Nairobi.
Missed the target by omitting the Kenyatta Conference in Nairobi, Kenya!
So inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing these brilliant structures so I’m able to honor them in my next project!!
The two first examples of Afro-futuristic architecture were actually designed and built by (in order) by a North Korean Architect and English Architect Thomas Heath. They both just happen to be in Africa, but are examples of modern Korean and British Architecture.
Thank you for arranging the images together by Nation /region. Being raised in the US, there are a few Architectural styles I was somewhat familiar with (Moroccan, Ethiopian, Swahili) and I do feel the Great Mosque of Djenné is pretty well known but there was quite a lot here that was entirely new to me. The Ghanaian architecture really stood out, it is quite distinct, and unlike anything anywhere else. The Building in the middle of the Ethiopian set is very unique along with the South African buildings and the Nigerian buildings. The last image of the Afro-futuristic architecture set really captured my attention....quite an impressive landmark...and d**n I am amazed this is the first time I am seeing it...which is depressing considering I have an architecture degree....
Hi, Does anyone know the location of all of these places? My husband and I are leaving to travel Africa soon and have a love for Architecture, this post has been great as an eye opener! I have seen a few comments with locations but not too many. Thank you
Thx submuch for this. Here n american we r miseducated on how home looks.
Until Europeans arrived with their guns, slavery and religion? Arabs, and Islamic Jihadic Colonialism predated the Europeans by 1300 years. Stay with the architecture, which IS interesting, and leave the false narrative racialist politics alone.
Until Europeans arrived with their guns, slavery, and religion? Arabs and Islamic Jihadic colonialism predated the Europeans by 1300 years. Stay with the architecture, which is interesting, and leave the politics alone.
It's interesting that in all the articles on architecture I've seen, NONE of these images have appeared. Not one. And almost all are quite noteworthy. Is this another example of unconscious racism?
Poverty, disease and war are not stereotypes of Africa. They’re the cold, honest truth. Not saying there’s not more to the continent, but those are the chief issues
There’s also wealth and education there too. Africa is no small place.
Load More Replies...You might want to look up Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, etc. Just because *your* forgettable flyover city lacks any architectural diversity, doesn't mean the rest of the West (whatever that means - Western Europe, global West, United States) does. And many of these African buildings could be built to code here, with experienced construction companies. And it would be an honor and privilege to have them here.
Load More Replies...There is always a f idiot around. Congratulations- it's you this time.
Load More Replies...
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