AFRO-FUTURISM: Recovering and Building on an Interrupted History

Afro-futurism Afro-futurism Recovering and Building on an Interrupted History

Benedict Ezem Masters Of Architecture Class of 2020 Wentworth Institute Of Technology

Afro-futurism Afro-futurism Discovering an architecture that relates to different African cultures.

By Benedict E Ezem Bachelors of Science in Architecture Wentworth Institute Of Technology, 2019 Submitted to the Department of Architecture in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, April 2020

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Benedict .E. Ezem Author Department of Architecture

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Certified by Robert Cowherd,PhD Thesis supervisor

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Accepted by Kelly Hutzell Doctor of Graduate Programs

Š 2020 Benedict E Ezem. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. The author hereby grants to Wentworth Institute of Technology permission to reproduce and to publicly distribute copies of this thesis document in whole or in part using print, digital, or other means now known or hereafter created.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Plagiarism Statement I, Benedict Ezem, am aware of the academic standards for acknowledging non-original content through citation and other means of crediting sources. In compliance with the Institute Academic Honesty policy, this thesis does not explicitly or implicitly represent the work of others as my own, including written work whether copied verbatim or paraphrased, visual work whether directly reproduced or redrawn, or content prepared by a third party engaged in the selling of academic materials.

Signature....................................................................... Date.................................................................

Acknowledgment

VII

Acknowledgments

The passion for this thesis began in my early years growing up in Nigeria

and being opportune to experience life in other countries, which have given me an eclectic variety of cultures to learn from. Much appreciation goes to; my father architect, Benson Ezem, FNIA, for pushing me to research into my family histories and cultures, and to my mother Patricia Ezem for raising me and giving me an interesting childhood, which included traveling around the world as providing me with existing pictures of the site. To my friend Jackie for helping me collect my thought about the topic. To my professors, Jennifer Gaugler, John Ellis, Antonio Furgiele, NJ Unaka, Robert Cowherd - thank you for helping me organize my thoughts to produce this thesis together. To my grandparents; Chief J.B.O and Lolo Rosanna Ezem of Amibo village.

Finally, to God for giving me the blessing of following through with my master’s degree, I will do all in my power to make all acknowledged and more, proud.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." -Malcolm X

Contents

IX

Table Of Contents VII

Acknowledgments

X

Abstract

2

Introduction

4

Chapter Functionality/ Audience

7

Thesis Statement

8

Argument

10 Framing Narrative 14

Literature Review

16 Laying grounds 20 The problem 25 Transition 36

Design as research

38 Method of research 40 Case studies 50 Case studies in context 54 Site criteria + space needs 58 Design tests

Introduction 2 Chapter Functionality/ Audience 4 Thesis Statement 7 Argument 8 Framing Narrative 10

Literature Review 14 Laying grounds 16 The problem 20 Transition 25

Design as research 36 Method of research 38 Case studies 40 Case studies in context 50 Site criteria + space needs 54 Design tests 58

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Abstract

Building on a reincarnated style of archi-

Over the years, Nigeria has tolerated several tecture in Africa to carve out an architec- corrupt leaders; who still maintain the segregation of the former colonial masters. These leadtural style that directly responds to the ers deem it fit to use funds meant to solve the issues of the region. problems of the rural for their personal gain.

Almost six decades after the end of forThus leaving Amibo (my site) to be a no man's mal colonial rule, architecture in West land. This neglect has caused an increase in the Africa still fails to perform the cultural roles essential to the advancement of the low income class and a decrease in the youth societies who continue to struggle to take population, as they rather move away to bigger their proper place in the world. Instead, cities like; Lagos and Abuja, or even outside the it replicates the architecture of the West country, to seek a better life. which was adapted during colonization. Afrofuturism challenges present building stratThis work revisits architectures preceding egies by using traditional building methods to elevate the living environment in rural villages, the centuries of European domination using Amibo village as a first site of exploration. and explores the generation of designs that respond specifically to the needs of The strategies explored here create shared social spaces, which allow for community learning the rural majority of communities.

Keywords: Afrofuturism, postcolonialism, Africa, emerging technologies, Igbo, Nigeria, Self Sustainability, community.

Abstract

and general accessibility of natural resources for trade. The materials used in this work are locally sourced, biodegradable and 100% recyclable giving the residents of Amibo a self sufficient building system and economy.

Figure 1 Discursive image showing disparity between the urban and rural vernacular. Boston, MA. USA [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

2

Introduction

3

“ It always seems impossible until it is done.� - Nelson Mandela

3

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Audience/ Chapter functionality

This book is aimed to challenge the

government in Nigeria to focus on the peoples needs rather than their pocket.

It also provides a mind challenge And in turn it challenges the citizens to rely on their own resources and skill rather than wait for the government.

The structure of this book is composed of five chapters: an introduction, a literature review, design research, design synthesis and a final reflection/ critical evaluation.

Introduction

5

LISM

CoLONIA

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n i t y

m m u

HISTORY

Gr

AFRICA WAR

IGBO

Co

e RN Purpos E T S E W NIGERIA

d

RE

TU

Fu

SLAVERY LOVE EUROPE HATE

Figure 1.2. Word map collage. Boston, MA. USA [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Figure 1.3. Discursive image of workers building a city they cannot afford to live in. Boston, MA. USA [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Introduction

Thesis Statement Combining history, modernism and

emerging technologies to narrate the evolution of the African experience without the forced influence of the west.

Questions

Shall we allow the future of African architecture go as we have done the past?

How does the thought of an Afro future help eastern Nigeria?

Why do we have to wait for the change to be done for us?

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Argument Who knows what tomorrow holds for me, or you?

Nowhere is the fleeting nature of life better

understood than on the African continent so tomorrow becomes a luxury that only a few can afford. For the middle- and low-income population, the quest for survival is necessary. Since the government fails to provide for the needs of the mass population, there should be a division of the cities into smaller self-sufficient villages as was our former tradition. Rather than teaching reliance on the government the people in smaller scale communities should be taught to fend for themselves.

Focusing on Igbo culture, how can we exist

as a modern self-supporting society?

The African future has now begun, so we must find a way to resolve the current problems with ancient Igbo urban practices. Therefore, Afrofuturism is the vehicle that will uplift these societies to survive and thrive.

Introduction

WHAT IS Afro-futurism ?

Afrofuturism is an aesthetic that combines history, modernism and emerging technologies to narrate the evolution of the African experience without the forced influence of the west.

Figure 1.4. Discursive image Showing the confusion in the vernacular of African architecture. Boston, MA. USA [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Framing the narrative In my early years, I lived in Port Harcourt At this time, Port Harcourt was no more city, Rivers state; located in the southern region of Nigeria. This is a city surrounded by water; blessed with the natural resource of oil. Here most of the buildings comprised of concrete walls and aluminum roofs. My family house would often experience leaks and floods due to the climate and region of the state. Overtime the living condition of the state decayed as different foreign companies situated themselves here sucking the state dry of its oil for exportation and mining. These practices cause water pollution, air pollution and as a form of retaliation, violence.

Different militant groups fought the government and companies off their land and resources.

safe for my family and I, so we moved to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria located in the northern part of the country. Here we experience a much drier climate and generally a safer environment. Here the buildings also comprised of concrete walls and aluminum roofs, but there were also some tall glass structures in the city centers which collected a lot of dust because of the region of the state. And because of the lack of constant electricity or water, maintenance is an exercise that is done once in a blue moon.

During the Christmas holidays, I will

visit my grandmother in my village, Amibo, located in Umuahia, Abia state in the south eastern region of Nigeria.

Framing the Narrative

Figure 1.5. Result of the violence in Port Harcourt caused by the militants. 2018 .BBC news pidgin Port Harcourt, Nigeria. https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-49441679. Accessed 20 November 2019.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

In Amibo, the climate is generally hot with rainfall occurring through half the year. My experience of the architecture and the life here was different from what I was used to, here there is less “civilization� and government infrastructure thus only a few people were able to afford the basic amenities of life like; accommodation, stable electricity and water. Because of this the people here prefer moving away to the bigger cities for a better life.

Because of this, Nigeria has experienced an exponential population growth in its bigger cities and is bound to experience even more growth. With the decline of the country's economy only certain big cities have been able to generate an economic network with the rest of the world. The population in these big cities

have thus increased, reducing the population in country sides like Amibo village in Abia state, due to their low employment and living conditions. It is speculated that by 2050, if change is not implemented, the country will witness an immense increase in the general population of the bigger cities and decline in the population of the country sides. (See figure 1.6)

Figure 1.6. Graph showing the population growth in Nigeria. Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Framing the Narrative

The average man in Nigeria earns just over 30,000 Naira a month, which is not feasible as the cost of living is considerably expensive. (See figure 1.7)

During other holidays I would visit oth-

er countries like the United Kingdom, the United states, Dubai, etc. And I would notice the ostentatious buildings that expressed their cultures and histories. Then it struck me to question why the buildings in Nigeria do not reflect the same. Why our buildings do not express the love, resourcefulness and growth present in our communities.

In Nigeria, I fail to see any architectural uniqueness to the buildings, rather I see an imported architectural style from different countries that don’t relate to the culture. This I believe stems from the history of colonialism in the country, when the British soldiers

Figure 1.7. Bar chart showing the employment rate to the minimum wage in Nigeria. Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

and missionaries built homes like the ones they lived in back in their countries. (See figure 1.8) By doing this they made the Nigerian population believe that the way they built was the “civilized� way to build which may or may not have been true for the time being. But since after the independence we still follow this colonial mindset of building which has caused our cities to have no context to its location.

Figure 1.8. Bar chart showing the employment rate to the minimum wage in Nigeria. Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Framing the Narrative

Figure 1.9. Image of deteriorated colonial home. December [2018]. Abia state, Nigeria [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

CHAPTER iI

Colonial past to an afro-future

Colonial past to an afro- future

“For Africa to me... Is more than a glamorous fact. It is a historical truth. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.� - Maya Angelou

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

African architecture is usually poorly

represented by the media as mud houses with little to no function them or as tall buildings that resemble those in the USA or Dubai. In a TED talk held by Tosin Oshinowo, a female Nigerian architect, she defines the present condition of architecture in Nigeria as very unoriginal as compared to the ancient styles which consisted of simple structures that were created to provide shelter in small scale community. This was the organizational idea behind most ancient African settlements but, these methods have been abandoned or left in poor conditions. She questions the present urban vernacular of African architecture. "We have kept an architectural style that was adopted from the “Agoda,” the Brazilian returnees who

came back to Nigeria in the early 1800s after slavery".1 Our current style lacks context thus it fails to respond to any of the immediate issues of the country. (See figure 2). We ought to have stepped back to our roots to form our own urban vernacular language in the post-colonial era.

Figure 2: Photo collage of cities in Nigeria showing the lack of context in the architecture.[2019] ,Nigeria [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

1 Tosin Oshinowo. “The Afro modernist Diaries”, YouTube, November 17, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2_XnKH_mOI&list=WL&index=3&t=304s

Colonial past to an afro- future

In this chapter, contemporary atti-

tudes towards Afrofuturism is reviewed through recent interviews and articles.

Various studies of the history of the local architecture in Nigeria are also analyzed, finding the points where we might have got it wrong during the colonial era, to create a base of research for this thesis.

What was the basis upon which ancient Africans laid out their living spaces and structures?

Genell Anderson, a professor at the

University of the District of Colombia, insists that African villages were family-oriented societies that survived on the resources generated from their land and these resources were used to make other

things, creating a route for food provision from farming to commerce through trade. Self-sustainability has always been a major player in the survival of many African civilizations. Anderson refers to the Nile valley civilization, which was present in ancient Egypt, as one of the places where African architecture began. The base of design upon which the Egyptians built was put together by the Nile architects (this is what Egyptian builders were called) with the phrase “Man, know thyself � 2 The development of a cultural aesthetic begins with knowing self. The message of religion was incorporated into architectural designs of the temples, pyramids and

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even homes as they were interested in the concept of a man moving on to the afterlife.

The ancient Igbo villages were

laid out according to tribes which were connected by a consortium of villages centered by a market square(ahia), a place where the villagers held meetings, traditional wrestling matches, and market festivals.

Each village usually settled next to a river that was easily accessed by the villagers (see Figure 2.1)

2 Genell Anderson. The Call of the Ancestors. Washington D.C: Amar. 1991, 1-12

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Figure 2.1 : Map of a typical Igbo village layout situated in Nigeria. [2019] ,Nigeria [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Tribes in a village consisted of several families that had expanded from a nuclear family into an extended family. These families usually owned massive land plots divided by traditional Igbo court homes.3 (See figure 2.2)

Figure 2.2:Typical layout of a double and single court home. Plan view of courtyard compounds.[1987 Godwin Chikwendu Nsude], Dartford, United Kingdom. Godwin Chikwendu Nsude, Thames Polytechnic. Accessed 23 June 2019. Nsude, Godwin Chikwendu. "The Traditional Architecture of the Igbo of Nigeria." Greenwich, UK: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. 1987

3 Patricia Ezem (Biologist) in discussion with the author, August 2019.

Colonial past to an afro- future

These court homes were fenced for general protection of the family; there was also a division of program according to gender and age. With the male being more important than females at the time, the head of the houses’ dwelling place was in the front normally next to the front or main court where the Obi is also placed, this was where the man will hold meetings and resolve family issues. Most African villages were laid out in the same way. Paul Oliver, an architectural historian, during research shows the layout of an ancient settlement located in northern Ghana called Nabdam compounds. This village also had a similar layout that was divided according to hierarchy, placing the male as the main priority.

This society's main activity was cattle rearing thus there was the provision of land for their cattle. (See figure 2.3)â ´ Just like Igbo villages the Nabdam district was focused on farming

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and building their building materials. â ľ

Figure 2.3: Typical layout of a Nabdam Compound home.

[1976 Paul Oliver], London, United Kingdom. Paul Oliver, Barrie & Jenkins Accessed 25 July 2019. Oliver, Paul. Shelter in Africa. Paperback ed. London: Barrie & Jenkins 1976. 106-123

2 Paul Oliver. Shelter in Africa. Paperback ed. London: Barrie & Jenkins 1976. 106-123 5 Oliver, Paul. Shelter in Africa. 121

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

THE PROBLEM

walls, bamboo also known as Achara, midribs also known as Ogugu or Nigeria today is an incorporation palm thatched. (See figure 2.4) of several cultures and land types of These compounds have assigned spaces which was a colonially exploited in for activities like; farming, food storage, previous times. In the southeastern cattle rearing, trading, child-rearing, region of Nigeria, the Igboland is loand habitation. Just like many other Afcated amongst other ethnic groups. rican cultures the Igbo's design spaces to The Igbos are the most populous accommodate several guests and family ethnic groups in this region filled members in one space. In an interview with an abundance of resources with my father, Mr. Benson Ezem, an such as ceramics, oil, and many architect from Nigeria, he states how he more, as well as vast acres of land for grew up in a multiple court compound agriculture. Traditional Igbo archias his father had 3 wives all of which tecture consists of walled simple dwellings on a family compound, to carry out daily village activities. â ś These dwellings are made of locally sourced building materials from the village; these materials include mud also known as Aja Uno, for

â ś Uduku, Ola. "The Urban Fabric of Igbo Architecture in South-Eastern Nigeria in the 1990s." Cambridge, UK: Habitat International 1996. 191-202.

Figure 2.4: Typical food storage dwelling. Perspective view 1987 Godwin Nsude], Dartford, United Kingdom. Godwin Chikwendu Nsude, Thames Polytechnic. Accessed 23 June 2019. Nsude, Godwin Chikwendu. "The Traditional Architecture of the Igbo of Nigeria." Greenwich, UK: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. 1987

Colonial past to an afro- future

lived on the same compound. “It made us love and always look out for each other” ⁷ I remember visiting my village while growing up to see this culture occur in a modern sense as my grandfather’s compound is laid out to inhabit all my cousins and siblings. This way of living has also spurred a closeness between my family members and me, which makes it easier for us to live and work together.

In ancient Igbo compounds, activity

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“male” space called the Obu, where important guests were received, and meetings were held. (See Figure 2.5) The Obi was normally placed close to the male quarters. This courtyard was also space where weddings and burial ceremonies would be held. ⁸ These spaces were strategically planned out even at early times like this. Currently, tradition still obligates couples to get married in the compound of the woman’s village and to bury the dead in his compound.

was centered around the open courtWhere did the problem start? yard, which was split up according to gender and age. The courtyard consisted of spaces where the women cooked (kitchen) and discussed, with the children playing local games nearby within their vision, and a more formal

Figure 2.5: Layout of the village compounds. Map of a typical Igbo village layout situated in Nigeria. [2019] ,Nigeria [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

7 Benson Ezem (Architect) in discussion with the author, October 2019 ⁸ Benson Ezem (Architect) in discussion with the author.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

controlled by a governor. Nigeria lost all forms of traditional authority. In Igboland, or Biafra, as it was called Igboland, the people had no control before the amalgamation of the coun- over their land as the British began try, "westernization" was first enmaking many changes to the country. ⁹ countered through the introduction The British began to build roadways of Christianity by the British misand railroads which cut through villagsionaries which was followed by the es thus separating the villages into colonial rule which made a signifi- smaller villages until they would cant impact on traditional architec- become very obsolete. (See figure 2.6) ture. The British were present in The British also started to develop Nigeria as early as the late 1700’s but certain areas more than others which the colonial rule had not begun at the time until the 1900s when Fredrick Luggard came to pass the colonial law by which, they controlled the country. When colonization happened, the British shut down all existing governments in Nigeria establishing leaders to act as puppets

In the southeastern part of Nigeria,

Figure 2.6: One village in Nigeria that was split by road and rails to form cities.

Site plan from Google earth. [2019] Boston, MA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY].

Accessed 3 September 2019.

9 “British Colonialism in Nigeria,” Imperialism in Nigeria: Before and After, accessed November 28, 2019, https://nigerianimperialism.weebly.com/british-colonialism-in-nigeria.html)

Colonial past to an afro- future

brought about the segregation of lands as the British soldiers and missionaries built Victorian-style buildings that emulated their lifestyle in their home. 1â ° The British also took control of the resources in the land by cultivating cash crops such as palm trees (nuts and kernels), cocoa, cotton, and groundnuts which they would export and sell for their profits kicking back very little to the original landowners.

The "westernization" of the Igboland

was a gradual process as the British missionaries eliminated traditional religion and replaced it with Christianity; with this religion, they were able to gain control of the locals both

mentally and architecturally. Nnamdi Elleh, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, believes that this was a part of a long-term business scheme to bring the whole country to a bureaucratic standardization. With the few males who were exposed to working for the British missionaries and outside the country, we started to see the influence on building practices introduced by the British soldiers and missionaries. The houses and schools built were designed by foreign builders who introduced Victorian architecture to Nigeria.

These new structures were constructed with little to no concession to the Igbo tradition, with little to no relation to the street or greater

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neighborhood, unlike the ancient traditional building methods. (See figure 2.7) The rural vernacular village home typology began to change into more consolidated structures that could fit more than just one family. The transformation of the villages into cities happened slowly as the Igbo men, especially those that worked for the colonial masters began to generate some wealth for themselves thus they would return to build modern like ostentatious houses to show off their wealth. This changing cultural lifestyle and the economic boom of the Igbos during this

Figure 2.7: Transition of from the traditional village homes to colonial style architecture. Taken by [1987 Godwin Chikwendu Nsude], Dartford, United Kingdom. Thames Polytechnic. Accessed 23 June 2019. Nsude, Godwin Chikwendu. "The Traditional Architecture of the Igbo of Nigeria." Greenwich, UK: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. 1987

10 Elleh, Nnamdi. African Architecture: Evolution and Transformation.

Wisconsin Michigan. McGraw-Hill. 1997

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

period began to cause a shift from the traditional agricultural-based lifestyle of the past to the admired Western sophistication of the new British urban dwellers. 11

The British also introduced mass

production and major capitalism to the people as this will influence our architecture as well. Although this stirred up the fire for entrepreneurship, it reduced the number of farmers as people would rather buy processed food rather than grow their own. Chinua Achebe, a renowned writer, reminisced of the time when the rich in the village were ranked according to how much land they owned and how

11 Genell Anderson. The Call of the Ancestors.

12 Chinua Achebe. Things fall apart. Harlow: Heinemann. 2008

much they could farm off the land.12 This is in contrast to now where the ranks lie in the number of cars or houses you own.

Furthermore, many Igbo families

had begun to live a more nuclear existence as families began to split off the traditional compounds to other places with considerably better living situations. This has caused desertion of farmland turning them into build-able lands.

Similar to the machine age in America people turned to build houses and commercial buildings for rent or sale; build as fast, so you can sell as fast. In the ’60s development was centered around the car.

Colonial past to an afro- future

Just like Henry Ford’s newly introduced assembly line which helped cars be built faster. 13 This idea has influenced architecture as local developers build with materials and machines that cost more but take shorter time rather than locally sourced, cheaper materials. This brought about the capitalism of architecture in southeastern Nigeria, as developers that spend a boatload of money into construction looked for ways of making their money back in some way, thus the boom of real estate.

steps in rebuilding the continent to suit our way of life. Kenneth Frampton talks about the importance of connecting design to its site context or history. He coins this idea under the term “Critical Regionalism,” which simply refers to how a building responds to the culture and natural aspects

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of the building location. 1⁴ In this case, African architects ought to look for immediate context using culture, religion, climate, and demographics as the base for the design. Francis Kéré, one of the leading architects of this topic, currently designed response to the burnt down Ougadudu national assembly building in Burkina Faso; the

TRANSITION

African architects must take certain Figure 2.8: Photo collage showing the state of the former national assembly. [2019] Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. [Benedict Ezem CC BY] (Kéré Architecture). Kéré Francis. Kéré Architecture. Accessed December 1, 2019. http://www.kere-architecture. com/projects/burkina-faso-national-assembly-memorial-park/.

13 Dominic Bradbury. Essential modernism: Design between the World Wars.

Vol. 56. Middletown: American Library Association dba CHOICE 2019 14 Kenneth Frampton. Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

previous language of the building, had a psychological hold on the citizens, which made them feel like they had no say to what went on in the country because of this rebellion came up which resulted in the burning down of the place. (See Figure 2.8) As a response, Kéré designs a building that is built around the people coming together. The building takes a pyramidal form which was a common shape in

ancient African building. This building will also be allowed for people to interact with it, as they will be able to climb the top or sit on it. Inside the building are several points where he plants trees to emulate the old language that signified the tree as a place of gathering. (See figure 2.9) The current state of building in Africa has caused an increase in homelessness and crime rate in the continent; the blame can be equally placed on the greedy politicians or

Figure 2.9: The new Ougadudu national assembly, Burkina faso 2017, proposal. Designed to respond to the African culture of decision making. Aerial view [2019] Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. [ Kéré Architecture commisioned by the Burkina Faso government] Accessed December 1, 2019. http://www.kere-architecture.com/projects/burkina-faso-national-assembly-memorial-park/

Colonial past to an afro- future

the rich businessmen, that build “luxury” apartments or expensive office blocks with intent of renting them to people who’s income makes it impossible to afford. Also, most African countries lack technology due to the lack of power, so it is difficult to maintain certain buildings.

Contrary to the popular philosophy that

Afrofuturism is the involvement of black people in a futuristic world, I believe in the future for Africa as now because we have been denied our past thus we have been forced to enter a future that does not belong to us. Stepping away from architecture, in a presentation held by Sunu Gonera, a Zimbabwean filmmaker, he refers to the definition of Afrofuturism by Dr. Michael Mol: “Afrofuturism is, therefore, Carpe Diem to survive

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and thrive, now!”1⁵ He proposes Afrofuturism as a vehicle that will uplift the African people through their everyday struggles. And therefore, I think Afrofuturism is a personal topic rather than a general term for Africa as all the countries although similar have their resources and problems. Sunu urges that the topic is about Africa reclaiming its place at the cutting edge of civilization like it was in the ancient times: “It’s a kind of back to the future movement for the continent.”1⁶ This does not mean that Africa should cut itself completely off from the west; according to Mark Kamau, an interaction designer from Kenya, in an interview with Dezeen, Africa needs intelligent engagement with each other, as we have a lot we can learn and share before we go out of the continent.1⁷ In the past, Africa consisted of several trading rules which governed the exchange of resources, this was called trade by batter where one society

15 Dominic Bradbury. Essential modernism: Design between the World Wars. Vol. 56. Middletown: American Library Association dba CHOICE 2019.

16 Kenneth Frampton. Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.

17 Mark Kamau, interview by Amy Frearson, "creating a different narrative for Africa", Dezeen, 2018.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

gives a resource in exchange for another. In our current times, this can be brought into play as we look at exporting goods to other continents for refinement. For example, in Nigeria, we grow palm but because of the country's lack of innovation and corruption we own no refineries that can transform palm rather we export it to other countries that produce oils, toothpicks, etc.; And then import it to us for a higher price. From an interview by Hannah Beachler with Dezeen, she believes that Afrofuturism is about blending things that existed in ancient African cultures and then recreating them as if they had evolved on their own over time.1â ¸ I believe that for Africa to see the relevant change it deserves, we must look at

our specific cultures, resources, and the region as a resource that can be used to benefit us directly rather than products for sale. Osborne Macharia, a Kenyan commercial photographer, stated that by creating works that portray a different perspective on the current reality of the continent, people will begin to appreciate the African culture since it has been seen differently. 1â š Just like the current music industry, there is a wave of recreated African sound trending, were the original traditional sound also known as Afro-beat is starting to make people appreciate the culture and view the African continent in a different light from the usual. So also, if we can coin an aesthetic that is unique to Africa then architecture

18 Hannah Beachler, interview by Amy Frearson, "creating a different narrative for Africa", Dezeen, 2018.

19 Osborne Macharia, interview by Amy Frearson, "creating a different narrative for Africa", Dezeen, 2018.

Colonial past to an afro- future

will have the same effect on Africa and the world at large, just as music is currently doing. For Mark Kamau, Afrofuturism is more than simply referencing the past. He believes that Africa has reached a point where she should develop appropriate solutions to its own problems, rather than importing ill-fitting designs from the west.

"Africa cannot afford decontextualized solutions because the stakes are too high,".2⁰ More often we see the rise of “smart cities” in Africa.

assets, resources, and services efficiently. The main factors here are good governance, Internet, power and infrastructure; components that most African countries fail to have. (See figure 3) Instead of jumping to provide these smart components for a continent

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that cannot handle it why not focus on the immediate issues on the ground like, famine, flooding, poverty rate, insurgencies, etc. In Nigeria, we fall victim of indulging in the want of smart cities, but the fact is we do not need them.

What are smart cities?

A Smart city is an urban area that uses

different types of electronic Internet of Things sensors to collect data and then use insights gained from that data to manage

Figure 3: Smart city components. Posted by Margaret Rouse. [2016] Internet of things agenda] Rouse, Margaret, Sharon Shea, Ed Burns, Margaret Rouse, and Margaret Rouse. “What Is a Smart City? Definition from WhatIs.com.” IoT Agenda. Accessed November 1, 2019. https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/smartcity.

20 Mark Kamau, interview by Amy Frearson

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

For example, Makoko, an ungov-

erned settlement in Lagos, Nigeria left to survive on the polluted waters of the Atlantic. A third of the community is built on stilts along the lagoon and the rest on land.

Wood is an important material here that is locally generated and used to build. Fish farming is a major force of survival thus what drives their low independent economy. Over the years big corporations and leaders have demolished these stilt settlements, landfilling them to build rendering citizens homeless. Across the ocean, a proposed land filed “smart city” called Eko Atlantic. The introduction of this land has caused water levels to rise thus rendering

more families homeless. (See figure 3.1) Rather than a business investment, the government ought to provide infrastructures for the community to inhabit.

Allowing these communities to generate their program. In Ryan Coogler's movie, Black panther, he talks about a society in Africa called Wakanda, that evolved independently of the influence from the rest of the world.21 This society defines a smart city different from what we know, in Wakanda their major resource of

Figure 3.1: Aerial view of Eko Atlantic and Makoko settlement. Oduarere news, Lagos, Nigeria. Royal Haskoning (traffic and transport expertise) and ar+h Architects. South Energyx Nigeria Ltd, Lagos state government (Benedict Ezem CC BY) “Makoko settlement, Nigeria, 2016- Elaine” tripsunscripted, accessed 2 November 2019, (https://www.tripsunscripted.com/2017/08/floating-village-lagos-nigeria/), “Eko Atlantic, Lagos,2018- ooduarere” ooduarere. com, accessed 1 November 2019, (http://ooduarere.com/news-from-nigeria/ breaking-news/eko-atlantic-city-2018-2/)

Colonial past to an afro- future

survival was the heart-shaped herb, a plant mutated by the meteorite of vibranium that landed in Wakanda.

(See figure 3.2) This herb is also used as medicine as we see it being used to heal the characters in the movie. Vibranium is also another resource of this civilization.

Being the strongest metal in the world they use vibranium to generate electricity, power their transport system and for medical/ scientific research.

Vibranium is also used in making protective clothing and weapons such as the Black Panthers’ suit and Captain America's shield. 22 (See figure 3.3) From the movie, I started to imagine societies in real life emulating these same principles practiced in Wakanda.

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Looking at my site for this thesis I will research the resources that are present and find out ways of making these resources more sustainable and profitable to the residents.

How can infrastructure create better-living conditions in an independent community?

Can the use of locally generated resources replace governmental infrastructure?

Figure 3.2: Scene from the Black panther of the queen mother healing her son, the Black panther with the heart-shaped herb. Screen shot from scene. Black Panther, 2016.

Wakanda. [Ryan Coogler by Marvel studios]. Coogler, Ryan, dir. Black Panther. 2016; Atlanta, GA: Marvel Studios, 2016. Netflix. Accessed 21 November 2019.

21 "The panther dies", Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler (2016; Atlanta, GA: Marvel Studios, 2016), Netflix.

22 Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Figure 3.3. Photo collage showing the commerce condition in rural and urban areas of Nigeria. Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Colonial past to an afro- future

Unfortunately, many of these big economic cities

have conventional master plans, latent with western urban ideologies that were imposed by colonial planning deeming them inadequate for our present time.

As a result, the current governing, infrastructure and economic systems in African cities are outdated. Thus, it is quintessential that new frameworks emerge, giving citizens participatory tools to forge community and economic systems that uplift relevant-systems; one community with shared responsibility.

This post-colonial Afro-futurist community possesses the following attributes to prove its possibilities of being successful; 1. Self- Sustainability.

2. Contextual relation.

3. Socio-economic capacity.

4. Commerce/ trade inclination.

This work's focus is on creating a method of orga-

nization that allows for the live-work community.

By observing the new organization, it must have the ability to answer; what the new building types maybe? How they can develop in their future, concerning affordability and accessibility in the economic, housing, and public infrastructure sector. Before the advent of computer-aided designs were conducted by hand and physical demonstration. Today we have developed technological tools, that have revolutionized the control, accuracy, and efficiency of urban development. So the materials and mode of construction for my community will be both built and produced by the locals; by doing this, the community becomes stronger because they have come together to build something to sustain themselves and their families.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

CASE STUDIES

Figure 3.4. Case study chart, comparing ancient civilizations and kingdoms.

Colonial past to an afro- future

Ancient kingdoms have tried this model of

self-sufficiency, some more successful than others, they all had specific resources grown on their soil which also provided a food, and economic source.

These empires all have similarities in their social structure which were the way their homes were also divided. This also affected the way food and other natural resources were distributed. Most ancient civilizations were dissolved by natural causes due to their lack of predictability of their weather and site conditions others were dissolved by either civil wars or colonization.

One ancient case study that presents a community model that relates directly to the region which my site, Amibo is located, is the Nri kingdom, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, now where Anambra, Abia, and Imo state are located.

(See figure 3.4) This civilization became more popular during the slave trade because of their

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strong will and outspokenness against the slave trade. Slaves who could escape to the kingdom were automatically freed and given a home.23 At the time, freed slaves from the diaspora returning to Africa would join the Nri Kingdom helping to develop its already existing trade in palm oil and natural mineral resources such as bronze. Soon, the kingdom became very wealthy and a center for trade in Nigeria and parts of West Africa soon the British and neighboring kingdoms that supported the slave trade tagged the kingdom as an enemy of progress and attempted many attacks that failed. Unfortunately, internal disputes led to the weakening of the Nri and gradually the kingdom became weak leading to its take over by the Benin Kingdom in 1911.24

23 Johnson, Elizabeth Ofosuah, Facebook, and LinkedIn. “This 'Ungoverned' Nigerian Kingdom Was a Safe Haven for Runaway Slaves until 1911.� Face2Face Africa, September 12, 2018.

24 Aderinto and Saheed. 2017. African Kingdoms: An Encyclopedia of Empires and Civilizations. Santa Barbara, CA

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Figure 3.5. Case study chart, comparing modern. Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Colonial past to an afro- future

During this research, I recognized

dents to these new buildings upon modern societies that currently strive completion. This move will displace the people living here, leaving them to live off the grid from the rest of their country. Kibera in Nairobi, Ken- with nowhere to go. ya as an example of a failed settlement as they make no use of their resources.

Another model to follow is the Although not a fault of the residents, 2016 fictional film, Black Panther, they live in extreme poverty, earning which portrays a country in Africa, less than $1.00 per day as unemployWakanda as a settlement located ment rates are high. There are a few off the grid of the world that generschools, and most people cannot ates and survives off its resources. afford education for their children.

Wakanda boasts of a civilization A great majority lack access to basic that hid and survived without the services, including electricity, clean colonial past. Vibranium and the running water, and medical care. heart-shaped herb are two main The Government recently initiated a resources used here. It is used as a clearance program to replace the slum form of trade, material for clothing with a residential district of high rise and defense weapons. apartments and relocating the resi-

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The most direct model for this work is the Songhai center, Benin republic. Founded in 1985 by Father Godfrey Nzamujo, a Nigerian priest who resides in the Benin republic. The farmers, youth, and women are taught to build their capacities to become agricultural, agribusiness, and handicraft entrepreneurs. It involves organic and sustainable production with training and research centers where these skills are taught and developed. Here they make use of waste from humans, animals, and the farmed resources to generate other infrastructure for the land such as biotechnology (biogas, and electricity). (See figure 3.5)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Songhai Centre Founder: Father Godfrey Nzamujo Location: Benin republic

Songhai is a community model that empowers rural African

communities located in African countries like Benin republic, Nigeria, etc. These community models are set up particularly to encourage farmers, youth, and women, by building their capacities to become agricultural, agribusiness, and handicraft entrepreneurs. Founded in 1985 by Father Godfrey Nzamujo, a Nigerian priest who resides in Benin republic. It involves organic and sustainable production, training and research centers, also he develops innovative techniques and thinking in agriculture and handicrafts, using local human power, natural resources and waste. Here they make use of waste from humans, animals and the farmed resources to generate other infrastructure for the land such as biotechnology (bio - gas, and electricity). (See figure 3.6)

Figure 3.6: Diagram of the integral systems of Songhai.

Colonial past to an afro- future

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Figure 3.7: Diagram of the home biotechnology system in Songhai. Benin republic [Benedict Ezem CC BY].

Figure 3.8: Diagram of a biodigestion plant installation. Benin republic [Benedict Ezem CC BY].

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

pointing out certain factors that could be improved with the current enlightenment inal West African architectural organiwe have attained. The process behind this zational techniques by investigating life thesis is based on how to make a language before colonization and realizing ways from the starting point of looking (obto move on from that. Focusing on the servation). By observing our surroundIgbo tribe, I will suggest ways we should ings and what we have, we can construct have developed on our own as a group, different architectural languages that relate using resources generated from our land specifically to the region. What they may to create an ecosystem that allows us to be, how they might grow and develop in build, feed and earn from our materials. their future.

The literature reviewed, helped point out the living condition in a typical village,

In conclusion, this study explores orig-

Figure 3.9: Captain America: Civil War concept art. 2019. Maurice Mitchell. USA. [Ryan Meinerding posted by The Geek Twins.]. Mitchell, Maurice. “Who's Stronger in the MCU: Black Panther or Captain America?� The Geek Twins. Accessed December 1, 2019. http://www.thegeektwins.com/2019/02/whos-stronger-in-mcu-black-panther-or.html.

Colonial past to an afro- future

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Bibliography Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Harlow: Heinemann. 2008 Aderinto and Saheed. 2017. African Kingdoms: An Encyclopedia of Empires and Civilizations.

Santa Barbara, CA “British Colonialism in Nigeria,� Imperialism in Nigeria: Before and After, accessed November 28, 2019, https://nigerianimperialism.weebly.com/british-colonialism-in-nigeria.html) Bradbury Dominic. Essential modernism: Design between the World Wars. Vol. 56. Middletown: American Library Association dba CHOICE 2019 Coogler, Ryan, dir. Black Panther. 2016; Atlanta, GA: Marvel Studios, 2016. Netflix.

Elleh, Nnamdi. African Architecture: Evolution and Transformation. Wisconsin Michigan. McGraw-Hill. 1997 Frampton, Kenneth. Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.

New York, NY: New Press, 1981.

Genell Anderson. The Call of the Ancestors. Washington D.C: Amar. 1991, 1-12

Colonial past to an afro- future

Gonera Sunu. “Definition of Afrofuturism”. YouTube, September 15, 2019, https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=X4NrQudKqJ8&t=950s Hannah Beachler "creating a different narrative for Africa” by Amy Frearson, Dezeen, 2018.

Johnson, Elizabeth Ofosuah, Facebook, and LinkedIn. “This 'Ungoverned' Nigerian Kingdom Was a Safe Haven for Runaway Slaves until 1911.” Face2Face Africa, September 12, 2018.

Mark Kamau "creating a different narrative for Africa” by Amy Frearson, Dezeen, 2018.

Oliver, Paul. Shelter in Africa. Paperback ed. London: Barrie & Jenkins 1976. 106-123 Osborne Macharia, "creating a different narrative for Africa” by Amy Frearson, Dezeen, 2018.

Oshinowo Tosin. “The Afro modernist Diaries”, YouTube, November 17, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2_XnKH_mOI&list=WL&index=3&t=304s Uduku, Ola. The Urban Fabric of Igbo Architecture in South-Eastern Nigeria in the 1990s. Cambridge, UK: Habitat International 1996. 191-202.

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CHAPTER iIi

Engaging communal spaces

Engaging communal spaces

“The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.."

-Abraham Lincoln

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Design criteria + space needs Strategy: Inclusion

Cities need to be focused on design pat-

novation can influence the economic incluterns that empower locals out of poverty. As sion of urban residents by regulating their Amartya Sen describes it, development as a ability to benefit from economic growth or freedom approach to spatial thinking. 1 So I not. focused on three main aspects of inclusivity; - Spatial inclusion: Critical regionalism as an architectural tool for locally built - Social Inclusion: The goal of Afrofuturism is to reclaim black identity through structures causes community empowerment. art, culture, and political resistance. 2 It is a Spatial inclusion requires the provision of affordable necessities such as housing, water, lens that projects brighter possible futures and sanitation. Lack of access to essential or alternate realities in which the African infrastructure and adequate services are a cultures are not hidden in the shadows of the Eurocentric mainstream. It is from here daily struggle for many disadvantaged African households. By promoting participatory where inclusive design principles can fail, evolve and develop into the possible future engagement, individuals and communities of a potentially realistic "Wakandan" nation. have a hand in the design of their own houses, streets, and surroundings; such a design - Economic Inclusion: Technology has approach could revolutionize the quality and relevance of the urban form as they will have become a political tool: creating and monopolizing jobs. Therefore, technological in- a personal connection to their environment.

1 Amartya Sen "Development as Freedom", South African Government News Agency. Oxford University Press. Accessed on 4 September 2019. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/making-ends-meet 2 Austen Peters, B. "This is Afrofuturism", African Arguments. Accessed 13 Sep. 2019. https://africanarguments.org/2018/03/06/ this-is-afrofuturism/

Engaging communal spaces: Site criteria+ Space needs

A critical regionalist approach to fluctuating urban conditions as Frampton describes seeks to complement our normative visual experience by readdressing the tactile range of human perceptions. 3 (See figure 4) How do these inclusive agendas interact in real life?

Figure 4. Design parameters. . Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

3 Kenneth Frampton. Towards a Critical Regionalism.

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Site location: Factual information

Amibo Village is located in Abia State, Nigeria. Considered

the countryside, the youth population here has moved off to the bigger next door cities for better living situations. Cut off by the Port-Harcourt/Enugu highway, the closest area of development is located about 10km across the highway which is unrealistic for the locals. This thesis brings all the necessities to a more accessible diameter both on a family compound scale to a larger village scale.

- Site location: Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Figure 4.1. Abia State map . Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Engaging communal spaces: Site criteria+ Space needs

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Abia State, Nigeria

Figure 4.2. Location of Abia state on the African map . Boston, MA. USA. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

Amibo Village

Figure 4.3. Map of Amibo village showing the split by the highway. Nigeria.

[Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Site location: Factual information

This area is classified as a tropical zone, as it is

located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, which gets rainfall most months of the year with a short dry season. The average temperature here is 26.4 degrees Celsius equivalent to an average Boston summer at 27 degrees Celsius. We also get an average annual rainfall of 2333mm with most of the rainfall occurring in the summer month (May through October). Meaning that there is an occurrence of erosion which could be more of a problem in the coming years, but also allows for the possibility of water reticulation.

Figure 4.4. Monthly temperature averages. Nigeria. Accessed January 27, 2020. https:// weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,port-harcourt,Nigeria.

Engaging communal spaces: Site criteria+ Space needs

Figure 4.5. Annual precipitation monthly bar chart. Nigeria. Accessed January 27, 2020. https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,port-harcourt,Nigeria.

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Design Criteria: Spatial framing

Intended spaces - Living area: including single and family units with affordable pricing.

- Circulated water access - Central spot: , Market, Entrepreneurship center.

Keywords Economic inclusion Community Self sustainability Critical regionalism Empowerment Urban Architecture Afrofuturism Post colonialism Africa Emerging technologies Igbo

Engaging communal spaces: Design tests

Figure 4.6. Artifact showing village spacing. Amibo, Abia state, Nigeria.

[Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Design Test 1: Adaptive intervention

Using the old family courtyard ar-

Figure 4.7. Typical single court family layout for one family.

Figure 4.8. Typical single court family layout for one family.

rangement as a model I decided to create a movable housing model that allows growth for the different families.

In the coming years, with population growth, families are expected to break away from the typical compound layout to more independent layouts. So, creating a mobile infrastructure system will help build the community while at the same time maintaining the history of maintaining the family in one compound.

Engaging communal spaces: Design tests

Figure 4.9. Single court family layout for one family sitting on the self generated infrastructure grid.

Figure 5. Single court family layout broken away for further growth still on the grid.

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Design Test 2

The best way to expand the compound

is to go vertically rather than horizontal, because there is limited land space. Also the addition of a second level to the existing buildings create room for cantilevered structures that can engage the empty spaces on the site into communal spaces that will make the locals engage in the community.

Figure 5.1. Artifact testing the new site layouts on top of the old.

Engaging communal spaces: Design tests

With the desired span and height of the cur-

rent buildings on the compound it is essential that I find local materials that are locally sourced and strong enough to be manufactured into building materials.

Figure 5.3. Artifact testing the new site layouts. (Corrections mind map)

Figure 5.2. Artifact testing the new site layouts on top of the old.

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||Material selection||

The type of palm trees found here hap-

pens to be the best kind for self-sustainability as these kinds of trees produce; palm kernels, palm oil, and palm wine, all of which can be consumed or sold to generate an economy.

Corozo palms are cultivated and maintained in and around communities that utilize their leaves for construction material. Large corozo palms are a common sight within amibo village.

Figure 5.4. Material testing on expansion.

When regularly pruned for their large fonds, which reach over three meters in length. Corozo palms produce large bunches of nuts that hang among their enormous fonds in the configuration typical to palm trees. A typical individual mature tree will produce 2–4 bunches of nuts. Each bunch is large, up to 5 feet in length and weighing up to 40 kilograms.

Engaging communal spaces: Design tests

Based on the material quality and the strength, we make use of the bark of palm for the main structure of these new buildings. Currently the barks of palms are either wrongly disposed or they are used to make bridges. This material also provides for the needs of the residents as palm is considered a cash crop provides both consumable and other useful produces.

Figure 5.5 . Scott Meadows-Chowdhry. “The Corozo Palm [Attalea cohune] and its Habitat� Accessed March 3, 2020 https://medium.com/@scottmeadowschowdhry/the-corozo-palm-attalea-cohune-and-itshabitat-d82d1cba674d

Figure 5.6 . Lady crossing bridge to the stream. Amibo, Abia State,Nigeria. [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Design Test 3: Overlapping Programs

Testing several overlapping tech-

niques through drawings, began to open the possibilities of these new spaces that could be created.

To have this vertical expansion happen the existing roofs have to be removed or replaced to allow for the new structures to grow out of it.

With the addition of the new level the possibility of water reticulation presents it self. Trying not to use the typical aluminum roofing, thatched roofing is used. Made from the dried leaves of palm they

Figure 5.7 . Overlaying new structures above existing ones

Engaging communal spaces: Design tests

are good water absorbers, which will help cool the house as well as transport water down to the water storage system.

Figure 5.8. Removing the existing roofs to allow new structures to grow

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290mm

Afro futuristic blueprint

Figure 5.9.

Structure 1m 290mm

1m

Figure 6. Showing the ecosystem of the residential sector. Addition of swales to combat the current erosion problem of Amibo.

The palm bark is into 290mm x 290mm square columns which are also connected to 290mm x 180mm rectangular beams. All these are reinforced to the ground by 1m x 1m concrete blocks which attach to the original foundation block of the existing house.

Engaging communal spaces: Design Intent

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Roofing Thatch that is gotten from dried up palm leaves and branches.

Walls Made from mud which can be gotten on site when it rain, creating more swales to defeat erosion, or from the stream.

Slab Woven bamboo slabs or thin wood slabs.

Communal Spaces Shared obi spaces to allow communication between both generations (above and below) and visitors.

Existing Building Roof can be taken off or incorporated for new structure.

Figure 6.1. Breakdown of construction.

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

Amibo Warka Water Project Context In the Umuzo community, there is a lack of close water which forces the people to walk long distances to the stream or far away compounds to fetch water. By providing a warka on family compounds there would not be a need to do that.

Water provision

Community

The addition of a Warka system adds a space for communal interaction as well as accessible water supply to the people. The Warka Tower is composited with biodegradable and 100% recyclable materials of which are locally sourced.

Construction Timeline video.

Feel free to scan with camera.

Figure 6.2. Water system in the compound.

System of the Warka

Engaging communal spaces: Design Intent

Structure The triangulated split bamboo frame provides both robustness and structural strength keeping the overall tower tight weight and stable .

Canopy The canopy provides shade creating a gathering place for the community.

Ropes A triangulated network of polyester ropes is used to add stability to the tall, freestanding structure.

Mesh A permeable mesh allows air to pass through the material, to capture water droplets that roll down.

Collector Water droplets that fall from the mesh are channeled here. Also acts as a dew condenser.

Water Tank Can also be in the form of a well to store or channel water for the village.

Figure 6.3. Warka water system breakdown.

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||Market square||: Ahia Afuche square

Following the traditional market square layout, the market square becomes a place of commerce, learning and meeting. In the past the market square was a place used for festivals, news for the village, and meeting spot for the village elders. But as the years have passed, the market square has become obsolete as people do not rely on the market square for their food or news anymore.

Figure 6.4. Igbo village layout.

So to revive the market square I

directed communal programs to the market square where the villagers can easily trade in the market and the youth are able to learn a skill from the trade school.

Engaging communal spaces: Design tests

Figure 6.5. Market square layout plan.

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Building Materials

Design Test 4: Analytique

Other wastes

Bottle/ can wastes

Kitchen waste

Organic waste

Figure 6.6. Analytique image: The ecosystem that exists in the new design.

Biogas plant

Palm fr

ruit

Engaging communal spaces: Analytique

Palm wine

Rainwater

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Rainwater storage

gray water

Toilet waste

Household structure Kitchen water

garden

Fertilizer

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Bibliography Frampton, Kenneth. Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.

New York, NY: New Press, 1981.

Peters B,Austen. This is Afrofuturism: African Arguments. Accessed 13 Sep. 2019. https://africanarguments.org/2018/03/06/this-is-afrofuturism/ Sen Amartya. Development as Freedom: South African Government News Agency. Oxford University Press. Accessed on 4 September 2019. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/makingends-meet

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CHAPTER iv

Outcomes

Outcomes

“Some of the most beautiful things we have in life comes from our mistakes.�- Surgeo Bell

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||Design proposal||

Migrant housing is provided for Figure 7. Migrant housing Site plan

Figure 7.1. Site plan of Amibo village

non family members that wish to live in this area. This part of the compound can also be rented out or sold out if agreed. This allows for a diverse growth on the community; In as much as the goal is to keep the family on the same compound, if an outsider can bring the same value

Outcomes: Design Proposal

to the community, then they are allowed to live here.

Some successful steps in the residential area was the creation of; - Housing expansions - Natural water supply source - Communal spaces - Incorporation of migrant housing - On site material

Figure 7.2. Ezem compound new layout.

Some successful steps in the market square was the; - Engagement of the community/ Youth - Revival of the market square - Unconventional entrepreneurial school - Free Warka water towers (communal points)

Figure 7.3. Market square layout.

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Figure 7.4. Communal space on the Ezem compound

Figure 7.5. Section showing the Warka water system serves as water supply and a communal zone.

Outcomes: Design Proposal

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Figure 7.6. Communal space on the Family compound

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Figure 7.7. Section showing the Communal spaces on the Ezem compound expansion.

Figure 7.8. Section showing the addition of erosion control.

Outcomes: Design Proposal

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Figure 7.9. Connecting spaces between residential expansion and the new migrant housing

Outcomes: Design Proposal

Figure 8. Communal space in the new migrant housing

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Figure 8.1. Section through the trade school; showing the market square.

Figure 8.2. Section through the market; showing the market square.

Outcomes: Design Proposal

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Figure 8.3. Entrance to the market square.

Scan with phone camera to see full thesis film.

Outcomes: Design Proposal

Figure 8.4. Exterior class in the Market square.

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CHAPTER v

Critical Reflections

Reflections

“I can't give you a sure-fire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure: try to please everybody all the time.� - Herbert Bayard Swope

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290mm

Figure 9.

Structure details of joints

Coming into the Master’s program, 1m 290mm

1m

I wanted to create a world through my father’s family compound, that goes before the colonial times but skips the changes and hardships, so I could see what life in a paused development that is Nigeria, and Africa on a larger, would have been like if we never experienced colonization. After much research, I found myself digging through much historical content to understand their way of life. This was most challenging as I being considered a well-traveled Nigerian, did not experience enough of my tradition but after my trip back home in December and speaking to some locals I realized that instead of acting like colonialism did not exist why didn’t I provide a

Reflections

manuscript to move on from that, thus the fuel to my thesis since January.

In every experience, there are successes and

shortcomings, which present opportunities to grow and learn. Over the past eight months, I have seen the growth of this topic from my first concept sketch to the last drop of ink in this book. This thesis research has opened my eyes to see how thick the architectural problem I present is. Nigeria is a large country to speculate exactly what it could be in the coming years. However, I am grateful to have been persistent on this journey as I believe this thesis brings a different thought to how life in rural communities should be planned and developed over the years. I understand that my topic might have come off from a place of the anger of the colonial past but I believe it is

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this fear to tackle and face this colonial chain that has held the state of the nations of Africa stagnant till now.

Throughout my thesis and during my defense, I received many thought-provoking and insightful criticism and questions. One of the most repeated and significant questions was the question of how the structural materials are joined together. One of the other jurors questioned how this locally sourced material can help the economy blossom. Unfortunate-

Figure 9.1 Discursive image showing disparity between the urban and rural vernacular. Boston, MA. USA [Benedict Ezem CC BY)

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Afrofuturism: Discovering a vernacular architecture that relates to the different African cultures.

ly, I wasn’t allowed the chance to test the tensile strength or several joining techniques for my structures due to the ongoing pandemic, but in the coming years, I will test joining methods that would ensure longevity in the new buildings. Although, I propose the use of metal plates based on the logic that wood and metals join easily together when fastened with screws.

Implications for the future

With the current COVID- 19 issue

in the world, we will see more rural areas fall to poorer conditions and possibly a loss of homes by people in these areas, so there will be a need to provide an affordable building meth-

od that can be easily thought and carried out by the normal able-bodied person. There will also be more of a need for an economic material that can be sold or manufactured to boost the economy of these areas as well as the country Nigeria. With the help of charity organizations and donations, more research can be carried out but until then‌ we have a lot of work to do.

Reflections

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Feedback-Ezem Presentation: Good presentation of purpose.

Metric system is appropriate for stakeholders but is not familiar to most of your audience.

Even when you start into the architecture, you scroll back up to describe the palm.

The verandah perspective is excellent.

Questions: The question of connection details is one of the economy of production: Who does the work? Do they use hand tools? Stationary tools? Chainsaws? Joinery? Is the Joinery part of the Igbo tradition?

Figure 9.2 Notes of feedback recieved during the defense of this thesis April 13 2020.

Notes taken by Robert Cowherd.

Scan with phone camera to see full thesis film.