5: Tradition and Innovation

This project focuses on reconceptualizing the traditional architecture of the Hausa tribe in West Africa, by fusing modern urban elements. I combined traditional architectural elements from my tribe with that of modern mainstream architecture to reimagine traditional Hausa architecture and push the boundaries of tradition and innovation.

This is an elevation sketch of Side 2 which mostly features more ‘modern’ urban elements such as horizontal glass panels or windows, linear frames, and monolithic pillars reminiscient of Greko-Roman architecture, however with a more Hausa-esque form

This is an elevation sketch of Side 1 which mostly features Hausa-Fulani architectural characteristics which are the rufi (dome), zankwaye (pinnacles), and the northern knot which is a pattern and symbol of the tribe

I created a 3D model with SketchUp that combines Hausa-Fulani architecture with that of modern urban archtecture. Despite the 2 sided approach, features like the dome, pillars, pinnacles and glass are prominent on all sides, uniting the 2 sections

A closer look at the patterns on Side 1 show the intricacies of Hausa craftmanship which is one of the prime features of this design. I was inspired by the bronze corona on the surface of the Musuem of African American History and Culture designed by David Adjaye as well as the patterns on the walls of the Hausa Kings’ palaces in Northern Nigeria.