Architecture as a Destination
Africa’s Iconic Architecture in 12 Buildings
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hile the pyramids of Egypt are recognised around the world, much of Africa’s architecture remains unknown something architects Adil Dalbai and Livingstone Mukasa hope to change. They are part of the team that has recently published the seven-volume Architectural Guide Sub-Saharan Africa. Their in-depth study encompasses buildings from earlier eras, the colonial period - like the recently renovated railway station (above) built in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, in 1910 - to more modern masterpieces. Here are 12 of the most innovative, historic and iconic entries: 1) Kasubi Tombs, Uganda - 1882 Covering hectares of agricultural land in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, the Royal Complex at Kasubi is the burial place of monarchs of the Buganda Kingdom. It was predominantly built from wood and other organic materials. The interior is designed to replicate a sacred forest and is topped with 52 circular rings to represent each of the 52 Buganda clans. Mukasa, who was born in Uganda, visited the tombs for the first time when he was 10 years old. “It was stunning,” he told the BBC. “Not just the scale of it, but the entire grandeur of the building. “[It] was constructed in the late 19th Century before the introduction of modern materials, using traditional centuries-old methods. I felt that the building had a presence. When you were inside it, it dominated you.” 2) Lideta Market, Ethiopia - 2017 A contemporary entry, this shopping centre was built in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, with lightweight concrete. The considered design includes a perforated façade that controls the flow of natural light and ventilation within. Moreover, the cut-out pattern decorating the building’s gleaming white shell imitates a traditional Ethiopian fabric. 3) Hikma Complex, Niger - 2018 Architecture studio Atelier Masōmī’s Nigerien founder, Mariam Kamara, restored a former
#1 Pinterest #2 © Gonzalo Guajardo
Hausa mosque that had fallen into disrepair, adding a community space and library. Compressed-earth bricks make up the majority of the building with materials mostly sourced from within 5km (three miles) of the site in the village of Dandaji. For Dalbai, the project is particularly impressive for its seamless blend of old and new. “It’s clearly a contemporary building that is deeply rooted in Nigerien tradition,” the German architect told the BBC. “Not only culturally, but also technically because it relies on old traditional building techniques and materials.” 4) Maropeng Visitors’ Centre, South Africa 2006 Known as the Cradle of Humankind World
46 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | Nov 2021
