From the majestic and captivating pyramids of Egypt to Santorini’s breathtaking scenery, architecture has proved to be a powerful medium of storytelling. Architecture immortalizes the way of life of a people, weaving into reality and permanence the strengths, frailties, aspirations and desires of the people who built them. To envision the future of architecture will be to understand the architecture of the past, study the architectural movement of the present and acknowledge people’s dreams of the future.
Nigeria’s Architecture
Nigeria, a nation with a rich architectural heritage and ethnic diversity offers a captivating lens to explore the future of storytelling in architecture. Its pre-colonial era consisted of independent tribes of which the most prominent are the Yoruba, Igbo and the Hausa. These three tribes each had distinct architectural styles that uniquely responded to their familial, climatic, religious and cultural needs.
The Yoruba’s, for example, employing the use of courtyards in their homes encouraged community building, enhanced comfort and allowed for cross ventilation while the Igbos incorporated mud walls and high-pitched roofs to adapt to the tropical climate. The Hausas used local materials such as thick mud bricks for their walls to act as thermal insulation in their desert climate – their architectural choice was a testament to sustainability and functionality. These structures were not just shelters; they were living stories showing their resourcefulness, resilience, and strong connection to their local environment.
The influence of the colonial era and subsequent modern era brought about a shift in Nigeria’s architectural landscape. Buildings began to mimic the Western styles and often lost their distinct identity. Structures becoming homogenous disregarded the rich diversity of Nigeria’s heritage and the specific climatic needs and challenges of its people. In a world grappling with climate change, rapid urbanization, resource constraints, and technological growth, architecture must not only tell authentic stories but adapt to the evolving needs of its people.
Storytelling in Architecture
Storytelling in architecture is to celebrate the diverse experiences of conventional and unconventional people, ensuring their voices are heard and represented. It is moving beyond just designing functional buildings to creating spaces that forge meaningful connections between people and their built environment. Storytelling in architecture has to be authentic and inclusive, because only then can it be a powerful tool in preserving history, championing unity and inspiring hope.
The future of architecture yearns to freeze a people’s story in time. It searches for its peculiar identity by listening to the people and their climatic, economic, social and physical environment; then representing their unique identity intelligently through structures. Architecture should go beyond pleasing the large populace to giving a fair avenue for all stories to be heard.
The Envisioned Future of Architecture
The future of Nigerian architecture, and indeed global architecture, lies in taking inspiration from our roots while embracing innovation and sustainability. This means understanding the stories behind our vernacular architecture and applying them to create structures that are not only functional and visually appealing but also responsive to the challenges of now.
To aid possible imaginations of what the future of architecture resembles, the Abijo Mosque designed by Adeyemo Shokunbi, and the Lantern House designed by Tosin Oshinowo, both in Nigeria, provide good examples. The Abijo Mosque stands out as it exemplifies architecture that looks into the past (by merging traditional mosque design and Hausa architecture), listens to the needs of the present and allows room for the dreams of the future. The Lantern House, alike, utilizes smart technology and embraces natural materials. The Yoruba tradition of privacy and ease of flow into outdoor spaces was also achieved in the Lantern House.
The Future; Sustainable Forms
Furthermore, as is paramount in this time of climatic instability, people are encouraged to return to their roots for inspiration. Taking pride in and embracing local materials and expression will aid in establishing sustainable structures that strengthen our self-awareness, solidify our independence and heighten our dignity.
Imagine high-rise buildings that employ the use of the natural ventilation system of Yoruba architecture. Or, as are common now, the flat roofs of the Northern Hausa architecture transformed into green gardens that purify the air, control internal temperature and encourage community building. Also, following the Igbo culture, imagine the use of modern mudbrick walls with vertical gardens – this will produce breathing homes and considerably reduce the effect of climate change through insulation.
Spaces that reflect the diversity of its people with their authentic experiences are what the future of architecture should lean into. By embracing the power of storytelling in architecture, buildings will not just be functional shelters but vibrant narratives encouraging inclusivity, and unity.
The architectural heritage of different communities is a legacy to build upon, and a tapestry to continue weaving. The future of architecture must be a collaborative effort weaving collective choruses of voices into every beam and column.
References:
- Architecture of Nigeria (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Nigeria (Accessed: 30 December 2023).
- Nigeria, G. (2020) Pre-colonial traditional architectures of Nigeria, The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. Available at: https://guardian.ng/life/pre-colonial-traditional-architectures-of-nigeria/ (Accessed: 30 December 2023).
- How Nigerian architecture evolved (no date) www.thenigerianblogger.com. Available at: https://www.thenigerianblogger.com/nigerian-architecture/ (Accessed: 30 December 2023).
- Runkel, imageBROKER/Michael (no date) Mosque, hausa architecture, Yaama, Niger, Getty Images. Available at: https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/mosque-hausa-architecture-yaama-niger-royalty-free-image/1297451597 (Accessed: 31 December 2023).
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