African vernacular architecture

After independence in 1960, the country cast off western influences and forged a new African style full of triangular forms, rocket-shaped obelisks and rammed earth. Is this spirit now being suffocated? Our writer takes a tour of the capital

Assemble's Jane Hall, author of Breaking Ground: Architecture by Women picks out eight key female architects featured in the book.

Nine homes using different natural materials demonstrating their culture, versatility and longevity.

We all know what a home looks like in Seattle. But what about the dizzying Korowai Tree Houses? Or Musgum Mud Huts? What about ultra-sustainable Earthships?

There is incredible and underrated architecture across Africa, from important archaeological sites to vernacular structures to cathedrals and mosques.

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 4 of 14 from gallery of Exploring African Vernacular Huts: Weaving as a Climatic and Social Architecture. Nama “matjieshuis” huts weaving . Image © Henn Lab