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Abstract
Vernacular and modern architecture have mostly been seen as antitheses, impossible to reconcile, especially in Africa. They appear to belong to different ages, utilize different materials and methods, and encourage or support different lifestyles. This paper aims at seeking points where a merging of principles may be attempted between the two positions.
The study is based on a survey on the traditional architecture of the Yoruba people of West Africa. The decline in popular use of this building tradition and its rejection by design practitioners raises some physical and psychological issues which are examined in this paper. These include: spatial layout, use and quality, ecology and economy, concepts, meaning and perception. The fate of Yoruba traditional built culture depends on a conscious attempt to reconcile it with people's contemporary needs, lifestyles and world views.
Therefore, a brief introduction on the importance of Yoruba architecture and its preservation will be followed by a general definition of its features and characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the problems posed by the architecture's modern trends in Yoruba land will be examined. It is hoped that such works may assist in the development of a truly responsive and sustainable architecture for the Yoruba people. The proposed solutions may be applied in other parts of Africa, or in regions with similar cultural or geographical concerns.
Keywords: Traditional Architecture, Yoruba Culture, Sustainability, Inadequacies of Modernism, Appropriate Design.
INTRODUCTION
Although recent years have seen increasing interest in vernacular architecture, its advantages are still to be fully recognised and utilized in contemporary design. Oliver (2007) states that unless the resources of traditional architecture are tapped, there is no way to cope with the problems of urban housing, especially in developing countries. However, more recently, design theorists are conducting research in the field of vernacular architecture, especially where it concerns social and cultural appropriateness (Ahmed, 2003). This article deals with the Yoruba people of south west Nigeria and their traditional architecture.
The Yoruba people lay claim to an ancient heritage. Their language is believed to have separated from their closest neighbours more than 3,000 years ago. There is evidence that their most powerful empire, the Oyo Empire, was on the ascendant in the second century AD (Mcintosh and Mcintosh, 1986). Their art...