African Architecture at its best!
Apart from the diverse culture and traditions, Africa is home to a good number of architectural wonders. Architecture in Africa encompasses a wide range of styles and building types, reflecting the diverse cultures and historical influences on the continent. Traditional African architecture often incorporates natural materials such as mud, straw, and wood, and features a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
We will take a look at 5 of the most fascinating architectural works in Africa and see which countries they are located in and their history.
1. The Great Mosque Of Djenne
This structure is one of the famous landmarks in Africa. It is located in Mali and the current structure of the mosque dates back to 1907. Historians believe that the initial structure of the mosque was built in the 13th or 14th century. This new structure stands 52ft in height. The citizens of Djenné have resisted modernization in favour of the building’s historical integrity.
In 1988, the mosque was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
2. The Hassan II Mosque
This structure is located in Casablanca, Morocco and it is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world. The construction of this edifice was completed in 1993 and it stands at 690ft in height.
The walls are of hand-crafted marble and the roof is retractable. The urban and modern design of the mosque blends Islamic architecture and Moroccan elements.
3. The Soweto Theatre
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Soweto Theatre is another amazing architectural masterpiece. The design of this building is beyond amazing, from a distance the theatre looks like brightly coloured and curved “boxes” of varying sizes but upon closer inspection, the theatre comprises three performing venues.
The largest of the three performing venues is a 420-seat venue with a fixed stage and tiered seating. It has a full orchestra pit, a bridge for a fly tower, and wings. The other two venues comprise a 180-seater and 90-seater flat-floor theatre respectively. Outside of the theatre is a special public space, a foyer that can be used as an additional performance area, a social gathering place during intermission, or just as a pause area. A tensile structure or canopy is covering this space providing shade.
4. The African Union Headquarters
It is an amazing architectural edifice located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it has a conference centre and office complex. The facility includes a 21-storey office building, housing the administrative departments of the African Union Commission; a 2,505-person capacity plenary chamber; and a sub-conference building with 32 conference rooms.
The ellipse-shaped Grand Conference Hall was placed in the centre of the complex as a prominent feature, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and communication. The building was inaugurated in 2012.
5. Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art
Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art is located in Cape town, South Africa. It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora and it was designed by internationally acclaimed designers Heatherwick Studio. The museum is housed in 9,500 sq. meters of custom-designed space, spread over nine floors carved out of the monumental structure of the historic Grain Silo Complex.
The galleries and the atrium space at the centre of the museum have been carved from the silos’ dense cellular structure of forty-two tubes that pack the building. The development includes 6,000 sq. meters of exhibition space in 80 gallery spaces, a rooftop sculpture garden, state-of-the-art storage and conservation areas, a bookshop, a restaurant, a bar, and reading rooms.
The interior design of this museum is just as breathtaking as the exterior design, in fact, it is almost futuristic.
