The Traditional Style
A Comprehensive Analysis of Modern Interpretations of Zambian Vernacular Architecture
A Comprehensive Analysis of Modern Interpretations of Zambian Vernacular Architecture
Architecture styles in much of Zambia from Independence in the early 60’s up until the late 90’s were very Western. For most people, this was seen as a way of showing that one was modern and not old fashioned. This also meant that the urbanism was Western, and as a result, more automobile based. Over the last few years, a lot of changes have occurred in the country that has led to a move from the post colonial and European styles of architecture to traditional styles. While some would attribute this to a boom in the tourism industry, others also see an increase in the sense of nationalism amongst the people. Regardless of what the reason is, the change is good, and benefits the country in a number of ways. The purpose of this study is to showcase the simple, yet elegant methods of traditional construction still practiced in Zambia. Traditional construction involves the use of locally sourced materials to build. As a result, the architecture tends to be more location-specific and more sustainable.
This study will look into a number of specific types of building, and will show how materials are sourced, and explain why certain buildings look the way they do. Zambian buildings, though simple in design, have design touches that help make them more personalized to the owner. The combination of traditional materials and construction methods with more modern materials and construiction methods will also be studied, in order to establish a good balance of the two in making well built traditional buildings. Through this project, I hope to gain a better understanding of the architecture of my home country, and illustrate how important it is for this type of architecture to be kept alive in a rapidly industrializing country.
Roadside Refreshment Stop
Colonial Style Anglican Church
Village Adobe Church
Sawmill Village
Construction Materials - Wood
Wooden poles are usually used to bear the load of the roof, and to make up the roof structure itself. Termites pose a major problem when using wooden poles, which is why the trees used for building are usually very hardwoods that are more termite resistant. A variety of the eucalyptus family known as the Gum tree is used in much of the country, along with the Mopane and Mukwa trees. These trees grow locally throughout much of the country. Modern methods of construction have led to better use of the readily available materials, and treatment for wood that repels termites. These traditional materials, when combined with more modern materials, lead to better built traditional style architecture.
Wooden poles are usually used to bear the load of the roof, and to make up the roof structure itself. Termites pose a major problem when using wooden poles, which is why the trees used for building are usually very hardwoods that are more termite resistant. A variety of the eucalyptus family known as the Gum tree is used in much of the country, along with the Mopane and Mukwa trees. These trees grow locally throughout much of the country. Modern methods of construction have led to better use of the readily available materials, and treatment for wood that repels termites. These traditional materials, when combined with more modern materials, lead to better built traditional style architecture.
Mopane Tree - Colophospermum mopane
Mukwa Tree - Pterocarpus angolensis
Construction Materials - Plaster
Construction Materials - Walls
Construction Materials - Roofing
Conclusion
Vernacular Zambian Architecture is still seen in some parts of the country. Through
good construction practices that integrate the best of the traditional styles, along
with the best of modern architecture, the Vernacular Style can be preserved. It
is important to keep in mind some important criteria that work towards a well
composed vernacular building.
The main focus should always be the use of local materials to construct vernacular
styles of architecture. Modern materials are there merely to improve the overall
performance of the buildings by better closing off the structure and increasing
spans and loads.
Zambian culture is very connected with nature, and the design of buildings should
reflect this as well. Round structures are widely used. There is a lot of generous
use of nature to create spaces around the buildings and decorate them as well.
The connection to the outdoors through courtyards and trellises is common
in Zambia because of the warm climate. While air-conditioning is becoming
commonplace, the natural cooling provided by well shaded areas and good building
design should be the top priority.
Security is another issue that has to be dealt with. While openness is a plus in terms
of creating indoor/outdoor spaces that connect with nature, it also brings with
it another set of challenges relating to security. There are many types of decorative
burglar bars and fences that fit well into the local cultural styles.
Traditional Architecture in Zambia is important because it is something that the
people of the country can be proud of and identify with. If this type of architecture
is further improved on and promoted throughout the country, it will also help
local industries that can supply materials such as thatch and decorative burglar
bars.
good construction practices that integrate the best of the traditional styles, along
with the best of modern architecture, the Vernacular Style can be preserved. It
is important to keep in mind some important criteria that work towards a well
composed vernacular building.
The main focus should always be the use of local materials to construct vernacular
styles of architecture. Modern materials are there merely to improve the overall
performance of the buildings by better closing off the structure and increasing
spans and loads.
Zambian culture is very connected with nature, and the design of buildings should
reflect this as well. Round structures are widely used. There is a lot of generous
use of nature to create spaces around the buildings and decorate them as well.
The connection to the outdoors through courtyards and trellises is common
in Zambia because of the warm climate. While air-conditioning is becoming
commonplace, the natural cooling provided by well shaded areas and good building
design should be the top priority.
Security is another issue that has to be dealt with. While openness is a plus in terms
of creating indoor/outdoor spaces that connect with nature, it also brings with
it another set of challenges relating to security. There are many types of decorative
burglar bars and fences that fit well into the local cultural styles.
Traditional Architecture in Zambia is important because it is something that the
people of the country can be proud of and identify with. If this type of architecture
is further improved on and promoted throughout the country, it will also help
local industries that can supply materials such as thatch and decorative burglar
bars.