African Architecture: Evoking the Identity and Character of African Architecture Through Cultural Buildings: The Case of Cape-Coast - Softcover

This book aims at identifying some elements and concepts of art and architecture that when incorporated in building designs classifies them African. It also assesses whether evoking such elements and concepts is possible and can be easily identified by the natives of the study area and by foreigners. A survey was conducted to assess the level of awareness in Cape-Coast in Ghana which is rich in cultural heritage sites and African history. Studies of cultural buildings were carried out to find out how character and identity is given to such buildings to make them culturally significant to the particular culture it is designed for. This book endeavors to address the general lack of clarity on the subject of African Art and Architecture and history amongst ordinary Africans. It is hoped that this book will help in the effort towards incorporate African elements and concepts in Architecture to develop a unique African Architecture. Through findings of this thesis, model cultural centers can be designed and subsequently this model will help to educate and inform the design of other cultural buildings and eventually all buildings in Ghana, Africa.

Oliver Mensah after his first degree in Architecture pursued a Masters of Architecture program in 2006 which gradually steered him towards the study of African Architecture and the foundational principles of African communities, towns and cities.Currently an associate Architect working with Incept Architectural Consult,Accra, Ghana.