east africa
NEW vs. OLD
In architecture, as in other fields, you can observe that very often the latest materials and construction methods are applied. But new does not necessarily mean that it is better than the old / traditional, especially if the new building methods or materials have not been tested yet. Nor can a new material blindly be used for any situation, without reflecting and considering the advantages and disadvantages.
If you walk around and observe, you will find examples on how the use of different materials for the same kind of buildings can strongly influence the end product. I am not just speaking about the appearance; the living climate, the ventilation of the building, room temperatures, noise protection, and many other aspects will change by using different materials. Therefore, first of all we should always be aware of what we want to create, before thinking about the material we would like to use. In addition, we do not necessarily need to choose a new material, if the traditional one already fulfills the needed requirements sufficiently and well.
The use of traditional materials makes it possible to embed new buildings in a harmonic and peaceful way into the landscape.
Talking about the use of traditional materials and building methods also means talking about aesthetics. Particularly in (rural) areas, new materials do not influence the appearance of the buildings positively with relation to the context, yet, the harmony between the built up area and the surroundings is highly important. Most of the times, the use of traditional materials makes it possible to embed new buildings in a harmonic and peaceful way into the landscape.
The logical consideration should therefore be to try to understand the meaning of the traditional design and means of construction so that this knowledge can be used to create unique sustainable buildings based on traditional techniques; new materials should only be used if they bring a clear benefit. Even more nowadays, where the development of new materials is increasing, we should reflect more on their appropriate use. It does not make any sense to apply new materials, if they do not fit well with the concept and the context.
In East Africa, the use of traditional building methods is still cheaper than new ones, since the use of manpower is more economic and traditional materials are available locally. So there should not be any need to import building materials, new techniques, experts or special machinery from big companies abroad.
Using and improving the traditional building methods and knowledge should be enough to provide good and harmonic building structures for almost any requirements in the region. Important, therefore, is also to think and act in a sustainable way, for example by increasing reforestation projects and creating and reinforcing proper land use plans.
The use of traditional materials will result in supporting local craftsmen, local people and local economy and in many cases it could both be more ecologic and more economic.
“When you build a house, do not think about the roof, think about the rain and the sun and the wind, then you will find the right answer.”
text by Clemens Kubicek
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania 2013
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