Grounding Afrocentric Architecture in African Art Traditions and Organic Building Cultures

African art forms and indigenous architectural traditions hold significant potential to shape Afrocentric architecture, offering a conceptual framework that integrates culture, aesthetics, spirituality, local materials, and community involvement. This study identifies how key traits of African art—such as abstraction, symbolism, rhythm, and spirituality—can ground an Afrocentric architectural identity, moving beyond Western-influenced post-colonial models. By examining organic building cultures across Africa, from the sikien structures of the Batammariba to the circular designs of the Bantu-Zulu peoples, the research demonstrates how these traditions underpin modern architectural movements that blend tradition with modernity. The findings highlight the role of African art in fostering a distinct architectural identity, as exemplified by contemporary architects like Worofila and Francis Kéré.

Nambeh, T. P., & Stephen Inji Makama. (2026). Grounding Afrocentric Architecture in African Art Traditions and Organic Building Cultures. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.21527161