Two years ago,we posed for this picture at Dagbala, Edo State,Nigeria. We had gone back to our roots to lay my father Sir G. P Abu to rest.

I was inspired to write this article at the time. Now enhanced with Claude by anthrophic.

African Towns: Architecture and Heritage

African architecture has largely been transformed by European-style building designs and materials sweeping across the continent. Traditionally, African houses were primarily constructed from local, natural materials such as bamboo, palm trees, and mud used as a binding agent.

More substantial buildings often feature mud and stone construction with zinc roofing - zinc being the only imported material in the traditional building mix. In many instances, the mud is left unsmoothed, creating intricate and beautiful patterns that showcase the natural texture of the material.

The artistic nature of Africans is particularly evident in wall designs, where stones and patterns demonstrate remarkable creativity. Most African housing designs are communal, catering to entire extended families including brothers, parents, and wives. In some regions, this manifests as a collection of small individual huts arranged around a central common area used for cooking, social interactions, and communal activities.

In other areas, multi-story buildings are common, with rooms on different levels and a courtyard behind the house dedicated to cooking and washing activities. Toilets are typically separate structures located outside the main living enclosure, reflecting a traditional approach to domestic design.

The historical influences of European and Arab traders and colonizers are visible in different regions. Coastal areas predominantly display European architectural styles, while Arab influences are more pronounced in the Sahel region. Tragically, many indigenous African cities and towns were destroyed during the slave trade and subsequent colonization, leaving little evidence of the original architectural beauty.

There is a critical need to return to environmentally friendly, locally available, and sustainable building materials. Our ancestors used biodegradable materials for construction and domestic purposes. Utensils like pots and plates were crafted from gourds, clay, and bamboo - in stark contrast to today's pervasive plastic materials. Encouraging traditional African approaches could help protect the continent from the devastating impacts of human-induced climate change.

Additionally, there's a historical perspective on village design that emphasizes community safety. Villages were strategically planned to be defensible, with designated areas where women and children could seek refuge during conflicts. In earlier times, natural landscapes featured hidden caves and intricate traps known only to local inhabitants, providing strategic protection against potential invaders.

The call to action is clear: we must rediscover and celebrate African creativity, reconnecting with our architectural heritage and sustainable building practices that respect both human needs and environmental harmony.