TRADITIONAL HAUSA MUD ROOFED ARCHITECTURE:
TRADITIONAL HAUSA MUD ROOFED ARCHITECTURE:
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Date
1984-01-25
Authors
ARADEON, SUSAN B.
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Abstract
As a basis for a fuller appreciation of the qualities
of Hausa architecture, this study establishes a provisional
classification of the traditional Hausa structural systems
for supporting mud roofs and their resultant ceiling
patterns. The limitations of an architectural technology
based on the use of mud and azara (planks of split palm
trunk) have significantly influenced the nature of Hausa
architecture. The linear azara serve as a permanent formwork,
both for the beams and arches and for the ceiling/
roofs. Hausa master masons consider 1.80m (61) the safe
span for the azara. In domes, the azara must be even
shorter to ensure a uniformly curved dome. These limitations
on the dimensions of the azara force master masons
to subdivide their soffits. The structural systems
supporting these subdivisions and the ceiling patterns they
generate constitute the basis for this classification.
Flat ceiling/roofs and domes have been treated
separately in order to account for the more complex
problems encountered in designing and erecting domes. In
response to problems ensuring a smooth transition from
square walls to the domical form and maintaining a uniform
curvature for each dome, the master masons have designed a
great variety of aesthetically pleasing structural
solutions, greater than for slab roofs.
Hausa master masons have created larger clear spans
than is common in mud-roofed architecture. Their
reinforced-mud arch based on cantilever action is the
distinguishing feature of Hausa architecture. It has made
possible the design of spans as large as 8.00m (26'3")
square and the design of lofty domes despite the limitations
of the available materials. The master masons have
perfected three basic types of arch configurations:
arches meeting at the crown, arches forming central coffers
and arches abutted by half arches.
Hausa master masons have also fully exploited the
aesthetic potential inherent in their structural systems.
The articulation and embellishment of the soffit permanent
formwork and the beam or arch configuration in ceiling/
roof structures demonstrate that Hausa architectural
designs are based on a conceptual integration of structural
and aesthetic considerations.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School,
Ahmadu Bello University, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of Doctor
of Philosophy,
Department of Fine Arts (Art History)
Faculty of Environmental Design
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
25 January, 1984
Keywords
TRADITIONAL,, HAUSA,, MUD ROOFED,, ARCHITECTURE,, PROVISIONAL,, CLASSIFICATION,, HAUSA,, STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS,, RESULTANT,, CEILING,, PATTERNS,, VOLUME I.