AFRICAN TEXTILE AND FASHION CENTRE, LAGOS THE AFRICAN FABRIC AS A BASIS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF A REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE.
AFRICAN TEXTILE AND FASHION CENTRE, LAGOS THE AFRICAN FABRIC AS A BASIS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF A REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE.
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Date
2000-12
Authors
UMAR, MAIMUNA LAM1
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
All over the world in general, people ascribe to dress; certain functions apart from
protection of the body from the elements and beautification of the person. People are
easily identified by their dress, which confer on them a regional identity. African fabrics
are of many types each with its own intrinsic value varying according to locality.
Various regions all over the world have distinguishing characteristics. Apart from their
cultural identity, another feature is their buildings. The wave of independence in Africa
led to the wholesome adoption of western ideas, values and architecture. The modern
architecture of Africa today tends to reflect the international style rather than responding
to the various cultural patterns and lifestyles.
This thesis posits that, in as much as there is no harm in adopting some aspect of modern
architecture it must also identify with the authentic African buildings and strive to,
maintain its originality in design. The form, function and design of the building have a
history deeply rooted in the culture of the people.
The major question of this thesis is to determine whether a relationship between African
fabric and cultural identity exists. This thesis will attempt to show that a link thus exists
and that this relationship is evident also in their architectural identity. The regional
tendencies of the African fabric and fashion suggest a unifying link all over Africa,
which can serve as inspiration for a modern African architect.
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The study encapsulates in the following chapters the various types of textile arts in the
African region with the ultimate view of familiarizing the reader on the general subject
area of textile arts, culture and identity. Some major peoples and locations in Africa have
been discussed to give a view of the research. A case study of some existing structures
built for similar if not the exact purpose to give an insight into the design aspect of this
thesis has been undertaking. It is the desire of this study to impress upon the reader that
the unification of cultures, history, traditions and arts through fabric has been a major
motivation in a bid to preserve the authentic African fabric and regional architecture. The
choice of Lagos, as the location of an architectural edifice such as the African textile and
fashion centre is only natural because of its strategic location in the region. A design
solution is being articulated from the total analysis of the study.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, AHMADU
BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA. IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN ARCHITECTURE.
•
DECEMBER 2000.
Keywords
AFRICAN,, TEXTILE,, FASHION,, CENTRE,, LAGOS,