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| GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE TECHNIQUE |
Definition characters description and diffusion
The African hut anticipated circular-shaped architecture and pseudo conical-shaped vaults.
General characters description and diffusion
The variety of the shapes and the quality of the constructions still existing in Africa synthesize, with sobriety and purity, knowledge adapted to the places and social needs. The materials used vary from the well-known wooden and straw structures to the constructions wholly made of reeds, which anticipate the modern tensile structures, or of massive stone curtains more similar to tower dwellings than to huts. The bases are ornamented with projecting porches or cubic volumes inside which create a complex division of the space between the rooms and the circular perimeter. These constructions achieved their utmost evolution in the Ethiopian Coptic churches which were real basilica-huts. The basic pattern has been widespread since the most ancient ages as is proved by the circular-shaped dwelling of Mari with a central square space. This pattern is the basis of the megalithic structures, built up as stone huts, and of their derivations, from the cistern-wells and the water condensers to the tholos, trulli and nuraghi which represent the utmost evolution of the round shape and its aggregating potential on the territory.
Advantages and sustainability
Circular huts are made of local and sustainable materials while the shape has remained constant over time with smaller evolutions in the contstruction of the huts.
Images
Deepening
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TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE DATA
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www.ipogea.org |
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