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Return to the Native Earth: Historical Analysis of Foreign Influences on Traditional Architecture in Burkina Faso

Author

Listed:
  • María Lidón de Miguel

    (Research Centre PEGASO, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Fernando Vegas

    (Research Centre PEGASO, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Camilla Mileto

    (Research Centre PEGASO, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Lidia García-Soriano

    (Research Centre PEGASO, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

Learning from the sustainability of traditional architecture, as a solution to the current ecological crisis, seems more challenging in societies where a cultural imposition has occurred. In Burkina Faso, vernacular architecture has experienced a process of transformation, still in course, relying heavily on foreign resources and losing its adaptation to environmental conditions. As in other contexts, the dynamics of transformation are being examined. Joining this line of work, this research aims to explain the causes of the current local perception of traditional building techniques in Burkina Faso in order to consider how a sustainable development of its architecture would be possible. To this end, a historical analysis is conducted by reviewing the literature, consulting historical documents and collecting data during two stays in 2018. The study shows how earth has ceased to be appreciated by progressively becoming associated with “non-definitive constructions”; this perception is due to the narratives put forward by foreign agents since the end of the 19th century. The sustainable development of architecture in Burkina Faso seems to demand a return to the use of earth, local resource par excellence, but this will only be possible if the devaluation of this building material is reversed.

Suggested Citation

  • María Lidón de Miguel & Fernando Vegas & Camilla Mileto & Lidia García-Soriano, 2021. "Return to the Native Earth: Historical Analysis of Foreign Influences on Traditional Architecture in Burkina Faso," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-24, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:2:p:757-:d:480239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Iain Jackson & Rexford Assasie Oppong, 2014. "The planning of late colonial village housing in the tropics: Tema Manhean, Ghana," Planning Perspectives, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 475-499, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Genovese, P.V. & Zoure, A.N., 2023. "Architecture trends and challenges in sub-Saharan Africa's construction industry: A theoretical guideline of a bioclimatic architecture evolution based on the multi-scale approach and circular economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    2. Stahel Serano Bibang Bi Obam Assoumou & Li Zhu & Clement Francis Deng, 2023. "A Conceptual Framework for Achieving Sustainable Building Through Compressed Earth Block: a Case of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    3. Abraham Nathan Zoure & Paolo Vincenzo Genovese, 2022. "Development of Bioclimatic Passive Designs for Office Building in Burkina Faso," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-23, April.

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