Architectures of Nigeria: Architectures of the Hausa and Yoruba Peoples and of the Many Peoples Between Tradition and Modernisation

This book describes the traditional architectures of the western half of Nigeria, covering the huge area from the Hausa people of the north to the Yoruba people of the south. It therefore shows the many fascinating building styles and methods of the many peoples of this area - from savanna to forest.Fr. Carroll shows how two main types of architecture have evolved in these areas: in the forest, the distinctive style of the Yoruba and Bini peoples, with household units built around a rectangular courtyard and under a continuous roof, supported by thick mud walls; and in the savanna the people developed thin-shelled buildings in moulded mud in a variety of attractive forms. He also describes later developments, including the Hausa town style with its massive mud walls supporting flat or domed roofs.The author describes and evaluates the traditional artistry, design, craftsmanship and building methods employed in mosques, churches, palaces and domestic architectures, and shows the dramatic impact of modernisation on traditional building, beginning after 1948 with the Modern International Style, a good example of which is the University of Ibadan. Also he examines the effect of the introduction of new materials and techniques. He deals with the 'vigorous non-professional people's architecture' which is replacing traditional building.