Simple self-supporting structures- vaults, arches, domes- can be made of a multitude of materials. Often these materials can even be produced on site (stabilized soil or burnt clay bricks) or purchased as part of a local value chain - unlike roof slabs made of reinforced concrete which require imported rebar, cement and shuttering.
In certain regions of the world, this type of construction is a part of masons traditional, experience based knowledge. In our area of operations -East Africa- it is an innovation.
In a series of practical experiments on different sites we have worked with various iterations of techniques and materials. The simplified design with vaulted roofs resting on concrete columns and ring beams ensures earthquake security and simplicity of building. It allows for craftsmen in East Africa to easily comprehend the use of the technique beyond the pilot projects supervised by our team.
As an adaptation to the hot-humid climate, air circulation above the vaults allows hot air to escape while the simple sheet metal finish provides the required waterproofing against the torrential seasonal rains.
A monography / Exhibition Catalogue edited by Annika Seifert. Dar es Salaam, East Africa’s Haven of Peace, is a surprisingly young city. Only a few decades have passed since its foundation in the 19th century. Yet it has witnessed rapid growth and remarkable political and social change. In some ways, its history is representative of many cities on the African continent. In other ways, it has been a pioneer for others to follow. This catalogue and the corresponding exhibition tell the history of Dar es Salaam through its physical environment, developing from a fishing village to the global metropolis that it is today. Historical events are illustrated through the categories of urban devel-opment and architecture—describing along the way both, universal and more personal stories.
Publisher: Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2017
A monography edited by Annika Seifert.
In the 21st century, metropolises on the African continent are under- going rapid and uncontrolled growth threatening what is left of their specific identity in a juxtaposed process of globalisation and rural- urban migration. Can we grasp the cultural identity of these heterogeneous urban spaces? What significance does the colonial past of these cities have for their present? Has not, unnoticeably, the rapid urban development already fostered an independent and specific movement beyond the conventional understanding of history and preservation?
These issues were raised and discussed by international experts, local authorities, planners and artists at the international symposium GLOBAL CITY–LOCAL IDENTITY? held in 2011 by the Goethe-Institut Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. The symposium contributions selected for this publication provide a broad perspective of questions emerging metropolises in Sub-Saharan Africa are confronted with today. They shed light on the topic from different perspectives and from the smaller architectural to the larger urban scale. Looking into their ambiguous past, describing their dynamic present, and discussing possible directions for their future, the articles highlight these cities’ challenges as well as their untapped potential.
Publisher: Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Dar es Salaam , Tanzania, 2013
Cement as a construction material has a high amount of embodied energy, and large quantities of carbon dioxide are emitted during both production and transport to site.
APC together with OXARA, a start-up from Switzerland, are developing concrete-free structural bricks for use in construction. The building material is being tested in several design projects in Zanzibar and Moshi.
Heat Architecture. Learning from African Modernism
Research fellowship BSA FSA (Federation of Swiss Architects) 2010/2011
In central European architectural practice, there is widespread perplexity about how to incorporate architectural measures into the design process, which provide protection against heat. Alongside engineers and technicians, architects often play a reactive role in attempting to reconcile the design with climate-related technical necessities. In search for genuinely architectural solutions in dealing with heat, the project looks at African tropical modernism.
Field research in East Africa revealed and analysed a number of case studies, focussing on design approaches towards the specific climatic circumstances, leading to a comprehensive overview of recurrent architectural measures. In a next step these measures were playfully weighed against the conditions of a central European climatic environment to develop architectural solutions which allow for seasonal changes between heat and cold.
Budget/third party funds: ca. 50’000 CHF, BSA FAS, gta
Partners: BSA FAS Bund Schweizer Architekten, gta ETHZ (book publication)
Total depletion of indigenous hardwood supplies is an issue in many developping countries. Reciprocal framework structures can cover wide spans by combining many short timber members. Each member carries small individual loads, allowing slender cross sections made of lesser quality materials. While requiring advanced engineering skills, assembly on site is simple and can often be done without any complex machinery. Reciprocal framework structures were developed in collaboration with Udo Thönnissen and ETH Zürich.
DOM Architectural Guide Sub-Saharan Africa
Architectural Guide
Despite the growing interest in Africa, the continent’s built environment is still largely unfamiliar in many parts of the world. The seven volumes of the Sub-Saharan Africa Architectural Guide from the first comprehensive overview of architecture south of the Sahara that do justice to the region’s wealth of buildings. In country-focused chapters, richly illustrated texts by notable authors from Africa and across the globe come together to produce a superlative overview. The diverse contributions paint a multifaceted picture of Africa’s architecture in the twenty-first century, a discipline shaped by tradi- tional and colonial roots as well as today’s global interconnections and challenges.
Annika Seifert authored the Tanzania chapter, including APCs Teachers Housing project. Editors: Philipp Meuser, Adil Dalbei.
Publisher: DOM Publishers, Berlin , Germany, 2020
Heat Architecture. Learning from African Modernism
(Hitzearchitektur. Lernen von der Afrikanischen Moderne)
Monography
Architecture in African tropical modernism responds to extreme climatic conditions. How can contemporary design practice in a more moderate environment benefit from these experiments? Which approaches and solutions are relevant in controlling and reducing heat architecturally?
The publication provides an overview and in-depth case studies of African exmaples of tropical modernism, introduces a categorization of architectural measures and design tools and playfully develops strategies to apply the findings in a central European context with seasonal changes between heat and cold, always focussing on climate responsive, yet genuinely architectural tools as design generating factors.
Publisher: gta Verlag Zurich, Switzerland 2012
The permanent exhibition is an integral component of the Dar Centre for Architectural Heritage (DARCH!): as a means of documenting and promoting Dar’s tangible and intangible urban heritage it targets citizens and tourists alike. Particular focus is put on the period from early independence until today, which is often not yet perceived as a genuine part of the city’s heritage assets.
The permanent exhibition is accompanied by temporary additions regularly, drawing on oral heritage collection, art collaborations and academic research.
An exhibition catalogue documents the exhibition content and includes papers and essays from project partners.
Third party funding: European Development Fund
With Karen Moon (UK), Comfort Badaru (TZ/UG)
Graphic Design: Selina Bütler (CH)
Partners: DARCH!; Habitat Unit TU Berlin; Ardhi University
Women remain strongly underrepresented amongst the ranks of architects in East Africa.
APC supports the opportunities of young women in the East African construction industry through a mentorship programme. The initiative is led by TAWAH (Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity).
"WOMEN ARE BUILDERS" 2021 Documentary