Study Notes for ARCH10001 – Understanding Architecture

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY: UNDERSTANDING ARCHITECTURE

Course Information

  • Course Title: ARCH10001 – Understanding Architecture

  • Semester: Fall 2024

  • Instructor: Professor David Hughes, FAIA, NOMAC, Hon FRAIC, Hon FNIA, Architect

UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL ARCHITECTURE

AFRICAN Contributions

  • The course explores historic, cultural, contemporary, and theoretical contributions of African architecture.

EAST AFRICAN LANDSCAPE

Geographic Context

  • Map of East Africa: Highlights the proximity and connectivity of major ancient lands:

    • Kemet (Egypt)

    • Nubia & Meroe (Sudan)

    • Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

    • Punt (Somalia)

  • The journey of Queen Hatshepsut to Punt showcases the influence of Kemetic culture over these regions.

Notable Locations

  • Egypt

  • Sudan

  • Red Sea

  • Eritrea

  • Gondar (Amhara)

  • Lake Tana

  • Lalibala

  • Somalia

  • Addis Ababa (Ethiopia): Capital city and historical seat of emperors.

ADDIS ABABA

Historical Significance

  • Emperor Haile Selassie I: Known as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

    • Claims lineage from King Solomon and Queen of Sheba (Menelik I, his ancestor).

AKSUM

Ancient City Overview

  • Aksum: Known as the Holy City, housing the ancient Temple that safeguards the Ark of the Covenant.

  • Access to the Temple is limited to a male priesthood, the High Priest alone enters the inner sanctum.

The Ark of the Covenant

  • Brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, son of Solomon.

Comparative Analysis of Architectural Elements

  • Obelisks and Stellae: Architecturally similar between Kemet and Ethiopia, evidencing historical collaboration.

    • Kemetic Obelisk: Hewn from a single rock, about extraordinary height.

    • Ethiopian Stellae: Made of incremental sections; stylistically related to obelisks.

LALIBALA

Historical Context

  • Lalibala: City where King Lalibala, after a vision, became an ascetic and commissioned the construction of 12 churches.

    • Churches designed by skilled architects and stone masons, known for unparalleled religious architecture.

List of Stone-Cut Churches in Lalibela

  • St. Medhane Alem (House of the Redeemer of the World)

  • St. Maryam (The house of Mary)

  • St. Maskal (House of the Cross)

  • St. Danaghel (House of the Virgins or Martyrs)

  • St. Debre Sina (House of Mt. Sinai)

  • St. Golgota (House of Golgota)

  • St. Emanuel (House of Emanuel)

  • St. Mercurios (House of Mercurios)

  • St. Abba Libanos (House of Abba Libanos)

  • St. Lehem (Chapel of Bethlehem)

  • St. Gabriel-Rufa’el (House of Gabriel and Raphael)

Architectural Features of Lalibela Churches

  • St. George: Recognized for exceptional architectural prowess in cut-stone techniques and design.

    • Notable features include cruciform windows and advanced engineering methods.

Rock-Cut Church Construction Techniques

  • Stone extraction requires advanced engineering knowledge and proficient craftsmanship.

GONDAR

Architectural Overview

  • Gondar: Known as the City of Castles, demonstrating the legacy of ancient masonry.

  • Notable royal buildings: Castles, Fortresses, Archives, and Prisons.

Noteworthy Castles in Gondar

  • Fasil's Castle: Built from 1632-1667, showcasing remarkable stonework and unique architectural detailing.

  • Debal Castle: Interior structure with evidence of multi-story construction and historical significance.

Architectural Functions

  • Fasildes Bath: Exclusive structure for royal bathing, indicating the focus on privacy and utility in location selection.

GREAT ZIMBABWE

Historical Significance

  • Great Zimbabwe: Known as "Stone City", a major center exhibiting sophisticated architecture.

  • Extensive structures including the Great Elliptical Temple and Conical Tower.

Architectural Features and Techniques

  • Great Elliptical Temple: Complex design with multiple entry points, a center for religious rituals.

    • Walls feature extraordinary dimensions, with a Chevron pattern and stonework of decorative significance.

    • Measured approximately 205,000 sq. ft. (4.6 acres).

Cultural Context

  • High Priest's Role: Entry points reserved for religious leaders indicating ritual importance.

WEST AFRICA

Overview of West African Kingdoms

  • Notable kingdoms include:

    • Mali Empire

    • Songhai Empire

    • Empire of Ghana

    • Benin

    • Wolof Kingdom

Cultural and Historical Contributions

  • Great Mosque of Jenne: Considered a magnificent mud structure, maligned by simplistic descriptions.

TIMBUKTU

Cultural Significance

  • Timbuktu: Recognized for its historical manuscripts and vibrant culture.

Notable Structures

  • Grand Mosque of Timbuktu: Architectural marvel with significant cultural heritage.

KINGDOM OF BENIN

Royal Symbolism

  • Statues and bronze work representing royal guardians and craftsmanship, including the Head of Queen Mother.

Cultural Artifacts

  • Bronzes from the Benin Royal Court displayed in major museums, emphasizing the historical significance of the kingdom.

DOGON CLIFF DWELLINGS

Architectural Features

  • Dogon Villages: Notable for cliff dwellings, showcasing unique adaptation in architecture to the environmental landscape.

Environmental Considerations

  • Community Buildings: Designed to accommodate communal meetings while addressing specific environmental conditions.