Modern Somali Architecture: A proposal

[Abaq]

I'll keep it short. The picture below represents what is being built nowadays all over the Somali peninsular. Structures that are ugly, out of place, and stiflingly hot.

However, this does not have to be the case. Traditionally, Somalis built simple yet elegant homes that kept them cool during the midday heat, and warm during the cold of the night. These beautiful structures used cheap materials that were locally found and were arranged in such a way that the edifices were in harmony with the surrounding countryside. See below for examples:

 

[Abaq]

Solution:

We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Those that can afford it, should build houses using coral stone if near the coast, or locally available stone in the interior. They should use the architectural techniques of the old building structures to keep the harmony with the surroundings. Those that cam't afford it, should build cariish (adobe/clay structures with thatched roofs) rather than the jiingad (metallic shacks) IDPs and other slum dwellers build.

Neighbouring Oman is an example of what we can and should aim for:

 

[Abaq]

More old Somali architecture:

 

[ZBR]

Omani clothing and architecture are really similar to ours and good examples for Somalia

Again archtechture a lot of times is the most wasteful thing one can spend money on, it’s best to be conservative for example America expensive cement that is also labor intensive isn’t generally used for residential homes but is spent on industry, industrial parks , commercial buildings, public infrastructure etc

 

[repo]

The only good thing about those Omani homes is that they are white which reflects light and easy on the eyes. But they are still hot boxes that require air conditioning, that's load of energy not available to all. A home should be first and foremost practical.

I saw someone in Australia create a cost effective house that was spacious, high ceilings and a mounted roof to allow air to circulate. Another problem is also that the homes in Somalia are cramped together with no gardens. Land is unnecessarily expensive, I don't understand it at all.