Architects across Africa are increasingly turning to traditional building techniques to create more sustainable, climate-resilient structures. In Accra, a new office building uses vertical fins for natural shading, while Dakar’s Goethe-Institut incorporates perforated walls to improve airflow. Meanwhile, a health center in southern Burkina Faso features a central courtyard with overhanging roofs to create a cool communal space. Leading firms, including Kéré Architecture, Mariam Issoufou Architects, and MASS Design Group, have embraced these approaches in projects both within and beyond Africa. Their work combines cultural heritage with modern sustainability goals, demonstrating how local knowledge and historical design practices can contribute to addressing global climate challenges. According to architect Melissa Adu, these time-tested methods offer practical solutions for comfort and efficiency with minimal environmental cost.
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