Buildings in Africa are closely linked to culture, religion and the environment. Each region builds with local materials creating the effect that the buildings themselves are an extension of the earth. Religious symbols are incorporated into building decoration and structures are designed with daily life in mind. African buildings often overcome problems such as weather or comfort using very practical and simple solutions. For example, the Medina in Fez, Morocco was built with thick walled houses and narrow streets to block out the hot summer sun and retain heat in the cold winters. This simple solution has been effective for hundreds of years. There is a beauty to the way African architecture considers these factors to create elegant and practical buildings.
As building technology advances, it is important to remember African culture and heritage. Traditional architectural styles and materials can be incorporated into state-of-the-art buildings. Solar Decathlon AFRICA teams should remember this when in the design phase. The practicality and environmental connection of historical African architecture should not be left in the past; it should be integrated into the future of Africa.