Cultures, Communities and Design

Abstract

This research focuses on reviving and experimenting with ethnic methods of making in the beginning design pedagogy towards building resilient futures. The current article is developed based on the literature and trajectories on the African and Indigenous weaving techniques to create building skins. Researching literature on African vernacular architecture is integral to this study. Contemporary architect David Adjaye ‘s work, inspires textile and patterns in the abstraction and creation of architectural spaces.1 Circular economy adds the value of materiality through life-cycle and local availability. In this studio, students are introduced to the circular economy concept, accompanied by weaving techniques such as twill weaving, randing, coiling, and twinning. Experimental and qualitative methodologies are used by introducing sophomore design students to building skin design. The project asks students to revive the wood weaving techniques in architecture to create patterns and adjust them as shading screens based on passive design strategies. The results are from a 3-week project with 20 students at an HBCU, celebrating indigenous architectural takeaways. Observation of the student’s progress serves as a technique to evaluate the success and shortcomings of the pedagogy. Materiality and local techniques of construction are the main focuses of this article.