Necessary Architecture
Raw Earth Solutions for a Common House in Niger

Book Description

Niger is sand, light, and heat. Starting from the necessity of the Mission Catholique du Dosso, which has worked in Niger for several years, this book speaks about the Nigerien situation characterized by a spread all over poverty.

Along with studying the country's environmental, geographical conditions, the book discusses raw earth architecture in both vernacular and contemporary contexts. A number of the most common techniques are described. The possibilities of these methods of adapting to the contemporary language of architecture without losing the technical and physical benefits inherent in them are illustrated.

The book embraces some topics that are not common but highly relevant in the Developing World, like identity through the evolution of architecture and the value of transmitting knowledge related to the vernacular building process.

Nowadays, Niger's condition is characterized by a lack of resources, both physical and cultural. Earthen technology appears as a valid solution in this situation for the creation of an environmentally sustainable approach.

The book aims to overview the possibility of realizing new buildings related to the climate and traditional context, facing vernacular technology and solutions in a contemporary application.

Providing a balance between teaching vernacular knowledge and the contemporary architectural language could help face this out-of-resource situation, aiming to get comfortable and affordable living spaces.