Where the Earth Breathes

Abstract

This is a creative personal essay inspired by the lectures and readings from ARCH 355: Architectural History 4, taught by Professor Alan
Avorgbedor, and the discussions led by TA Mehwish Abid, exploring vernacular African architecture. These are more than structures;
these are memories moulded into clay, resilience etched in stone, and the cosmology of culture marked in space. While this story may not be based on a real experience, this essay envisions the cultural, spiritual, and communal significance of mud dwellings. I draw on the themes of resilience, creativity and harmony with nature which are central to Prof. Avorgbedor’s class. This piece contributes to African studies by reimagining vernacular architecture as a reflection of cultural memory and resilience, emphasizing the deep relationship between built forms and community values. It highlights how African architectural tradition shapes spatial identities
and preserves heritage. [...]