Structural and Fractal Designs in Medieval Architecture in Africa

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The Medieval Period spawned numerous innovative architectural structures and practices that continue today. Both Islam and Christianity infiltrated the continent from eastern borders and necessitated the development of entirely new or refurbished religious and political buildings. Construction methods for Islamic and Western Christian edifices were merged with those of the indigenous religious and political design practices to produce remarkable structures that are unique to Africa. This paper focuses on major architectural structures from the sixth to the thirteenth centuries in north, east, west, and south Africa. It examines the designs, materials, construction techniques and political patronage. In brief, this paper asserts the significance of the amalgamation of cultural belief systems and practices in constructing structural and fractal design wonders.

Stream: Arts Theory and Criticism

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

I received a Ph.D. in Art History in 1985 from The Ohio State University, a M.A. in African Studies in 1976 from Howard University, and a B.S. in Art Education in 1970 from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art. I have presented papers at the National Gallery of Art (London) as well as at both U.S. and International Conferences in the Arts. I have published essays on 19th and 20th Century African American artists and articles on Contemporary African artists. I teach art history courses that incorporate architecture and am interested in African architecture.