Rural Shelter in Southern Africa

Rural Shelter in Southern Africa: A Survey of the Architecture, House Forms, and Constructional Methods of the Black Rural Peoples of Southern Africa FrancoFrescura

Ravan Press, Trade Paperback, 208 pages (1st edition, January1981)

This classic survey by FrancoFrescura presents a richly illustrated exploration of rural housing across southern Africa. It documents diverse vernacular formsthatch rondavels, rectangular huts, beehive domesand their construction methods using locally available materials like earth bricks, thatch, and timber. Photographs, line drawings, and flowcharts trace structural evolution, cultural variations, and climatic adaptations. Beyond aesthetics, the book analyzes how architecture reflects social practices, economic conditions, and environmental responses. A foundational reference, it remains essential for architects, students, anthropologists, and anyone interested in regional, sustainable, and culturally embedded design.