Necessary Architecture Raw Earth Solutions for a Common House in Niger

Niger is sand, light, and heat. Along with studying the country’s environmental and geographical conditions, the book discusses raw earth architecture in 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 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 reasonable solution for creating an environmentally sustainable approach in this situation. 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.