Addo, IA, Yakubu, I, Gagnon, AS, Beckett, CTS, Huang, Y, Owusu-Nimo, F and Brás, AMA Examining change and permanence in traditional earthen construction and preservation in Ghana: A case study of Tamale and Wa. Built Heritage. ISSN 2096-3041 (Accepted)

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Abstract

The architectural style found in Wa and Tamale is renowned for its distinctive use of earthen construction, featuring square buildings with flat roofs and circular compounds with conical thatch roofs. These structures represent a significant evolution in both materials and design in northern Ghana. What are the driving forces behind the changes in cob construction in this region? Furthermore, what potential impact might these changes have on preserving cultural heritage in Ghana? This study adopts a pragmatic research approach to explore the factors contributing to the departure from traditional earthen building methods that rely on local materials. Instead, there is a growing inclination towards alternative construction techniques that use non-traditional materials like cement, bitumen, and used car engine oil to render wall surfaces. Additionally, using sun-dried bricks alters the structure and compromises the resilience of buildings. While most respondents have resided in buildings rendered with a mixture of beini and dawadawa, they are hesitant to use plant-based bio stabilisers in recent construction. The hindrances to the ongoing construction and preservation of earthen buildings encompass shifting cultural and social norms, environmental changes, difficulties accessing local building resources, flood risks, regular maintenance requirements, and societal influences. The study concludes that by empowering the community to take ownership and recognise the value of their cultural heritage, there is a likelihood of increasing awareness and appreciation of the architectural heritage within the local community, ultimately leading to its preservation

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	change; permanence; preservation; earthen construction; transformation; cultural heritage; Ghana
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Biological & Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19) Civil Engineering & Built Environment
Publisher:	SpringerOpen
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2024 14:17
Last Modified:	24 Sep 2024 14:30
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/24150

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