The Transformations of Vernacular / Traditional Architecture to Modern Architecture in West Africa, Liberia

Abstract

This paper tells the changes of vernacular architecture to modern architecture and how it can improve in some traditional design to show a nation culture beauty. This will also help to keep the memories of old architecture from one generation to another. (Modernizing traditional architecture) currently cultures desire for new and innovative ways of doing everything has created many technological and lifestyle improvements, but as a result, many perfectly good and well suited technologies have also been abandoned to the detriment of some culture and the environment. For example, modern and industrial construction techniques are taking a huge toll on the world ecology by producing staggering amounts of CO2 emissions and toxic waste, and by consuming resources at unsustainable rates. How could it look like when looking back on the development of construction materials throughout human history and find ways of creating the structures that protect us and enrich lives without damaging the world? As it turns out, building trades have only become a destructive force in the last few hundred years. Before that time, most structures were built with methods that did little to no harm to the environment and worked within the natural capacities of the local ecology. Vernacular with continuities changes, transformations and adaptations to the different social and economic conditions of each period. Despite some views to the contrary, there continues to be a tendency to consider innovative building technology as the hallmark of modern architecture because tradition is commonly viewed as the antonym of modernity. This study investigates the transformation of traditional building to modern building and the concepts inherent in the vernacular of West Africa, particularly in Liberia. Keywords—Liberia; building technology; innovation; vernacular architecture; modern architecture