INT 232 History of Interiors, Art, Furnishing II

 

INT 232
Ruth Hernandez

Africa 

This week's we focus on Africa; I saw the importance between interior design and architecture. African interior design is not based on any single style, as it differs greatly from one place to another, including different ethnic groups and historical periods. The fact that interior design in Africa is practical, symbolic, and spiritual at the same time was such a great thing to learn.

African interior design typically used materials such as mud, clay, stones, woods, reeds, animal hides, and natural pigments. Furniture in Africa is minimal, practical, and versatile, with stools, mats, chests, and low-seating furniture being common. Decoration is also a significant part of interior design in Africa, especially through wall paintings, carvings, and the use of patterns. These patterns often represent identity, status, beliefs, and history. 

Great Mosque of Djenné (Mali)

Ashanti Stools (Ghana)


Current Applications of African Designs:




Learning about African interior design has such a great impact in designing with aesthetics. Interior spaces are associated with meaning, community, and environmental connection. I enjoyed seeing how sustainable these designs were, especially since they utilized resources that were available even in contemporary times. This period taught me that good design does not necessarily have to be elaborate or expensive to be effective; it just has to be meaningful.

One Step Further: Hassan Fathy


Hassan Fathy was an Egyptian architect who specialized in the combination of African and Middle Eastern building styles with modern requirements. He believed that buildings should be affordable, sustainable, and culturally sensitive. He used materials that were readily available, such as mud bricks. He emphasized ventilation and interior spaces. His work demonstrated the potential of African building styles in resolving modern housing issues. I think his work is interesting because it links historical building designs with contemporary issues.

Sources:

  • Hinchman, M. (2024). History of Interior Architecture Furniture, Design, and Global Culture (2nd ed.). Fairchild.
  • Hinchman, M. (2014). The Fairchild Dictionary of Interior Design (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury.

Comentarios

  1. Nicol Torres30 de enero de 2026 a las 1:22 p.m.

    I enjoyed your post and how you explained African interior design as practical, symbolic, and spiritual rather than based on a single style. Your discussion of natural materials and minimal furniture clearly showed how design is connected to sustainability and culture. I also liked your focus on Hassan Fathy and how his work connects traditional African design with modern housing needs.

    ResponderBorrar
  2. Makayla Olar30 de enero de 2026 a las 9:22 p.m.

    Hiii Ruth! I loved how you mentioned that "design in Africa is practical, symbolic, and spiritual at the same time." This statement perfectly describes how versatile design was in African culture and how it influences design today!

    ResponderBorrar
  3. Professor VanderNoordaa1 de febrero de 2026 a las 9:18 a.m.

    Ruth,
    Lovely Blog post. I appreciated your summary of Africa. I loved your images. Your current examples were strong. I loved the patterns and colors. Well done! 50/50 points

    ResponderBorrar

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