Page 35 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 35
P. 35
The Environment
in building more sustainable and resilient
environments.
Local Building Codes: A Necessity for
Contextual Relevance
Another significant challenge in construction
is the prevalence of imported building
codes from Western countries. While
these codes often focus on safety and
regulation, they frequently overlook the
unique environmental, climatic, and social Laying of Atakpame Balls: https: //www.adansisem.com/re-
search/2022/3/3/atakpam-construction
conditions present in many regions. Using a
one-size-fits-all approach in the development of Western standards. Instead, they must
of building codes leads to inefficiency, prioritize understanding indigenous practices
unnecessary costs, and unsustainable that work, both environmentally and socially,
outcomes, especially in regions with limited while investing in documentation efforts to
resources and unique climatic challenges. guarantee that this knowledge is preserved.
Creating homegrown building codes like Local building codes that integrate these
that of rukarakara from Rwanda , based methods would empower communities,
on local knowledge and practices, would improve living standards, and offer a
address these challenges directly. It would roadmap to solving some of the most urgent
incorporate materials and techniques such issues related to sustainable development.
as the leteele-based plaster or Dawa-Dawa From clay plaster to Dawa-Dawa varnish,
varnish, promoting not only local materials we have much to learn from and adopt from
but also practices that are naturally adapted the traditions of the past. By combining
to the environment. Building codes that are innovation with preservation, we can create a
rooted in local traditions can lead to greater more resilient and sustainable future.
energy efficiency, more affordable housing,
and environmental regeneration. Ultimately, embracing these local building
The Way Forward techniques and writing codes that reflect
our unique surroundings will bridge the
The path toward creating localized, gap between tradition and progress—
sustainable building codes and celebrating allowing us to build a future that is rooted in
local techniques begins with recognition. sustainability, adaptability, and resilience.
Architects, policymakers, and builders must
start looking beyond the default adoption
ISSUE 35 | MARCH 2025 35
