A critique of primitive ideology in architecture

Abstract

This report attempts to evaluate various texts and archititecture to find the essence of "Primitive Architecture'. The topic was selected because various eminent academics, hence texts classify most African architecture as primitive. My interest in this topic has arisen out of the belief that the concept of primitive architecture is ethnocentric and power based. Consequently, the various authors, texts and architecture's that will be examined, reflect differing and often conflicting views about Primitive Architecture. Within the varying Western concepts of Primitive Architecture exists a derogatory stereotype about other cultures and architecture's. Furthermore, even the most sympathetic texts refer to African architecture as apologetically "primitive"- as no better term or word is appropriate within the boundaries of Western intellectual discourse or knowledge. However, the appropriation of primitive forms in art and architecture made postulate the idea that primitive ideology is the Occidents view of the other. What Edward Said describes as "Orientalist" discourse. The accepted grid of knowledge about the other carries with it political, economic, moral and value based judgements. These perceptions of the primitive need to be examined and exposed for they contain fundamental flaws that are dangerous.