By
The Respondent reporter
Dar
es Salaam, Tanzania – The architectural heritage left by
older architects offers valuable lessons and should form the foundation for
contemporary construction and architectural advancements in Tanzania, according
to architect Dr. Camillius Lekule. Speaking at the Architects and Quantity
Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB) Annual Conference at the Julius Nyerere
International Convention Centre, Dr. Lekule highlighted the ingenuity of past
architects despite the significant constraints of their era.
In
his presentation, "Construction Techniques of Historical Landmarks:
Validity of Present-Day Architects' Creativity," Dr. Lekule explained
that, despite challenges such as limited literacy, slower development rates,
and fewer technological resources, early architects made remarkable contributions
that profoundly influenced the country’s-built environment.
Reflecting
on the colonial period, he noted that architects faced numerous challenges,
including systemic oppression, corruption among local authorities, land
alienation, and restrictive treaties. These factors, enforced by colonial
administrations, imposed considerable limitations on professional architectural
expression and design possibilities.
"The
small, modest buildings of servant quarters and the limited units in older
structures are symbols of the constraints faced at the time,” Dr. Lekule
remarked. “Nevertheless, we've progressed to create more complex and
sophisticated buildings.”
Despite
these past limitations, Dr. Lekule urged that historical expertise should not
be overlooked in today’s development efforts. Many older buildings remain in
active use today, a testament to the high-quality standards and resilience of
historical architecture. Dar es Salaam’s city center, for example, features
pre-independence buildings that attract both tourists and researchers intrigued
by Tanzania’s architectural history.
Dr.
Lekule underscored the importance of appreciating and integrating the lessons
from older architects to inform and enrich modern projects, ensuring that new
developments are not only innovative but rooted in the strength of Tanzania's
architectural heritage.