Abstract

There is a contention on whether African architecture actually exists especially in relation to possessing a distinct identity. Also, African architecture is rarely discussed within mainstream contemporary theoretical debates in Architecture except with respect to influences on arts, artists and architecture in the developed world and generally speaking architecture of the past. This chapter reviews the different perspectives and conceptualisations on African architecture and its global influences. Furthermore the sources of and obstacles to identity formation in African architecture were reviewed to surmise approaches to creating identity in African architecture. The chapter rekindles the debate on the formation of identity in African architecture and how African architecture can take its rightful place in global architecture discourse.