This thesis addresses the issue of diversity within the discipline of architecture. More specifically it aims to bring light to the absence of an adequate representation of African Americans within the profession. The plan of action is to design a solution that will ultimately expose young African Americans to architecture, inspire them with, and equip them for practicing this profession. Exposure is provided by an educational program entitled DAPCAP (Detroit Area Pre-College Architectural Program) that will engage student from kindergarten through 8th grade. Inspiration is achieved by outlining various contributions to architecture provided by people originating from Africa. Likewise any student choosing to attend Detroit’s Architectural Academy a proposed 9th - 12th grade architectural focused high school will receive an education equipping them with the skills to study architecture at any University in the United States or abroad.

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS AFRICAN HISTORY AFRICANS IN ARCHITECTURE AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AFRICAN-AMERICAIN ARCHITECTURE ANALYZING THE ISSUES PROPOSAL OF EFFECTIVE ACTION PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTATION DIVERSIFYING THE O DDS

BY: KEVIN PARKER

An Architectural Graduate Student at the University of Detroit-Mercy and from the city of Detroit engages a thesis that takes a look at the Social, Historical, and Economical conditions which have contributed to a poor African American presence in Architecture DIVERSIFYING THE O DDS

Kevin A. Parker

THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT -MERCY MASTER THESIS 2017 Dedicated to the Loving Memory of Carnell & Hester Parker TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTERS PAGES

PREFACE 2-9

I AFRICAN ORIGIN OF CIVILIZATION 10-23

II AFRICAN TEMPLES & PYRAMIDS 24-33

III AFRICAN AMERICANS 34-37

IV PLAN OF ACTION 38-41

PERSONAL REFLECTION 42-43 AUTHOR INTRODUCTION My future plans is to operate a private practice with one or more qualified partners within 10 years of becoming a licensed architect. I have always had a passion for drawing, painting, and various other forms of artistic expression. At one point as a youth I was producing a minimum of one or more sketches a day and built quite an impressive portfolio. This was during a time when I transferred to a new Elementary School where I met a group of pupils with very advanced artistic abilities. They eventually accepted me into their circle where it was soon determined that I was also artistically gifted. Consequently a greater respect for “the arts” was obtained by maintaining these friendships throughout my life. I discovered what the architectural profession was from a children’s book that I received as a Christmas gift which was written on various career choices avaliable to children. Upon arriving at the chapter about architecture I read that an architect developed blueprints for buildings and bridges, and created plans for cities and towns. This was the first time that I had ever heard anything about architecture and this awakening left a lasting impression on me, I was seven years old at the time. I considers myself lucky to have come into possession of this book and I’ am grateful for the inspiration it provided me for pursuing the field of architecture. The path I traveled to reach architectural graduate school proved itself to be rather difficult . The obstacles that I faced ranged from an absence of any architectural related courses until attending The University of Detroit-Mercy, to counselors suggesting that I enter into the field of engineering instead. I allowed myself to be influenced into initially pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. I actually studied engineering for approximately two semesters at the University of Michigan-Dearborn before deciding that that profession was not a good fit for me. Negative experiences and obstacles that are African American specicific have convinced me that I have an obligation to reach out to as many young minority students as possible concerning the challenging goal of becoming a licensed architect. Similarly I’ am convinced that many African American students are facing similar obstacles as I have faced that could possibly be deterring many promising candidates from a career in architecture. DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 1 arguments about Africa’s undocu- mented contributions to civilization and the developments acheived in PREFACE architecture. All cultures have their own forms of architectural expression that is unique to their regions and This thesis addresses two patterns of life. African architecture concerns about architecture that shares this characteristic, but is very have often been visited and revisited diverse and employs a wide range of in the past. It analyzes and evalu- materials and methods depending ates the scope of exposure to the mainly on natural resources avail- architectural discipline in minor- able in various regions. This thesis ity schools systems. This thesis will focus on African architecture also desires to perform extensive from Ethiopia, Nubia, and Egypt. research on the urecognized archi- It aims to present valid arguments tectural acheivementt of theAfrican supporting the premise that the culture. Countless mystical and African continent contains the most monumental ruins exist in Africa ancient and original architecture on of African origin that have never the face of this planet. Similarly it been documented as so except aims to validate the premise that very recently by a few interested the architecture of Egypt, Ancient geologist and anthropologist such Nubia (Sudan), and Ethiopia share as Michal Teller and other schol- the same building techniques and ars that will be reference later in was erected by the same individuals this thesis. Michal Teller alone has of African decent. Primitive African compiled extensive amounts of architecture employs a series of information and presented relevant native materials and methods

4 Designing with Grid DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 2 CIRCULAR including thatch, mud and rammed RUINS earth. Other popular methods of Image building include the use of sticks, Source wood, dry stone, and mortar. Egypt today The pyramids in Egypt are MASTABA regarded as the most extraordinary Image structures ever built. Although Source the construction of these monu- Alifin ments is widely accepted as mystery among many anthropologist and

PYRAMID Egyptologist, the methods used to GEOMETRY build these structures are evident in Image Source architectural structures throughout Kemetnu Africa. Other experts point to the fact that the countless drawings adorning the walls of these archi- Dome Hut tectural marvels and any remaining Image Source sculptures and statues clearly illus- Kemetnu trates that ancient Africans from the area were the craftsmen that were responsible for erecting these world Golgen Ratio wonders. This thesis recognizes and Image Source

Mysteries of respects but aims to discount the the Mummies counter arguments that Egyptian

Egyptian architecture could have influenced Mystery the architecture of the remaning Image Source

Mysteries of African countries, however most the Mummies similar African architecture predates

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 3 the supposed timeline of and level of detail. ’s history. Egyptian architecture This thesis also should be taught alongside, acknowleged and respects and asa part of , ancient the theory that the Egyptians African architecture and despite their likeness to history in traditional school

Golden Ratio Africans could have also systems. The attempt to Image Source been of European, Asian, expose the African cultures’ Kemetnu or Arab decent. The group accomplishments in archi- of cultures mentioned is tecture is encouraged by also combined by theorist the recognition of a need into one creating a copper for more African inclusion skin extinct race known as in modern architecture and Egyptian, with no genetic planning which will provide ties to Africans. In addition a platform for more cultur- to arguing African people’s ally sensitive design. This contributions to civilization much desired recognition rebuttals denying these claim is additionally essential to are researched as well. Sub- help remedy the common topics visit as a method of negative views shared about supporting the main premise African Americans by other will range in subject matter races worldwide. Finally this

6 Designing with Gri DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 4 renewed image is essential to life for a troubled race. Left Top/RightTop building pride and presed- The lack of diver- TIMBUKTU ents amoung architects and sity that exist within the Imasge Source

From Babylon to people of color in general practice of architecture has Timbuktu that can be used to attract consequently oppressed other qualified candidates of architecture’s full potential. Bottom RT: color to architecture, entre- It is 2017 and the thought TUT preneurship, or other leading of a more diverse field is roles in their community finally starting to gain more Image Source leading to a better quality of momentum. Imaging if this Africanlight

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 5 phenomenon could have tak- ing root 50-100 years ago. The characteristics of this world would be more customized and sensitive to the specific cultures that design and uti- lize them.

Left AFRICAN AMERICANS Image Source I dare tt0.com

RT: 12TH STRRET RIOT 1967 Detroit Image Source Detroit great rebellion

8 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 6 DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 7 Left DOGON HOUSE Image Source African origin of Civilization

RT: ANCIENT ETHIOPIA MAP Image Source rrreggu756

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 8 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 9 presence in Egypt. In African Origin of Civilization by physicist, philosopher, and historian Cheikh CHAPTER I Anta Diop it is argued that Greek historian Herodotus upon his visit to Egypt after the crusades gave a detailed description of a predomi-

AFRICAN ORIGIN OF nantly African people inhabiting CIVILIZATION the country. Based on this infor- Reason mation this thesis argues that if Ethiopians’ historical Egypt was predominantly white documentations claim that the before the Greeks conquered then original colonies that migrated to it would have remained so shortly the area known as Egypt were direct after when Herodotus arrived there. descendants from Ethiopia. This A succession of invasions Ethiopians passage also explains starting with the Persians in (525 that the melting from the last Ice B.C.), then the Macedonians under age caused the entire Nile Valley (333B.C.), area to flood for thousands of years. and then the Romans under Julius When this water finally receded Ceasar (50 B.C.), stripped Egypt of mudslides from the land masses of its’ status as a world power. Egypt’s Ethiopia formed Egypt and resulted location in the middle of a dessert in survivors from the area migrat- bounded by two seas protected it ing to this lower elevation as well. from the barbarism that was com- Greek historian Diodorus actually monplace throughout the rest of supports this despite the fact that the world for atleast 10,000 years. he later neglects or just refuses to This innocent existence left these tie this coincidence to an African Africans unprepared for the might

12 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 10 of these materialistic invaders. years old was their landmark to While the Africans in Egypt lost know where to settle. This ancient their political and social power the migration of Africans is futher sup- younger Europeans were civilized by ported by Cheihk Anta Diop in The this ancient people’s scientific, reli- African Origin Of Civilization say- gious, and moral knowledge. It is ing “ It is generally agreed that by also written in Ethiopian scripture 7000 B.C., the Sahara had dried that around this period extrater- up. Equatorial Africa was prob- restrial Beings known as Anunaki ably still a forest zone too dense to shared the sacred knowledge of attract men. Consequently, the last sacred geometry/mathematics, the Blacks who had lived in the Sahara celestrial (heavens), and of thetere- now presumably left it to migrate strial (earth) that empowered them toward the Upper Nile: This civiliza- to evolve into the great civilization tion, called Egyptian in our period, known today as ancient Egypt. To developed for a long time in its early provide support for such a claim the cradle; then it slowly descended the Dogon tribe in Mali has expressed Nile Valley to spread out around the knowlegde of the Universe for thou- Mediterranean basin. This cycle of sands of years that has only recently civilization, the longest in history, been validated as accurate by scien- presumably lasted 10,000 years.” 1 tist using modern technology. This The first king of Egypt was tribe still claims to this day that all King (3200 BCE) his line- their knowledge of the heavens was age has been traced to Central Africa shared with them by beings known through ancient Nubia (Sudan). He as Annunaki. is aiways depicted in paintings using Ethiopians text also states the sacred geometric sciences that that the Sphinx being over 500,000 later became known as Freemasonry

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 11 (England 1717) to erect struc- wrote that the Westrn civi- tures in Egypt. Manly P. lization owe all thanks to Hall a 33rd Degree Master Egypt of Africa of which all Mason and respected writer literature, mathematics, and and source on the subject of knowledge of the heavens modern Masonry explains was derived. He contin- the connection between the ues by thanking Egypt for Mystery Schools of Egypt answering and facing the and the first Fraternal Order difficult human questions ever formed. In The Lost of life and death.Hall’s novel Keys Of Freemasonry he makes numerous compari- demands that “Recognizing sons between the rituals of Egypt to have been the cra- the ancient Egyptians and dle of superior culture and modern Freemasonry. He most exalted philosophy, and cautions that although many admitting the almost unde- similarities exist between the niable evidence that the two many of the Egyptian Egyptian Mysteries were rituals employed the use of the progenitors of modern majic, the occult,and spir- Freemasonry.”2 admiting itual transformations. that many of the hiero- Another ancient glyphics in Egypt can only African Mason important be speculated upon and the to the history of Africans true meaning of Egyptian in architecture is Imhotep Masonry is hidden beneath (2650-2600 BCE) he was the layers of symbolism. Manly only non-noble to be raised P. Hall who was rumored to to the status of a diety. They be a strict racist suprisingly also considered Imhotep

14 Designing14 Designing with Grids with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 12 to be the father of medi- inventor who invented many Left:KING NARMER cine, and it is rumored that tools still used in modern Image Source he developed the ability to times. The qualities he pos- MNtrealtalk regrow limbs as a response to sessed that are most relevant Top RT: the numerous injuries caused to the field of architecture is MASTABA by a dangerous pyramid con- his mastery of the mysteries Image Source struction environment.In of Masonry which developed WE arr

BottomRT:KING addition to these miraculous into the practice of what we NARMER IN FREEMASONIC accomplishments Imhotep know today as architecture. APRON also was a great engineer and Using this sacred knowledge Image Source

MNtrealtalk

15 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 13 of the earth and the heavens ancient take more than a lifetime to report builders were able to align their all of the analogies between Egypt architecture perfectly to earth’s four and the black world.”3 cardinal points as well as to count- Most words existing in theE- less stars thought to be undiscovered GYPTIAN LANGUAGE and celestial bodies. AfricanWOLOF LANGUAGE Evidence are identical with a simple swap- TOTEMISM which is ping out of the Egyptian letter - N known to only be practiced in with the Wolof letter - L. African populations has been found Egyptian’s original rituals of in Egyptian writings, art, and arti- KINGSHIP which mirrored the facts. Likewise African tribes still African tradition of putting an exist sharing totem names like unhealthy King to death. Although N’Diaye, Diop, and Fall with their this practise is only figuretively Egyptian ancestors. played out in modern Egypt it is Secondly the Egyptian practice of still an authentically practiced cus- CIRCUMCISION of both girl tom in many other African coutries. and boys is known only to Africa. Arguments against the This tradition is only known to have premise of an African origin of only been adopted by the Jews and civilization and modern architecture. extreme Islamic groups. The author Cheikh Anta describes Next this thesis targets the common positions taking by COSMOGONY which Cheikh Egyptologist to dispute the connec- explains in more detail suggesting tions that are often referenced to that “This similarity of mores, cus- support similarities between Egypt, toms, traditions and thinking has Ancient Nubia, and Ethiopia. One already been sufficiently stressed by such argument is “To the modern various authorities. Perhaps it would mind the word “Ethiopia” conjures

16 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 14 AFRICAN up Addis ababa Here again, we must TOTEM insist on the fact that in this region, Image Source

God the Black except for one obelisk and two ped- man and the Truth estal of statues, nothing is found.” 4 Likewise the father of Champollion-Figeac demands in an deliverence of his brother’s research on the subject reading “The opinion that the ancientpopulation of Egypt belonged to the Negro African race,

EGYPTIAN is an error long accepted as the truth. HIEROGLYPHICS Since the renaissance, travelers in the East, barely capable of fully Image Sourece appreciating the ideas provided Kemetnu by Egyptian monuments on this important question, have helped to spread that false notion” 5 he assures the Pasha of Egypt in 1833 with this memoir.

AFRICAN KING

Image Source treybokim

17 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 15 DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 16 IMHOTEP

Image Source African Origin of Civilization

MASONIC

TOOLS

Image Source

Phoenix Masonry

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 17 ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MASON Image Source Kemetnu

20 Designing20 Designing with Grids with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 18 Top RT: EGYPTIAN LIMESTONE Image source

Temples of Ancient Egypt Top Left:

NUBIAN MUSEUM

Image source

ttre45lll

Bottom RT:

SCHOOL AT UTTAR

Image Source

SouthIN

21 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 19 WEST AFRICAN WOMAN Image Source Africapridggy

22 Designing22 Designing with Grids with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 20 Top Left: ETHIOPIAN WOMEN Image Source

The Diary

Top RT:

NILE VALLEY MAP

Image Source

henriko k12

Botto RT:

EGYPTIAN HIERARCCHY Image Source

wherewho

23 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 21 24 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 22 THEME BUILDING LAX

Image Source

Travel survivors

GREAT PYRAMIDS AT GIZA

Image Source

atlasa85

25 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 23 CHAPTER II

EGYPTIAN/AFRICAN TEMPLES, PYRAMIDS, & MYSTERIES

Many authors have attempted to publish works that adequately expalain the architectural forms of Ancient Egyptian architecture many with less success than others. This thesis will use this chapter as an initial attempt to explore some breif detail of African architecture more specifically the most influen- tial which is that of ancient Egypt and the Nile Valley area. Primitive brickwork and reed - and - mud construction is evident in the latter construction of Egypt’s great temples and pyramids. However a unexplained leap of knowledge was experienced by the Egyptian people around the same time that the Sumerians advanced

26 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 24 EGYPTIAN in knowledge and technology also. SANDSTONE Some theorist insist that pyramids Image Source are simply the evolution of primitive Alamay.com stone graves which were conicial piles of stones. This could be pos- sible when ignoring the fact that pyramids were architectural struc- tures planned out on flat square plots of land using elevations, sec- tion drawings, and scaled models.

EGYPTIAN Additionally they can be found in FOUNDATIONS Image Sourc other countries dating back to this Alamay.com period and constructed by customs; for example the Mayans that did not share the previously mentioned burial rituals. Zoser’s reign signified an astounding advancement in the use of masonry. He introducing

SPHINX IN the first true masonry free-standing EGYPT Image Source column to Egypt. Columns used Hot stuff works prior to these times existed only in the primitive form of tree trunks and palm and reeds stiffened with mud. Temple roofs in ancient Egypt fail to display any origin from the roofs of a traditional Egyptian hut which employed reeds and palms

27 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 25 as well. In contrast to subjects and Europe. Historic record support examined in chapter I only vague the idea that Egypt influenced more connections can be made between aspects of western civilization than African Primitive architecture and any other nation. This thesis wishes Egyptian temples and pyramids. for a clearer understanding or a res- There is a shared acceptance among urrection of this knowledge which Egyptologist that an unexplained is not well understood by modern shift in knowledg is evident to have architects. Likewise this thesis occured prior to the construction of wishes for a clearer understanding Egyptian, monuments. This esca- of the true architectural history of lation of enlightment is present the African, so that authentic infor- in many other areas of the world mation may be spread on this topic. including South America and Asia. Relying on the confidence that the Foundations previous passages have successfully presented arguments support- Foundations in Egypt offer ing this thesis goal of re-aligning a range of building conditions. The Africans and African Americans absense of rain offers dry hard rock with their true history in architec- which provides a firm and suitable ture and contributions to society, surface on which to build upon. the following passages will focus However areas closer to the Nile specifically on the form, function, suffer soft and yeilding soils which craftmanship, and mystery surrond- offer much difficulty for construc- ing theses works. tion operations. The preservation Egypt is famous for mas- or lost of many of Egypt’s temples sive temples, enclosed cities, and and pyramids by natural causes is in advanced plumbing systems simi- direct correlation to the condition of lar to what was accomplish in Asia the alluvium (soil in Egypt) it was

28 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 26 erected upon Beni Hasan, Silsila, and Qertassi quarries. These stones allowed the Rocks New Kingdom architects to build at much larger scales and using Quaried rocks was the pri- longer spans than before. To erect mary materials used in ancient structures of huge scale, harvested Egyptian architecture. The types stones had to be enormous to carry used, methods of harvesting, and the load of the massive roof-slabs methods of employment are as and to span the long distances interesting subjects and achieve- between architraves. Somers Clarke ments as the structures that they describes the dimensions of a stone were used to build. Two types of of this type seeing one in person for rocks were employed in Egyptian the first time at the Silsila quarry architecture - soft rocks and hard he writes “there is a block that has rocks. Soft rocks consisted of lime- not yet been detached from its’ bed, stone, sandstone, and at rare times but is in all other respects ready for calcite or alabaster. These stones removal. It measures 20 feet by 2 were primarily obtained from the feet 7 inches by 5 feet high”6 which Tura and Masara quarries four miles is miraculously not to large by com- south of Cairo. Limestone was the parison to stones fromother sites. principal stone used for structural Most soft rocks were removed and building in the Old Kingdom with worked using copper chisels struck a maximum span of approximately with wooden mallets. Pink and grey nine feet. In the New Kingdom granites harvested from Aswan were the primary stone used for struc- the primary hard rocks used. Basalt tural building purposes became the also a hard rock was only found to stronger sandstone harvested from be used in the Temples of the Great and the second Pyramid of Giza.

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 27 Hard rocks were believed to be quarried by using balls Columns of dolerite. Many experts disagree, but do not believe The primitive columns that thses stones could have used in ancient Africa was been worked using the met- wooden made to resemble als avaliable for chisels at the the papyrus-plant, the lily, time either. Although the the palm or the lotus. Fluted knowledg of steel cannot columns are a rare commod- be completely ruled out no ity in Egypt and seem to known evidence of this metal have been an art lost after has been confirmed. The the mastery of it by King actual tools and technolgy Zoser of the 3rd dynasty. The used to cut, shape, and sculp- only other reappaerance of ture hard rocks in ancient this craft we have discovered Egyptian architecture remain is at Hawara and Kahun dur- a mystery. However the ear- ing the Middle Kingdom. liest signs of the use of hard Several Egyptian structures stones has been traced so- were adorned with comtem- far back of the roof-blocks poray columns ie: the Lotus in the pyramid of Menkewre column found in the temple at Giza. of the 5th dynasty at Abusir.

30 Designing with Gri DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 28 EGYPTIAN The papyrus was a more were always finished with COSTRUCTION common contemporary col- carvings and inscriptions Images Source\ umn of the Middle Kingdom. honoring the Pharoah this Two examples of the papyrus dressing was always done column can be found in the after the stones had been new kingdom at the temple laid as R. Englebach desribes of Amenophis III and that saying “Columns, like walls of at Sesebi however and pavements, were always both of these sites happen dressed after the blocks to be in Nubia. Columns forming them had been laid.

DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 29 This proved not only by the fre- of the temple, but occasionally they quent incorporation of the base or open to the top of the roof ” simil- the capital into the shaft,but also iar to modern skylights. Ventilation by columns that have been either and light was serviced by these small wholly or partially unfinished.” 7 openings which grew in scale and which is rather strong evidence for sophisifacation over time.The clere- this observation. story was not utilized until the New Kingdom. The most beautifully and successful examples exist within the Hypostyle Hall at , the tem- ple of Seti I in the Ramesseum at Thebes, and the temple of Khonsu at Karnak.Ornamental windows Windows seem to have always been incorpo- rated into Egyptian architecture. A Doors served as the primary well known chapel from king Zoser fenestration for light and ventilation reign during the Old Kingdom has a in early Egyptian architecture. Not rather unfunctionable side window until the New Kingdom did win- decorated with a row of hieroglyphs. dows begin to take-on this role in Not until later times are side win- its’ temples and pyramids. Windows dows used for light and ventilation did exist in Old and Middle such as the ones employed at the Kingdom architecture but Clarke little temple of Hakor at Karnak. and Englebach insist that “These slits were far too high to see through, and too narrow to enable anyone outside on the roof to look inside: they usually open out to the sides

32 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 30 temperatures continually cause expa- Roofs sion and compression on the upper exposed side of these slabs. This has resulted in the rapid disentegration In the Old Kingdom, time of numerous roofs from this period. must have been of little concern In the Old Kingdom water was pre- provided the fact that in that archi- vented from entering the interior by tects freely employed granite slabs use of mortar in exposed joints. This in roof systems of which the dress- method is evident in many of the Old ing of them alome must have been Kingdom temples with their roof ’s extremely exhausting. Egyptians still intact such as Seti I at El-Qurna spanned the maximum distances in the Ramesseum and in the temple using stone materials so care and of Ramesses III at Karnak. An even ingenuity was imperative to placing more efficient method of controli- architraves on columns to support ing rain involved filling the channel the huge stone roof slabs. The New with a elonged piece of stone with a Kingdom employed flat roof slabs rounded head resembling a linear peg. rather than the thick blocks laid on This caused water be be directed to edge as in previous Egyptian roof either side of the joint and directed to construction techniques. Stone was the roofs’ slope. Some temples nota- actually very unsuitable for an appli- bly the Festival Hall of Tuthmosis cation as a roof. Stone performs III at Karnakno, contain roofs with well in compression but poorly no apparent drainage systems at all. in tension. Stone roofs must have Theorist suggest that these roof s withstand a combination of these may have once been covered by thick forces with the underside being in layers of mortar probably rather effec- tension while the top is in compres- tive against the infrequent rain. More sion. Additionally extreme desert elaborate Egyptian drainage systems

33 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 31 used stone gutters and downspouts religious structures, and a series of that discharged into open courts. successfully designed road systems. In addition this ancient city also Construction provided funeral facilities, a cen- tral chapel, and a protective wall In respect of the fact that the surrounding the entire settlement. building methods of Egypt are still far Kerma was a model for many civili- from a definite resolution.This subject zations that followed, more notably will not be addressed to protect the African civilizations such as the integrity of the research that is pre- Kingdom of Kush, city of Napata, sented as fact throughout this book. and Timbuktu which acquired enormous wealth, and traded goods with many other powerful civiliza- tions throughout the world. Ancient Nubia (Sudan)

Similarly Nubia strongly influ- MYSTERIES OF enced many of Africa’s, Asia’s, and THE NILE Europe’s first known civilizations the oldest structures uncovered there The better portion of according to carbon dating are the Egyptian mysteries remain unsolved. Speos (3700BCE-3250BCE) which Egyptian science developed the cubic were carved out of a solid blocks of which demonstrates the knowledge stone. The first known city state was of the golden ratio, pi, and the meter. created by Africans in a settlement Similarly these ancient Africans known as Kerma. Kerma was settled left carvings that resemble modern around (2400 BCE) and this city inventions like automobiles, rocket much like Egypt contained palaces, ships, and helicopters. Egyptians

34 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 32 also produced a number of carvings containing tool-work markings with tolerances of accuracy that cannot be duplicated with modern comput- ers and technology.

35 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 33 African Americans since their arrival in North America. Their contributions in architecture are also quite extensive CHAPTER III despite the enormous oppositions that they faced throughout America his- tory. This chapter highlights several African American architects as a jes- AFRICAN ture of respect and appreciation for AMERICANS these talented and brave individuals and their works. As a testament to African Americans exist due Africa’s descendant’s continued abil- to use of the African race for cheap ity of defying tremendous odds and and easy economic gain. This has achieving the impossible when failure caused a disconnection from their is expected. This section will start with true homeland and identities. After a few examples of African American’s slavery African Americans became contributions outside of architecture, religious Republican voters for dec- providing a more respectful and inclu- ades. During the early 19th century sive snapshot of African American the Democratic party were slave own- history. ers and the Republican party led by Lewis Latimer (1848-1928), who Abraham Lincoln, freed the slaves. was responsible for inventing the most Since then African Americans have essential part of a light bulb which overcome unimaginable consequences, is the Carbon Filament. This inven- but are still a long way from reclaiming tion increased the life of light bulbs their true identity and realizing their at the time significantly and was also true potential. Contributions in areas responsible for decreasing the cost such as innovation, medicine, and and increasing the efficiency of man- engineering have been achieved by ufacturing this product. Mr. Latimer

36 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 34 BREWSTER PROJECTS Image Source NRP.org

37 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 35 also worked alongside Alexander carved a wooden timepiece from Graham Bell assisting him with memory that was capable of keep- drafting the original patent draw- ing accurate time within a second. ings for the device that would later The history of African become the telephone. Another Americans in architecture is very important African American inven- vague but no less compelling as the tion was the pacemaker for an accomplishments made in Africa. Artificial Heart Control Unit. This As previously mentioned Benjamin device was invented by Otis Boykin Banneker played a major role in (1920-1982) and it has helped to save the design and construction of the countless lives since it was patented United States capitol, Washington into use. One of the best known D.C. African American inventors is William Pittman born in Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) an 1875 worked on the design for the astronomer, author, inventor, math- Capitol Building in D.C., and ematician, and surveyor. Although was responsible for designing the not usually included in his list of famous Knights of Pythias Temple credentials he was a self-taught in Dallas, Texas as well. Another architect and worked as a drafts- African American known for set- man on many of the original plans ting milestones and defying the for Washington D.C. Several of odds in the field of architecture Banneker’s most prominent accom- were Robert Robinson Taylor plishments were publishing six who was the first licensed African rather accurate and useful almanacs American architect in the United that included social and political States and one of the first African commentary focusing primarily on American AIA members, in the his- the rights of slaves and free African tory of the organization. Likewise Americans. Banneker also hand brothers Moses & Calvin McKissak

38 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 36 formed the first African American was developed out of a need to defy architectural firm which presently odds became a main characteristics remains operational in New York that attracted new clients interested City. Paul Williams (1894-1980) mostly in experiencing this gift rather was an African American architect than supporting a talented African from Los Angeles, California. He is American architect. It is this the- famous for becoming the first black sis position that taking into account “Starchitect” as his design earned the everything that the African American title of comtemporary styled and has endured, that the most effec- exceeded the cofinement of what tive weapon against the economical, modern architecture was thought political, and social issues that plague to be during this period. A few of Africans in America is education. the Hollywood star that Williams Voting, protesting, and rioting have designed homes for include Frank fostered change at very heavy cost, but Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Charles the vehicle of education if properly Correll to name a few. His most administered has the ability to trully famous architectural work was the free African Americans’ from cultural Theme Building at LAX airpor- ignorance, financial ignorance and tin Los Angeles, California. This opressive conditions. original restaurant and exhibition Standing firm on this premise space was designed using an innova- the plan of action devised for attract- tive Tuned Mass Damper to resist ing African American youth into seismic vibrations. An interesting architecture is educationally focused. fact about Paul Williams isthat It uses a platform of action words that he taught himself to draw beati- divide this plan into steps that can fully upside down across his desk be directly implemented in African because Caucasion clients refused American communities. Using edu- to sit next to him. This ability that cation as a vehicle of positive change

39 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 37 towards the issue of poor diversity within the architecture field is the method chosen by this thesis, explaned futher in the next chapter. CHAPTER IV read on please....

A PLAN OF ACTION

This Thesis goal is not to just describe the past contributions of minorities to the practice of archi- tecture, but to also propose ideas and options that will be effective in influencing the diversity needed to move it forward today. Ideas developed through this thesis to address the issue of a lack of diversity in architecture include but are not limited to incorporating more design focused courses into minority school sys- tems. Recognizing the importance of engaging African American elementary aged children with the realities and possibilities of architecture as a career choice as early in their lives as possible, this

40 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 38 thesis devised a system for achiev- of the latter is NOMA- Detroit’s ing this goal that is divided into Project Pipeline Architectural two major programs. Program 1 Summer Camp which is a spin-off will be successful exposing, inspir- of a program originally created by ing, and empowering young African NOMA’s (National Organization of American youths by using a non Minority Architects) national com- profit architectural program mod- mittee. This program is geared at eled after DAPCEP (Detroit Area increasing the scope of architectural Pre-College Engineering program) exposure in urban communities pre- which is a non-profit formed dur- dominantly populated by minorities ing the 90’s in Detroit that exposes worldwide. students to technology, science, The second part of this plan is engineering, and mathematics from an architectural school that has been a very young age. This needed in designed by very sensitively examin- minority dominated school districts ing all of the content of this thesis for the architecture profession. It research. Wishing for this facility could be coined DAPCAP (Detroit to be a staple of the coomunity Area Pre-College Architectural this thesis researched “educational Program) borrowing from the communities” around the world. acronym of the prior program This precedents was used to exam- mentioned. ine how do Americans and other Additionally new and exist- cultures learn, live, and coexist in ing supplemental programs must be community learning environments. formed and supported in Detroit The next area of research studied and other U.S. cities. After success traditional American educational is acheived in America, they should environments such as K-12 schools, be mirrored in minority communi- Archtecturally focused institutes, ties around the world. One example and vocational schools. From this

41 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 39 research this thesis abstracted the program more specifically this site lies along and cirriculum that was deemed essential the Q-Line which is Detroit’s newest to a minority focused architectural academy. source of transit a rapid railway system. Finally a similar study of African learning This school is designed at communities was performed, contrasted, and approximately 150,000 s. f. to acco- compared to the prior research. modate 210 students annually. The A intelligent compression and digestion grades serviced are 9th through 12th of everything that was addressed, researched, with extensive financial and prepara- or rebuted by this year long thesis project was tory college assistance programs. Thses compressed into an educational facility with students would attend for half- a-day the knowledge, will, and intellectual under- commuting from their primary educa- standing of the minority students that will tional facility 3-5 times a week. 9th and be extremely dependent on its’ competance 10th grade courses are more focused to ablige them. The named coined for this on visual communication, history, and prototype is Detroit Architecture Academy. abstract design. While 11th and 12th The site chosen is a neighborhood in Detroit grade courses are more focused on entitled the New Center Area. This area was theory, graphic design, and construc- chosen first of all to adhere to the idea of tion technology. This academy will set triple bottom line and create a facilty that can precedents for all architectural insti- foster diversity into the field while address- tutions in America by developing a ing certain social problems of the adjacent model that prepares student with more North End community. secondly this site knowledge of how to actually build is adjacent to some of Detroit’s most iconic what they design. Implementing this architecture, and lies at the edge of Detroit’s plan is viewed by this thesis as a major Art Center which is minutesfrom Downtown step to a more diverse profession. Detroit and its’ remaining architectural gems. Finally this site is in close proximity to all of

Detroit’s major highways and transit systems

42 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 40 RENDERING S OF DETROIT ARCHITECTURAL ACADEMY

43 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 41 PERSONAL REFLECTION

In the United States African Americans currently account for less than 1.7 percent of the 105,000 licensed architects, and as of enrollment for Fall 2016 minority students accounted for only 5.3 percent of all new enroll- ments into architectural programs. That is equivalent to a mere 1,500 of every 30,000 students accepted. This thesis finds it neccessary to research and gain an understanding of the cur- rent statistics and trends. In addition to performing this research a high level of focused effort is essential to the advancement of minorities in architecture and to spark a change that begins to usher more diversity throughout the architectural prac- tice. With increased exposure, more resources, and architecturally focused funding for minorities we will begin to

44 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 42 curve this lack of inclusion and begin continue to allow pride and egotism to dictate to witness an architecture that reflects who is giving an opportunity to prove their the concerns and values of all cultures. potential then this unjust state of existence The amount of influence that that we have driven ourselves into will surely Africa, the birthplace of civilization continue. has provided to the modern world is astounding. I insist that qualified peo- ple of African descent deserve a larger . role in decisions on architecture, plan- ning, and politics, in order to improve the current state of their communities and the world as a whole. Architecture is one of the few discipline that possess the ability to shape the environments in which we live as humans on this earth. Diversity in the field of architecture will transform our world in many ways yet to be seen. A more diverse approach to designing the built environment is the primary medium that will open up doors to possibilities that are not pres- ently accesible. The innovation that a diverse field can provide, can only be imagined until Therefore mankind is falling short of its’ true potential by failing to utilize every talented person in the manner that is most beneficial to the human race as a whole. If we

45 Designing with Grids DIVERSIFYING THE ODDS 43 WORKS CITED

I . Cheikh Anta Diop, The African Origin of Civilization (Lawerence Hill & Company; Chicago Illinois) p.22

2. Manly P. Hall, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry (Penguin Group Inc.; New York,New York) p.92

3. Cheikh Anta Diop, The African Origin of Civilization (Lawerence Hill & Company; Chicago Illinois) p.2139

4. Cheikh Anta Diop, The African Origin of Civilization (Lawerence Hill & Company; Chicago Illinois) p.156

5. Somers Clarke and R. Engelbach, Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture (Dover Publications Inc;. New York New York) p.50

6. Somers Clarke and R. Engelbach, Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture (Dover Publications Inc;. New York New York) p.16

7. Somers Clarke and R. Engelbach, Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture (Dover Publications Inc;. New York New York) p.145 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ammi, Ben. “The Black man and Truth” Communicators Press (2008)

Clarke, Somers and R. Engelbach R. “Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture (Dover Publications Inc;. New York New York (1990)

Diop, Cheikh Anta. “The African Origin of Civilization” Lawerence Hill & Company; Chicago Illinois (1974)

Hall, Manly P. “The Lost Keys of Freemasonry Penguin Group Inc.; New York,New York (2006)

Wilkinson Richard H. “The Completye Temples of Ancient egypt” Thames & Hudson: New York New York (2000)