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Jean Prouve (1949-51) designed the Tropical House as a prototype for modern residential buildings in Africa. Three were first built in Brazzaville, Congo in 1951, but is now on display around the world, including the Tate Modern in London, in New York City, and in Paris.
The folly of using Le Corbusier’s concrete pilasters in Africa resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths as they easily collapsed in earthquakes. The modern stilts were thought to be a convenient upgrade of local stilted houses in Africa. Industrial steel and aluminum served as a hardy and cheap material, though not at all local. The architect did make some clever design choices, however. The house is surrounded by a veranda and shaded by three adjustable louvers. Punctured metal siding helps air breezes sweep through, and blue glass portholes block UV rays. |
(richard winchell– flickr/creative commons license)
(paul-simpson.org– flickr/creative commons license)
(richard winchell– flickr/creative commons license)
(richard winchell– flickr/creative commons license)
(richard winchell– flickr/creative commons license)
(richard winchell– flickr/creative commons license)
