Breathing Wall: a modernist architectural heritage

Olufikayo Otitoola - Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
Openings ofdiverse sizes existed i n (walls of) traditional
buildings i n Nigeria, which, i n the course of time and
contacts, have increased and undergone transformation
as social and climatic filters. The paper attempted a
historical sketch of the development of openings (in
wall) and highlighted climatic challenge(s), which the
pioneer modern architects practising i n Nigeria con-
fronted t o produce functional breathing walls imbued
with values. Noting the 'universalism' of this architecto-
nic element i n the tropics, the paper concluded with a
call for reenactment of modernist credo of overall
improvement i n users well-being and freedom from
'enclosures'.
INTRODUCTION
Openings of diverse sizes existed i n traditional buil-
dings of Nigeria with limitations imposed by need,
available technology and scale of the building. These
buildings have been exposed t o diverse influences:
indigenous, Islamic, Christian, colonial/western The
returning (freed) slaves i n mi d i gth century brought
expertise i n diverse building trades with the resultant
'Brazilian architecture' dotted i n several towns and vil-
lages. Similarly the returning ex-service men from
World War II also brought 'expertise' i n buildingtrades.
In the emerging building types i n the 30'5, openings
became much more varied and bigger. In the domestic
typology where kitchen and toilets are separated (whe-
ther partially or completely) from the main building
several openings strategically located complemented
the windows. In the urbanizing centers, western grid
plans and plots on one hand and metropolitan status
on the other made indoor living mandatory. Verandahs
and patios thus required screening for privacy. I t became
obvious that i n some cases where louvers would nor-
mally suffice (as i n lobbies or other internal circulation
spaces) for breeze t o flow freely there is allowed unsus-
pected presence!
Socio-economic and political developments i n the
immediate succeeding decades witnessed construction
of diverse building typologies and scales. Large-scale
housing, commercial, industrial public and institutio-
nal and religious buildings displayed bigger openings.
In the office and commercial buildings glass blocks
were sometimes used i n stair walls especially at the
landing. It was in this period that modernist architecture
made its entry with clear message of health, light,
openness and honesty.
In 1947 Maxwell Fry was appointed as consultant for
the University College (Ibadan) project and that mar-
ked the first (major) entry of Modern Architecture t o
Nigeria. Fry had worked with Le Corbusier and learnt
about his modern interpretation of the louvre and brise-
solei12 (Mol, 2004).
The colonial government shared knowledge and con-
ducted researches on building i n the tropics.
Dearth of technical data and presumptuous neglect of
indigenous building practice prompted large-scale
experimentation and detailed studies. The 1953 confe-
rence on Tropical Architecture, held i n London, gave
added impetus.
Prof Godwin noted the period 1945-1965 as a 'time of
experimentation' when scientists supported architects
t o explore new and practical solutions both i n design
and the use of materials while there was no lack of
advice and encouragement from the building research
stations i n Watford or Accra. These were exemplified i n
the works of Fry & Drew, Codwin & Hopwood, Alan
Vaughan Richards who constructed sun-path charts
and model for wind tests for student hostel project i n
University of Lagos. Godwin wrote 'our practice acqui-
red instrumentation and we carried out numerous
experiments t o asses the climatic performance of vari-
ous types of construction and t o assist i n formulating
standards for breeze control, rainwater disposal and
sun-shading' (I. Godwin, 2003, p. 54).
Aware of the major burden of creating an environment
i n which 'people may flourish' architects became inno-
vators and leaders i n deed and remained so until the
r Nnamdi Elleh hor advocated the extension afthe 'triple heritage' 2 B&-roleil, a run-shading device, wa r f i t used in the Ministry of
concept to thefield ofArchitecture (see Nnarndi Elleh (7997): Education Building, Rio de Janeiro completed in 1943.
Aficon Architectun, Evolution and Transformation, New York:
McCrow-Hill).
6
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1he modernist penchant For technology and the allure
oF originality in each architect's work promoted the de-
velopment oF breathing walls. Using simple shapes and
materials lively walls were created. Such walls screen
views and sun, bring light and sound and diminish
glare and heat. OFten painted white, the simplicity oF
the whole building and its Finishes becomes back-
ground For an 'art'. vhen viewed outside in light it pre-
sents composition in solids and voids. On interior
walls or Floor, beautiFul but changing patterns with sea-
sonal and diurnal variants are visible. At night when
illuminated From the interior it speaks poetry. 1he brea-
thing wall lent itselF readily to use in internal spatial
arrangement where access is restricted but other
exchanges are needFul. In this wise physical, emotional
and spiritual health is enhanced. 1his modernist con-
tribution was widely 'adopted and adapted'.
1hough indigenous roots are traceable in some cultures,
exchange oF ideas, accessibility to same publications
among others Furthered the widespread development
and application oF the breathing wall in the tropics. It is
noteworthy that in Fast AFrica signiFicant pro|ects like
INCU, Moshi {Frnst May, z), St. Xavier's School, Dar
{A. Almeida, ]q), Dar Institute, Dar {A. Almeida,
]), St. Peter's Church, Dar {S. Shah, 6o]6z)
and National 1heatre, Iampala {Peat Field & Bodgener,
68) among others employed breathing walls oF diFFe-
rent patterns. Quite a number oF examples characterize
the urban capes oF Dar es Salaam.
From the Foregoing, these elements collectively have
artistic, historic, social and scientiFic dimensions open
For elaboration and they thus qualiFy as heritage {ReF
Art , Nara Document on Authenticity).
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vaves oF Post modernism grew so strong in the 8o's
within a peculiar economic and political milieu. 1here
was no limitation to the shape and Forms building
could take. Pitched rooF that was gradually returning to
replace the Flat rooF and parapets wall oF the )o's became
tool in the hand oF 'stylists'. Only skyscrapers were
exempted.
Feeling oF insecurity was germinating. Mesh {expanded
metal lath]BRC), which suFFiced in previous years as
burglar prooF, was replaced with prison like grilles. 1he
art oF grille making caught Fancy oF would be owners
{private, corporate or government). Apparently since
windows, external doors and all openings are to be pro-
tected, concrete or sandcrete or clay breezeblocks
Found replacement.
1he constituent units now called 'Fancy blocks' conti-
nued to be used on verandahs, staircases and corri-
dors. Some have cross or crescent! Gable walls oF the
common residential buildings, in rural or urban set-
tings employ some numbers to 'vent' the rooF. 1hey are
nonetheless still used For Functional purposes

. 1he
new designers are however, the block makers and their
metal Fabricator. Surely glass blocks are returning to
the interiors and Faades but curiously glazed envelopes
have become the hallmark.
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Indoor air quality is now a prominent environmental
problem. 1his is much more so because most people
spend over )o% oF their lives inside buildings {houses,
classrooms, oFFices, and conFerence halls). Also studies
have shown that )% oF all damaging air borne particu-
lates originates in the exterior air {1urpin, )). 1he
First concluding challenge is that continuous and con-
scientious application oF scientiFic knowledge must
continue From where the pioneers stopped. vhen cli-
matic {healthy) requirements regain prime oF place, a
sustainable and enduring vocabulary will evolve.
Fven For those interested in using glass blocks or panes,
innovation will ensure enviable solution.
vhat is the Future street and skyscraper going to look
like? Are we not concerned about our 'habitat' and our
common heritage? For how long will this serious mat-
ter be leFt to the whims and caprices oF speculators?
Our urban landscapes are under siege and are beclou-
ded by ubiquitous image oF enclosures.
1he Final concluding challenge, thereFore, is the necessity
oF {innovative) improvement on the modernist heritage
oF openness and concerted promotion oF valid alterna-
tives to the unhealthy, unsustainable, uneconomic and
uniForm enclosures.
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68
advent oF znd National Development Plan {)o-)q).
Modernism was a moral Force and a philosophical
investigation. Fry {q, p. zo) succinctly presented it
thus 'it is our duty to be at some pains to understand
the nature oF the task, the needs oF the people, the
means oF FulFilling them, and above all, how seriously
and with what addiction to the truth must we perForm
each oF us our commissions as creators oF this Future
matrix oF tropical existence'.
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1he South-west Nigeria is characterized by heavy rain-
Fall at varying angles oF declination, mean temperature
8
o
C {8
o
C may be reached in the dry season), high
humidity and glare with constant canopy oF cloud. At
temperature above or near blood heat, the body remains
uncomFortable with the saturated air and relieF to skin
surFace can only be brought by eFFect oF breezes.
Fvaporation oF sweat induces loss oF heat in the northern
higher temperatures {characteristic oF hot-dry tropics)
though the dust-laden air and intense glare must be
excluded. In the Former large openings are required,
but in the latter openings that bring light and minimum
requisite ventilation without adverse increase in tem-
perature is desirable. 1raditionally most activities were
carried out oF doors in the open and semi-enclosed
spaces {covered or uncovered).
1he human body according to medical sciences requi-
res between one and two air exchanges per hour For
balance, regulation oF body cell and elimination oF envi-
ronmental toxins {Oikos).
Insects, Fungi]moulds, moisture, rodents and diverse
trees and plants are prevalent. 1hese acts as agents oF
rapid deterioration oF building materials. Fungal spores
thrive and grow proFusely when air humidity is in
excess oF 8o% {1urpin, )).
Fry {q, p. z) and Correa {8o) emphasized the
necessity oF shade, elimination oF radiations From walls
and channelization oF 'whatever air is available' into the
interiors in warm-humid environment. Shade and maxi-
mum ventilation are the critical components oF com-
Fort {Ionya, 8o). However, Lippsmeier {8o,p. )
highlighted Five important Factors aFFecting standard oF
comFort in an enclosed space as the air temperature,
the humidity, the average temperature oF radiation
From walls and ceilings, air movement {cooling contact
on the skin) and general degree oF lightness and the
distribution oF light within the Field oF vision. vhere
protective shade is available, extreme limitation oF buil-
ding shapes and orientation to ensure advantageous
use oF prevailing winds are eliminated.
OFten the required external shade were provided by
large overhangs and other devices which iF protective
against driving rain can make the walls oF the building
as open as possible to allow cross ventilation courtesy
oF treabatate architecture. valls were then Freed to
serve as 'partitions For social purposes and climatic
adaptation'. 1hese walls thus became ob|ect oF Focus
For the inventive architect in solving practical problems
oF environmental control and contributing to the aes-
thetic appearance oF the building]urban capes
{Schreckenbach, 8z).
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Hannah Schreckenbach
1o reduce impact oF solar radiation on buildings and
admit needed ventilation adequate shading, orientati-
on and eFFective design oF the structure have proved
useFul. 1his paper however Focuses on breathing wall
{which equally shade From sun radiation. 1he term may
be considered as imprecise in Fnglish Language.
According to Straube }. and Acahra v. review oF lay lite-
rature shows considerable conFusion about what con-
stitute a 'breathing wall' but in scientiFic literature it
reFers to a material or assembly oF materials open to
vapour diFFusion and hygroscopic U.
Breathing wall in this paper shall reFer to a wall that
allows air movement through it while preventing sun-
rays. Pro|ecting eaves, verandahs

, sun breakers, bal-
conies, pro|ecting Floor slab were commonly employed
as horizontal screen For high sun. Low sun especially
on the Fast and vest Facades were screened with clo-
sely spaced columns, vertical Fins or rotating louvers.
vith diverse devices such as solar chart, shadow angle
protractor and heliodon shadows Falling on building
and degree oF penetration among other parameters
were predictable on daily basis and 'orientation, design
and eFFectiveness oF sunshade devices' on the one
hand and the measurement oF daylight and reFlection
From ad|acent surFaces on the other may be determined
{Fry, q, Ionya, 8o, Olgyay v. & Olgyay A., )).
Precast concrete technology was widely known in the
early zo
th
century through the activities oF the Freed sla-
ves and the vorks department oF the colonial govern-
ment. In public building pro|ects oF the o's, cement
became dominant material {Godwin, zoo). It was never
in short supply but rather there was armada by mid
)o's. 1o the testimony oF the pioneer modern archi-
tects' industry the breathing wall was developed to the
extent that scarcely will any building designed and built
in the period q8 - )o's be without one. It was an
unmitigated reprieve For humane desire to 'decorate'.
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Lippsmeier, George {8o)
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