Architecture
Architecture
Appropriate architecture uses local material where possible and meets the needs of the local people. Nice appropriate housing here is made of a red brick that is locally made. The ceilings are high for the heat and the places are usually one room wide for ventilation. The windows are metal. Courtyards are common. People prefer metal roof to thatch, while thatch is cooler, it leaks and bugs live in the thatch. Our house has tile on top of the metal which serves to cool the roof. This house is larger and nicer than most houses here.
There are fancy buildings here with air conditioners but not many of the air conditioners are turned on. There is a movie theater here and it is air conditioned. In the big city where we live most folks have indoor plumbing. Not sure that is true in the country side.
Some houses here are surrounded by large brick fences. We have a high chain link fence around our house with some grass thatch blocking the view in the back yard where the walking path goes by. There are iron gates marking off a little courtyard and car port where the laundry is hung somewhat privately.