The Architectural morphology : narratives of the elders of Dagoretti

Abstract

Architectural morphologies reflect the socio-political, cultural, and economic influences of their time and place. The illustration used is Dagoretti, Kenya, in the 1950s. This period, marked by the end of colonial rule, was traumatic for the people of Dagoretti, who suffered under the hegemony of the colonialists and their local collaborators. The painful experiences of this era remain largely unrecognized, hindering healing and reconciliation. The text raises questions about the nature of "official history" and whether an untold, unofficial history exists among the ordinary people of Dagoretti. It suggests that architectural expressions and human settlements, shaped by these socio-political forces, might provide insight into this counter-history. Through discussions with those who lived through the state of emergency, the paper seeks to understand how these individuals coped, whether they healed, and how their architectural expressions have evolved. It suggests that these counter-narratives might challenge official histories, which often reinforce subjugation and servitude, and could be key to achieving true liberation and positive change.