Local innovations Architecture of Madagascar

typical brick houses columns , west-facing veranda, near antananarivo

in 1867, restrictions relaxed on aristocracy s use of stone , brick building materials, before restrictions on construction abolished in 1869 queen ranavalona ii, had commissioned jean laborde in 1860 encase exterior of wooden palace @ rova in stone. building took final form in 1872 after james cameron added stone towers each corner of palace. queen converted christianity in 1869 , same year london missionary society commissioned james cameron construct private home missionaries. drew inspiration work of gros , laborde develop multi-story wooden house veranda , columns. model exploded in popularity throughout antananarivo , surrounding areas architectural style aristocracy, had point continued inhabit simple homes similar wooden palace of andrianampoinimerina @ ambohimanga. these newly favored brick houses featured shortened tandrotrano , elaborately carved verandas. these homes can naturally range in color deep red white depending on characteristics of earth used in construction.

trano gasy: in rural areas, simplified brick houses retain 2 stories may lose veranda , obscure supporting columns

over time, , particularly colonization of madagascar french, these earthen houses (known trano gasy – malagasy house ) underwent constant evolution. simplest form of earthen house 1 or more stories tall, rectangular, , features thatched roof overhanging eaves direct rain away foundation , thereby prevent erosion. wealthier families replace thatch clay roofing tiles , construct veranda on west face of building supported 4 slender equidistant columns; design more effective @ protecting building s foundations eroding effects of rainfall. further expansion entails enclosure of western veranda in wood , construction of open veranda on eastern face of building, , forth, leading wrap-around verandas, connection of 2 separate buildings covered passage, incorporation of french wrought-iron grills or glass panels verandas, application of painted concrete on brick surface , other innovations. in suburban , rural zones, ground floor of trano gasy reserved pen livestock, while family inhabits upper floors. entrance typically faces west; kitchen south, while family sleeps in northern part of building. configuration consistent seen in traditional zafimaniry houses , reflects traditional cosmology.