African Americans have made contributions to American architecture long before they were considered architects and the porch is one of many relics that remind us of just that.
There have been numerous studies on the origin of this architectural fixture. Most analyses and research lead us to believe that the concept of this bridgeway that connects the interior and exterior of a home originated in Equatorial Africa.
Although its initial intention was to provide shelter, with technological advancements and ever-changing architectural trends, it has since evolved into a meeting place for residents and the community at large. This element is also used to showcase the decorative details of the structure’s architectural style.
In a New York Times article, community members in Detroit share the various roles porches play in their lives both physically and symbolically. For some, it is a place to gather and share stories, while for others it serves as a sign of success. All in all, it is apparent that this simple fixture bears a huge weight within African American culture. To read their testimonies in full, click here .
As a collaborator on projects located in historically black neighborhoods in Seattle and Tacoma, we engage with community members and consultants and have found that our clients share similar sentiments to those mentioned in the article. In response, we have prioritized the inclusion of this element in our designs not only for its function but also due to its cultural significance.
Overall, we are grateful for the opportunity to have a hand in the process of preserving the presence of African American culture in both the Hilltop and the Central District and look forward to more opportunities to continue our mission to create spaces that are culturally relevant to their environment.