Heritage and Ecology: Indigenous Microclimate Design for Community Architecture in Southern Senegal

Southern Senegal has long been recognized for its rich indigenous heritage, climate-responsive architecture, and strong community traditions. Vernacular settlements, constructed with locally available materials and passive environmental strategies, demonstrate a profound understanding of the relationship between people, culture, and nature. However, rapid urbanization, the widespread adoption of imported construction methods, and the impacts of climate change have gradually weakened this architectural identity and reduced the environmental performance of contemporary community buildings. This thesis explores the integration of indigenous microclimate knowledge with contemporary architectural design to create sustainable, climate-responsive community spaces. By reinterpreting traditional materials, passive cooling principles, and local spatial organization through modern technologies, the research proposes an architectural approach that reinforces cultural identity, enhances environmental resilience, and supports sustainable community development in Southern Senegal.NGUYỄN THỊ THANH DIỆU