Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence

Tropical Modernism was developed by British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry in the 1940s who traveled to non-Western states implementing their structural designs to suit these hot and humid climates. Although the buildings were meant to enhance living environments, the pair’s effort to influence these region’s architecture perpetuated colonialism in the post WWII era. However, with time, the style was openly adopted by West African and India locals, and reclaimed as an anti-colonialist movement in both places.

Christopher Turner, the curator of the V&A Museum’s Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence described their intentions for the arrangement: “We deliberately set out to complicate the history of Tropical Modernism by looking at the architecture against the anti-colonial struggle of the time, and by engaging with and centring South Asian and West African perspectives.”

Some notable elements of Tropical Modernism include brise soleils and concrete screens in the form of decorative, geometrical patterns that allow for air to enter a building and cool it off while also blocking out sunlight. Wide eaves are used on the side of roofs to block sunlight and limit intense interior heat. Louvres are also a design structure composed of slats that enable natural ventilation while shielding sunlight and rain. As climate change remains an ensuing issue, these innovative designs, which do not require energy, can be incorporated into current architecture to help mitigate the effects of increased temperatures across the globe. The V&A exhibit not only highlights the beauty of this style and its purpose in the field of architecture, but it also works to unfold the history of Tropical Modernism and its cultural transformation in India and the Gold Coast.

When introduced in Africa, some of the notable buildings created were schools — models of these buildings are incorporated into V&A’s exposition. During this, Africa was forging a path to independence from British dominance. Ghana’s Prime minister, Kwame Nkrumah, was part of the national independence movement and fully embraced Tropical Modernism as a form of transformation for the African people. The architectural style was used as a tool for an emerging and innovative Ghana to be presented to the world. Nkrumah saw this as an opportunity to Africanize the architectural profession and it gave rise to prominent African architects.

The Kennsington exhibit features African architects like Theodore Shealtiel Clerk and Peter Turkson, who played a large role in the development of this style in Ghana. One piece of the display, Hidden Figures, incorporates models of intricate geometric buildings created by these prominent designers who are just now being recognized for their contribution to the field. Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence also tells the story of Indian architects who contributed to the industry in the 1950s, during a time when Western design and art were the dominant influence.

This six-month display serves as an acknowledgement of post-war colonialism, remembrance of non-European visionaries and a guide for future designs in the world of architecture.