Representation and Materialization of Architecture and Space in Zimbabwe : Between National Icons and Dispositifs

This volume is an empirical study examining the extent to which historic and iconic architecture and spaces in Zimbabwe - particularly in urban areas - have been mobilized to construct and reconstruct identities. The author explores the question of traditional and political architecture through analysis of a variety of structures, including monuments, museums, and indigenous and state buildings. Special attention is paid to the soapstone-carved Zimbabwe Bird, which for years has served as the national emblem. Overall, this book argues that while the production and use of architectural products and spaces have been regarded symbols of collective identity, they have also served as expressions of power and control. Acknowledgements Contents About the Author Abbreviations and Acronyms List of Figures List of Tables Chapter 1: Setting the Tone Take-Off Theoretical Mapping Methodological Terrain Motivation and Justification Layout of the Book References Chapter 2: Framing Iconic Architecture: Context and Dimensions Introduction Iconic and Historic Architecture The Power of Architecture and Architecture of Power Between Iconicity and Elitism Iconic Architecture and Non-elite Publics Conclusion References Chapter 3: Materiality, Architectural Re-figuration and Identity Introduction Architectural and Spatial Re-figuration: Place Naming and Name Making Architecture and Identity Conclusion References Chapter 4: Museums, Monuments and Statues: A Critical Review Introduction The Great Zimbabwe The Zimbabwe Bird: “Sovereign” Architecture The National Heroes’ Acre: The “Bridge” That Connects and Separates Statues and Inscriptions of Identities Community Museums and Monuments Illusion of Collective Memorialization Conclusion References Chapter 5: Deconstructing Iconic and Historicist State Buildings Introduction State Personality and Architectural Representation Decolonial Toponyms and Spatial Re-figuration The Post-modern Turn Accessibility Enhancement Conclusion References Chapter 6: Inside Indigeneity and Iconicity: The African Traditional Hut Introduction Framing African Traditional Hut The Many Faces of the Hut Materiality and Identity Formation Conclusion References Chapter 7: Urban Informality: Sponsored or Agentive Materialization? Introduction Framing “Autogestive Informality” Methodological Orientation Drivers of Urban Informality Discourses of Political Survival State Fragility and Institutionalized Corruption Sponsored or Agentive Informality Wicked and Fungible Materialization Conclusion References Chapter 8: Gender, Architecture and Space Introduction Gendering Architecture and Space: The Connections Gendered Representation and Materialization Women, Architecture and Space Conclusion References Chapter 9: Reflection and Conclusion Overview Chapter Snippets Representation, Materialization and Power: The Intersections Revisiting the Iconograghy-Dispositif Debate Conceptual Reflection and Research Implications References Index This volume is an empirical study examining the extent to which historic and iconic architecture and spaces in Zimbabwe - particularly in urban areas - have been mobilized to construct and reconstruct identities. The author explores the question of traditional and political architecture through analysis of a variety of structures, including monuments, museums, and indigenous and state buildings. Special attention is paid to the Zimbabwe Bird, which for years has served as the national emblem of the country. Overall, this book argues that while the production and use of architectural products and spaces have been regarded symbols of collective identity, they have also served as expressions of power and control.