How has housing changed in Sub-Saharan Africa since the first Europeans set foot on the continent? Why don't Africans live in their traditional homes any longer? This historical evolution from hut to house, from traditional abode to Western-style house, considers the consequences of slavery, colonialism, and other social influences, with a focus on the Central African country of Cameroon, known as Africa in Miniature because of its geographical and cultural representation of the continent at large.

Descriptions of architectural styles, layouts, materials, and construction techniques are woven into a discussion of the larger historical and cultural context, examining how lifestyle changes and architectural trends influence one another. Readers will come away with a rich understanding of the challenges and opportunities for a new generation of African architects to integrate the lessons of the past and create a future most responsive to the needs of the region.