Author/photographer Bibi Jordan was recently awarded a certificate of “special recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community” by Congresswoman Diane E. Watson for the publication of her recent book, “Swahili Chic: the Feng Shui of Africa.” The book chronicles the history and style of East Africa’s 2,000-year-old fusion style that blends East and West with African and Arabian influences. Released this summer by Random House, the book was launched with a photo exhibit at the Culver City’s L.A. Contemporary Art Gallery, which will host another book-signing later this month in commemoration of Jordan’s award.
Jordan’s book highlights the coral architecture of East Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites-Lamu in northern Kenya and Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania. The purpose of Jordan’s book is to present the culture and history of East Africa in an accessible manner that will reach a broad audience. It also explains the distinctive Swahili school of architecture, which Jordan said is the world’s first true fusion style, as it combines East and West with African and Arabian influences.
Jordan also received a letter from Kenyan Ambassador Peter Ogega in which he applauded Jordan for being “a great friend of Kenya,” and praised her book as being “a work of art” and “an extraordinary look into the architecture, design, and décor of Kenya’s coastal communities.”