Significance of Special Concept on Traditional Architecture of the Hausas in Nigeria (Published)
This paper looked at the significance of special concepts on Traditional Architecture of the Hausas in Nigeria. Traditional architecture may be defined as an inherited art and science from the past generation in the area of planning and designing with consideration to the provision of spaces for the individual and public interest and the construction of buildings with available local building materials. The aim of this study was to conduct exploratory research on the significance of special concepts of traditional architecture of the Hausas in Nigeria, and specific objectives were used to identify and examine these concepts and their importance and how they have influenced the use of traditional building materials, technology deployed and their consequence on traditional architecture of the Hausas in Nigeria. The study critically reviewed existing literatures on traditional architecture and explores the key importance relating to the concept of Hausa traditional architecture. In addition, the research identified the factors that contribute to the concept of Hausa traditional architecture. The study concluded with a recommendation to all professionals in the built environment to embrace and adapt traditional architecture in their design provisions and execution to give identifiable character. It will be sad if our traditional building styles and construction techniques disappear from the universe. The gains derived from our local methods and materials are enormous and need to be propagated, while any inadequacies associated with the traditional approach can be improved.
Keywords: Building Materials, Traditional Architecture, calligraphy, decoration, walled compounds
The Impact of Rainfall on The Conservation of Traditional Nigerian Heritage Buildings: A Case Study of the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), Jos (Published)
Advancements in building construction technology and the advent of foreign materials that came with Nigeria’s colonial and post-colonial periods led to the mass abandonment of traditional buildings for a “contemporary” option. The need to preserve the nation’s architectural heritage led to the establishment of the Museum of Traditional Architecture (MOTNA). Within the museum are life-size replicas of various traditional buildings across the country. Studies, observations, and documentaries reveal how the longevity and functionality of indigenous Nigerian buildings have been altered by weather elements such as precipitation and relative humidity. This study investigates the impact rainfall has on the conservation of traditional heritage buildings over time. Four buildings that together represent the bioclimatic zones in Nigeria were selected through purposeful sampling. Heritage buildings were investigated through the case study/observation method. The studies revealed that all heritage buildings were significantly affected by the effects of rainfall due to their design morphology and material usage. The investigation concluded that the conservation of Nigerian traditional heritage buildings can be unusually challenging. This is because most local building materials are susceptible to the effects of rainfall and require frequent replacement, which might be against conservation laws.
Citation: Mela I. and Cao Y. (2023) The Impact of Rainfall on The Conservation of Traditional Nigerian Heritage Buildings: A Case Study of the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), Jos, British Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol.11, No.1, pp.,11-33
Keywords: Conservation, Preservation, Rainfall, Traditional Architecture, heritage buildings