Integration of Hausa Traditional Architecture in the Development of Abuja: A Methodological Approach (Published)
Citation: Tanimu Adamu Jatau Noma, Ali F. Bakr and Zeyad M. El Sayad (2022) Integration of Hausa Traditional Architecture in the Development of Abuja: A Methodological Approach, International Journal of African Society, Cultures and Traditions, Vol.10, No.1, pp.27-38,
Abstract: The development of urban areas is a discourse that has been on-going particularly in Abuja, Nigeria where different modern styles of architecture have emerged in recent years. Yet little is done in the adoption of traditional architecture into the present needs. Therefore, this paper presents the potentials of Hausa traditional architecture, in terms of how architecture still adopts to the various impacts of modernization. A literature-based discourse is pursued in this study. The main keywords are expanded to argue the adaptation of Hausa traditional architectural styles into the present need for development in urban areas. Findings here suggests traditional architecture adapts better to the present developmental needs and the local materials used are less expensive, durable, cost effective. Furthermore, the findings are expected to spur developers as well as the different development control agencies particularly in Abuja to develop models for infrastructural developments. It ends with a discourse that integrates Hausa traditional architecture with urban development.
Keywords: Abuja, Architecture, Hausa, Integration, Traditional, Urban
“DEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF HAUSA HOUSE FORM” (Published)
Traditional buildings across Nigeria’s geographical zones are known to have demonstrated a thorough response to the climate, local technology and socio-economic milieu in which they evolved. The origin of these different traditional building body associates with the natural materials availability to the local builders as well as religious belief, cultural and taboos. The advent of colonialism in Nigeria changed the traditional life and culture of Nigerian which creates a weak connection between traditional architecture and contemporary architecture in Nigeria. Most recent buildings designs across Hausa regions in Nigeria have been built with imported materials and the construction techniques tailored to satisfy the modernity self-ego and aspirations. Thus, traditional architecture ought not to be abandoned and forgotten, hence; experts’ awareness should be tailored to the understanding of its original essence. This paper through intensive literature review of documents, journals, books, periodical, seminar papers amongst others critically explore the key importance relating to the development of Hausa traditional architecture. In addition, paper identifies the “determinant” and “moderating” factors as main issues that contributed to the development of Hausa traditional architecture, in cognizance of local materials, method of construction, methods lay-out, social, cultural factors, and environmental factors amongst others. The enumerated factors dominate the colonial periods and the subsequent traditional forms development. Thus, the paper concludes that despite the impact of modernization in terms of styles, materials, and method of construction in recent times, the professionals, designers and the researchers should be cognizance of the social- cultural and religious beliefs of clients/users. It is recommended that, for functional architectural forms, efforts should be geared towards harmonizing the traditional and modern contemporary designs concepts
Keywords: Culture, Hausa, Traditional Architecture, determinant factors, moderating factors