UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE-BASED EXPERIENCES ON URBAN HOUSING FABRIC: EXAMPLE OF THE IGBO AREA OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Housing in Africa before colonization reflects the culture and tradition of the region and people. Today, due to globalization; acclimatization, which is the effect of colonization, housing patterns and forms in Igbo land has been transformed into something similar to those of the western world. This transformation in building pattern has impacted on the urban housing fabric. The Igbo’s are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria that believe in their culture and identity. These cultural values and identity are reflected in their housing forms and choice. This study focuses on the developmental trends of housing forms in Igbo cities of Nigeria, as well as the culture-based experiences that had shaped and formed their evolution over time. Drawing on extensive review of published literature, this research reveals that social changes, especially the shift from traditional community and family values to more western ways of life, have had variegated impact on buildings and housing fabric in Igbo land. This study argues that to understand these housing fabrics and how they are influenced by Igbo ontology requires an understanding of the Igbo worldview that fuels their development, as such world view have a different conception from Western notion of architecture. The study concludes that the application form of Igbo housing in Nigeria suggests that using modern house form in conjunction with traditional style could greatly improve aspects of security, comfort, and convenience. However, professional urban planning practices in Nigeria have shown little interest in what people think or feel about places they reside, and how they live especially in the South-east, Nigeria. Therefore, this study recommends that local building materials as well as traditional values and styles, which appeal to the cultural and climatic needs of specific region, should be identified and utilized in residential development of the region.

Keywords: Urban Housing, Culture-based Experience, Values, Residential Living, Igbo Nation