ARC 316: TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE

Nigerian Traditional Architecture (NTA) 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 the available local
building materials-this ...

The characteristics of traditional architecture used by architects and builders includes a

commitment to maintaining a link to the past styles of building, reuse of materials or designing
homes and building to stay consistent with the overall building design of the area. Traditional
architecture is that way of building which makes serious use of the familiar symbolic forms of a
particular culture of a particular people in a particular place.

The first was physical, comprising climate and materials available in the locale; the
second was cultural, comprising religious, individual and social attitudes. A basic characteristic
of traditional architecture is that it evolves over a long period of time. Architecture is a product
of the culture that it was designed for. ... And architects, being inherent problem solvers,
typically seek to design spaces for the times and the people who will use them.

Traditional style homes, not surprisingly, are usually made of traditional materials. Brick,
wood, plaster, stucco, and stone are very common. Modern design takes advantage of new and
more technologically advanced materials. Modern homes may be found made of concrete,
reinforced steel or even plastic.

Traditional buildings across Nigeria's geographical zones are known to have ... factors
such as climate and available building materials defined the nature ... inherent characteristics of
the merging architectural form in this part of Nigeria ...

Form refers to the shape or configuration of a building. Form and its opposite, space,
constitute primary elements of architecture. ... Just as internal space is created by voids in
building form, exterior space can be defined or poorly defined by the building form as well.

Though these styles differ in origin, traditional homes tend to have several common
features. These features include large, open porches with overhanging beams and rafters,
dormers, and a tall, pointed roof with one or more gables. They use traditional building materials
such as brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone.

traditional architecture, in cognizance of local materials, method of ... and functions of housing
vary with people customs and culture, as an aftermath of what the ... development of Hausa
traditional architecture of the Northern part of Nigeria.
 Architecture of Nigeria was historically influenced by environmental conditions as well
as social ... Traditional Yoruba architectural forms can be seen hollow squares or circles and a
unit can be viewed as a compound consisting of various ... These style was later adapted in many
parts of the country and within West Africa.

Traditional Construction

Foundations are laid, walls are built, roofs are added and then the interior of the building
begins to be created. Finally, before being handed over to the customer, the snag-list is drawn up
and tackled – all those small issues and tasks that need addressing.

Function can refer to intended uses and activities. In short, this is what architects call
program. It is the human side of function, operating from the inside out. Omrania's design
process begins with listening to the needs of each client.

'Traditional building' is a similarly loose term, but such buildings are usually ... beginning
of the 20th century when new materials and building techniques started to appear ... NB Energy
Efficiency and Historic Buildings, Application of Part L of the Building Regulations to Historic
and ... Form follows function.

Key words: Architecture, forms, housing, modern, traditional, values. ... national
architecture, there exists architecture of specific functions. Consequently, the Chinese pyramidal
cake form is a depiction of ... shape, appearance, location or material components but ... factors
such as building materials, techniques and skills.

Architecture, the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the
skills ... If the function is chiefly utilitarian, as in a factory, communication is of less importance.
... Traditional house in Botswana. ... This is because the distribution of wealth and power is
widespread in parts of the world where ...

One tends to suppose that vernacular architecture is a kind of traditional ... and rejecting
historical precedents and traditional methods of building (Ching et al., 2011, ... with the function
of the space, and the treatment of the cantilevered part,  ...

In terms of methodology, the unifying approach—regardless of type, date, ... sources also
play an important role in the study of vernacular architecture, ... Vernacular architecture
scholarship on other parts of the world is more ...
The factors that influence the Nigerian Traditional Architecture (NTA) can be grouped
into three as follows:

 Physical factors to which belongs climate, vegetation, geology (soil and mud)
 Socio-cultural factors to which belongs socio-cultural institutions and traditional
religions.

FACTORS INFLUENCING TRAD ARCH

Below are some of the things that an architect might think about first before making the
final draft.

Geography, Climate, and Commercial Stair Design. The geography of a place is an

essential factor in architecture. ...
Religion, Technology, and Culture. ...

Imagination and style

WHAT ARE IBO HOUSES MADE OF?

Mud is the basic material that IBO traditional builders used in constructing their houses.
Mud as a building material is a mixture of Clay, Sand and Silt.

TRADITIONAL HOUSES IN NIGERIA

Traditional houses in Nigeria are built with: Mud, wood, straw, palm fronds and raffia
matting. The straw and mats are made from raffia palm leaves commonly used for roofing in the
south, and in some northern communities.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF TRAD ARCHITECTURE?

First is the physical, comprising climate and materials available in the location. Second
are cultural, comprising religious, individual and social attitudes. A basic characteristics of
traditional architecture, it evolves of a long period of time.

What Is Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is referred to as green architecture or environmental architecture.

It challenges architects to produce smart designs and use available technologies to ensure that
structures generate minimal harmful effects to the ecosystem and the communities. Sustainable
design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of
building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of
sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create
healthy, productive environments.
What Are The 6 R’s of Sustainability?

Rethink, Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, Repair: these are all useful terms to
explore reducing the impact of technology on people and environment.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, and rethink are standards for sustainable living….. minimizing
the amount of waste, you create and bring about a more sustainable environment for future
generations. Rethink before throwing away any item you think is broken, worn out or is no
longer wanted.

Characteristics of Traditional Architecture

Traditional architecture takes into account the styles that were popular to a region or
area. The characteristics of traditional architecture used by architects and builders includes a
commitment to maintaining a link to the past styles of building, reuse of materials or designing
homes and building to stay consistent with the overall building design of the area. This creates a
sense of continuity and connection to the past, which helps the area maintains its traditional look
and feel for the residents of the community.

Where Traditional Architecture Emanates

Homes that were built in older communities create the standard for what a traditional
architect seeks to maintain. Particularly those communities that are well over a century or
centuries old, the homes and buildings that are constructed establish the tradition from which
traditional architecture seeks to maintain. The structure of doors, windows, building heights and
roofing elements are carried forward in new construction, tying the present to the past and
maintaining a community’s tradition.

The Importance of Traditional Architecture

Traditional architecture is important because it maintains our link to the past. It is this
link to the past that keeps us latched to the traditional buildings and styles that can be
incorporated into other building designs. Utilizing traditional architecture styles and elements
when building provides residents with a sense of calm and consistency throughout their
community without a wild departure from their traditions and heritage.

What Constitutes Traditional Architecture

A main component of a traditional architecture style is the way in which the past building
styles and present are merged together, creating a seamless transition. With traditional
architecture, much difference is paid to the materials used in a building and how they function
and work. Traditional style does not depart from the norm in the way that contemporary
architecture does nor is it rigidly devout to form and function as in the case of modern
architecture. Traditional architecture is an older way of building homes and buildings that stands
the test of time and continues its link to the past, moved forward.

Can Contemporary Architecture Be Traditional Architecture?

The question as to whether contemporary architecture design can be traditional

architecture depends on the community itself. Traditional architecture is based on the
community’s building standards and traditions. In a new community that is based solely on
contemporary design then the question as to whether contemporary architecture can be
traditional architecture is answered with a yes. In this example, the traditions set by the
contemporary architecture are the traditional architecture for the community. What dictates
traditional architecture is not necessarily what is built but how it is built and how that design and
build has withstood the test of time and been carried through in other building throughout the
community.

You can find examples of traditional architecture in your community or by traveling

outside your area to find communities that have adopted consistent design features in their
building structures.

Characteristics of Good Architecture

 Durability – It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.

 Utility – It should be useful and function well for the people using it.
 Beauty – It should delight people and raise their spirits.

What are the basic principles of architecture?

While architectural design is a creative endeavor that comes primarily from the
imagination of its creator, certain principles of order can be used to create a more cohesive
design. These 6 ordering principles include axis, symmetry, hierarchy, datum, rhythm,
repetition, and transformation.

What is the difference between traditional and contemporary?

The difference between a traditionally designed house and contemporary one is a

matter of taste. Traditional residences are influenced by more historic styles like Victorian,
Spanish, Colonial, or Neoclassical, while contemporary homes are fashioned from modern 20th
Century architecture.

What is the difference between traditional and contemporary aboriginal art?

There are certain differences between the traditional aboriginal painting and
contemporary Aboriginal painting. Contemporary artists use a wide variety of materials and
techniques. Conversely, traditional artists use a limited number of materials. Contemporary
artists also use the materials used by traditional artists.
What are five factors that influence architectural design?

Below are some of the things that an architect might think about first before making the
final draft.
 Geography, Climate, and Commercial Stair Design. The geography of a place is an essential
factor in architecture. ...
 Religion, Technology, and Culture. ...
 Imagination and Style

What are the factors affecting design?

 Factors affecting product design. There are several factors that affect the design of a
product. ...
 Customer requirements. The end users or customers are the ones that would leverage the
product. ...
 Facilities for the operators. ...
 Functionality. ...
 Cost Ratio. ...
 Quality of product. ...
 Capability of process. ...
 Material requirements.

What are the four factors of design?

The four resultant product design dimensions are affective, cognitive, ergonomic and reflective.

7 Factors Influencing the Selection of Building Materials

 Type of Structure.
 Performance Requirements.
 Cost- Effectiveness.
 Building Materials Availability.
 Climate.
 Aesthetic Reasons.
 Environmental Reasons.

The following are some factors that one should consider while deciding construction
materials:

 Cost. When looking for various construction materials, one will realize that the rate
varies extensively. ...
 Climate. ...
 Durability. ...
 Availability. ...
  Sustainability. ...
 Maintenance. ...
 Aesthetic Appeal. ...
 Performance.

The factors that influence the Nigerian Traditional Architecture (NTA) can be grouped into three
as follows:

 Physical factors to which belongs climate, vegetation, geology (soil and mud).
 Socio-cultural factors to which belongs socio-cultural institutions and traditional
religions.
 Historic-political and economic factors to which belongs politics, inter-tribal wars, slave
trade, economic and leisure.

Despite the difference in the characteristics in these factors across the five regions of
NTA, there are some basic similarities in the resulting architecture across them, some of which
are outlined below:

i. Architectural spaces were seen as a three dimensional art which of course call for
treatment of spaces as one organic unit especially in finishes, construction technology, in
aesthetic appreciation as well as in the evaluation of architectural space

ii. Rhythm in architectural composition as in Nigerian Traditional Music, fine arts, drama,
literature and others; reached high professional level and cannot be overbooked in any of
the regional architecture.

iii. The construction technology reached a high technological perfection in the face of the
available simple tools and fragile building materials.
iv.
v. The monumentality of architectural complexes (especially of the palaces and other
administrative/communal objects) is common in all the 5 Regional Traditional
Architecture (RTA).
vi.
vii. Courtyards system played a major role in the formation of urban forms as well as the
architectural features of NTA that cut across. Generally, rooms or huts constitutes the
basic residential units in any traditional setting which are often arranged around a central
area which may vary in shape, size and characteristics. Open courtyard or numbers of
courtyards in large compounds like the chiefly residences (palaces and large extended
family units linked together by passages). Functionally, the space serves as group
activities meeting points.
viii.
ix. Filter space that separates the residential from the street, the road or external
neighborhood square seems to be a dominant feature. Concept of universality in NTA. In
the North, the filter constitutes a reception hall (Zaure) where strangers are received,
entertained and some business transaction may take place. In the South West, Mid-West
and East, a wide veranda or portico (replacing the Zaure of the North); which was often
raised above the street level in front of the geometric center of this portico. But in the
Middle Belt, the gate house constitutes the sieving element and in an asymmetrically
conceived design, the entrance passage is punched in through the fence wall separating
the outside from the inside provides the sieve.
x.
xi. The nature and organization of living spaces (bedrooms, sitting room and parlors) across
the regions have many things in common. Generally, the nature, spatial organization and
relationships to the rest of the dwellings exhibit a great deal of variability. In the South
West and Mid-West, the room and parlor is the commonest template used in creating
private living spaces. If the outer rooms (often open to the courtyard or the veranda)
serves as sleeping rooms for children and visitors; then the inner rooms usually without
exterior doorway are used as bedrooms. While in the Middle Belt, the living units are
usually isolated round huts unattached to other buildings, though they may be linked by
walls or fences that define the compound enclosure. Then in the North, living spaces
maybe single rectangular shaped rooms or like the room and parlor in the South West
while the living spaces may sometimes be circular in form.
xii.
xiii. Service spaces such as kitchen, storage, bathrooms, animal pens and granaries are
common to all the regions. Pit toilet screened off by a wall form the rest of the courtyard
is common in the North while the kitchen may be separated from the main buildings in
the South West, Mid-West and East.
xiv.
xv. In all the regions, the samples are given way in all the urban areas gradually which justify
MOTNA (Monument of Traditional Nigerian Architecture in Jos) preservation efforts as
these endangered species needs to be preserved.