UNIVERSITY OF BENIN (UGBOWO CAMPUS)

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

URBAN RENEWAL (ARC 408)

400 LEVEL

EIGBONOARE. JOE-SUNO.
MAT NO- ENV1905910
 URBAN RENEWAL
Urban renewal is a dynamic and multifaceted process that involves the strategic
transformation and revitalization of urban areas to address various challenges and promote
sustainable development. This comprehensive endeavour encompasses physical, social, and
economic dimensions with the overarching goal of enhancing the overall quality of life for
residents and fostering the creation of vibrant, resilient communities.
Urban renewal has been a controversial practice since its inception. Critics argue that it often
leads to the displacement of low-income residents, the destruction of historical
neighbourhoods and the creation of soulless and sterile environments. Proponents of urban
renewal argue that it is necessary to revitalise cities, and make them more competitive in the
global economy.

STRATEGIES FOR URBAN RENEWAL

These strategies include;
*Redevelopment Strategy of Urban Renewal:
this is a key strategy within urban renewal that involves the demolition and removal of
existing structures to make way for new development. The approach is typically used in areas
where the existing buildings are severely deteriorated outdated or incompatible with the
desired land use. These can range from small-scale infill developments to large-scale
master-planned communities. This has both positive and negative impacts on the residents
and area.
Positive impacts of redevelopment include; improved physical infrastructure, increased
economic activity, enhanced livability preserved historical character among others.
Negative impacts of redevelopment include; displacement, gentrification, loss of community
cohesion, etc.
*Rehabilitation Strategy of Urban Renewal:
this is a very crucial strategy in urban renewal, playing a vital role in preserving and
revitalizing existing structures and neighbourhoods. While redevelopment involves
demolishing and replacing deteriorated buildings, rehabilitation focuses on restoring and
enhancing the existing fabric of an area. This urban renewal strategy has both positive and
negative impacts on the people residing in the area and the area itself.
Positive impacts of rehabilitation include; preservation of cultural and historical
heritage, community empowerment identity, economic vitality and sustainable development,
diverse and livable neighbourhoods, reduced environmental impact compared to demolition
and new construction, potentials for job creation in construction, restoration and other related
industries, promotion of walkability and pedestrian-friendly environments, among others.
Negative impacts of rehabilitation include; potential for displacement of low-income
residents due to rising property values, increased cost of living in rehabilitated areas,
potential gentrification and homogenization of neighbourhoods, limited availability of
affordable options in rehabilitated areas, challenges in ensuring equitable distribution of
benefits from rehabilitated projects, potential loss of authenticity and character in historic
neighbourhoods due to over-renovation.
*Gentrification Strategy in Urban Renewal:
this is a process whereby affluent or wealthy people move into a neighbourhood and displace
the existing residents, typically low income minority residents as this will lead to loss of
cultural identity, increased in cost of living homogenization, etc.
Positive impacts of this strategy include; improved infrastructure and amenities,
increased safety/reduction in crime, economic revitalization among others.
Gentrification is often a gradual process and can take place over many years and also a
controversial issue in relation to urban renewal.
*Conservation Approach as a Strategy in Urban Renewal:
this approach emphasizes the preservation and revitalization of existing buildings,
neighbourhoods and cultural resources. It aims to balance the need for change and
development with the preservation of historic character and identity in urban areas. This
strategy also allows for new development. Ways of achieving this strategy include;
preservation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, public realm improvement, etc.
Positive impacts of this strategy include; preserving cultural heritage, enhancing
livability, promoting sustainability, etc.
Negative impacts include; displacement, gentrification, increased costs, etc.

Fig. 1.: Based on Sex

Sex Male Female Total
Number of Respondents 100 75 175

Percentage 57.1 42.9 100

Fig. 2.: Based on Age

Age (Years) Below 18 18-25 26-35 36-45 Above 45 Total

Number of 25 45 60 40 5 175
Respondents
Percentage 14.3 25.7 34.3 22.8 2.9 100

Fig. 3.: Based on Educational Status

 Educational No Formal Primary Secondary Tertiary Adult Total
Status Education Education Education Education Education
Number of 3 10 15 145 2 175
Respondents
Percentage 1.7 5.7 8.6 82.9 1.1 100

Fig. 4.: Based on Occupational Status

Occupational Civil Private Self Students Unemployed Farmers Traders Total
Status Servants Workers Employed
Number of 30 25 30 75 3 2 10 175
Respondents
Percentage 17.1 14.3 17.1 42.9 1.7 1.2 5.7 100

Fig. 5.: Based on Salary Level

Salary Level Below N 10,000 - N 51,000 - N 101,000 - Above Total
N10,000 N 50,000 N 100,000 N 500,000 N500,000
Number of 25 75 50 15 10 175
Respondents
Percentage 14.3 42.9 28.6 8.6 5.7 100

Fig. 6.: Based on Refuse/Waste Disposal

Refuse/Waste Open Burning Throwing Others Total
Disposal Dumpsite
Number of 90 40 30 15 175
Respondents
Percentage 51.4 22.9 17.1 8.6 100

*Redevelopment Strategy of Urban Renewal:

Why redevelopment strategy
I realized with my site visit that some houses were abandoned and blocking proper circulation
so I removed most of the abadonned buildings to proposed a better attempt by creating a
commercial facility or communual facility
 REHABILITATION OF EKOSODIN
*WHY REHABILITATION?
I choose rehabilitation for urban renewal to preserve community identity, minimize
environmental impact through sustainable resource use, and foster economic
revitalization through adaptive reuse. This strategy respects the existing fabric of
neighborhoods, mitigates gentrification risks, and encourages community
involvement. By balancing modernization with heritage preservation, rehabilitation
aligns with the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and a nuanced approach to
urban development

Upon my visit to Ekosodin, I observed several aspects in need of rehabilitation to enhance the
overall living conditions:

1. Many streets exhibit overgrown grass, requiring landscaping for a cleaner environment.
2. Many houses needed renovatoon.
3. The primary health care facility is subpar and requires upgrades to provide better
healthcare services.
4. Market facilities are in poor condition and need rehabilitation for improved functionality.
5. Residential buildings vary in condition; some require renovation for better living
conditions.
6. The area is highly susceptible to erosion, requiring protective measures for environmental
sustainability.
7. Roads are in a state of disrepair and necessitate reconstruction for safe and efficient
transportation.
8. Proper public dumpsters are lacking, prompting the need for waste management
infrastructure.
9. Street lighting is insufficient, requiring installation to enhance safety and security.
10. There are available lands suitable for green parks or small amusement parks, offering
opportunities for community enhancement and recreational spaces.
Image showing bad roads

Image showing houses that needed to be demolished

Houses that needs to be removed