Includes CD

Includes references(94-102 p.)

'ABSTRACT Classicism in architecture has always been associated with power, strength, stability, wealth and democracy amongst others. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, there has been a visible shift in the design of residential buildings in Nigeria. These new designs tend to be oriented towards the neo classicist movement producing a new eclectic architectural landscape for the country. As Nigeria has a prior history with classicism from the pre-colonial era till independence when the new indigenous government choose a new style so as to distance itself from the previous colonial administration, the aim of this research is to study this new trend with the two cities of Lagos and Abuja (Federal Capital Territory) serving as case studies in order to determine whether any link exists between the present day trend and that practised from the pre-colonial era. The research will be a qualitative analysis of literature review of mainly prior written works on classicism in architecture, the history and evolution of Nigerian residential architecture with special emphasis on classicism in Nigerian architecture. The Results and findings of these case studies suggest or allude to the fact that a link does exist between the trends of classicism practised in the country particularly in the city of Lagos which have a prior extensive history with classicism. With Abuja however the link is purely to enhance the financial and social significance of the residence, showing the wealth and power of the occupant.'