Thesis (MArch) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Architecture Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 162-167)

ABSTRACT
The contemporary pressures of modernization and western influence are having a
significant influence impact on the vernacular architecture of several regions around
the world. Many countries in recent times have seemingly put modernization as their
ultimate goal at the expense of their cultural and traditional heritages in the pursuit of
catching up with other developed countries. The necessities of the modern lifestyle
have led to the transformation of major cities into metropolitan areas and turning their
vernacular lifestyle into modern ones.
Nigeria, a country with diverse ethnic groups expressing different cultural and
traditional practices as well as architecture is not left out in one of the countries that
have been deeply affected by modernization which was brought about by colonization.
Most Nigerian societies have consciously adopted many aspects of the western way of
life. The vernacular architecture of the Hausa society located in the northern region of
the country has been subjected to a state rapid depreciation as a result of negligence
which can be seen in Hausa cities, as most buildings reflect western culture and
identity.
To this end, this thesis discusses the integration of vernacular principles in
contemporary designs by reviewing various approaches of integrating tradition in three
(3) architectural movements: neo-vernacularism, critical regionalism and new classical
architecture that support the relationship between architecture and its local
environment and socio-cultural principles. Secondly, it analyses contemporary cases
of buildings related with integrating tradition around the world that have encountered
the same challenges and have successfully been integrated into their contemporary
built environments based on the themes of context, culture, geography, time,
technology, local vs global, stylistic architecture, and identity which are established
based on Kenneth Frampton’s five points of resistance.
This thesis reveals that the new developments in Hausa recent architecture may be
built on recovering the environment through integration as well as modifying cultural
and ecological concepts specific to the Hausa region to ensure an appropriate balance
and coexistence between Hausa vernacular architecture and the new developments
brought about by modernization.
Keywords: Hausa Vernacular Architecture, Hausa Region, Integration, Vernacular
Architecture.