ADOPTING HAUSA TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE FOR AFFORDABLE MASS HOUSING IN NASARAWA STATE

ABSTRACT

This research is a study of the Residential aspect of Traditional Hausa Architecture. The features in planning, building material, building methods and how they relate to the users in the context of Hausa traditional living style. The study discusses the traditional domestic houses of the Hausa people and transformation through time, and the features that affected such transformation. The study aims at providing solution to affordability of Housing in

Nasarawa State, which was done through the use of existing literature. Traditional and Contemporary building materials and techniques both have great features, but when focused on a particular feature one tends to exceed the other. The research concludes that putting together alternative building techniques and building materials will be helpful in achieving a design of an affordable housing scheme. The study has been used in the design of a Proposed Isolation Center for Nasarawa state government, where alternative building materials and techniques were used.

1                                         CHAPTER ONE

1.1       INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Culture is the way people live. It can also be the way and manner people interact, share common ideas, values within a society. It identifies the way people lived in the past and the manner they conduct themselves at present in the community and in diversity (Nwankpa, 2007, p136-138). Akenzua II, Oba of Benin (1976), in attesting to the long period of existence and practices of culture by people in Nigeria, stated that;

“All people in all ages have had culture. For Nigerians, our culture has spanned over 2000 years. It is one thing to live a culture; it is another to study and analyze it. As time passes and old customs die away, it is the study that enshrines the heritage. The dresses they put, their festival activities, the houses they build, the food they eat, and the way they interact within and among themselves and with other people are the reflection of their identity”. The people of Nasarawa state have over the years exhibited great pride in the antiquities of their culture and cultural display notably the characteristic of which was showcased greatly in privacy, aesthetics, security and ventilations.

The effort is intended to reflect and explore the relevance of Hausa rich cultural heritage traced through the history of traditional buildings in the region. The techniques and construction in recent years has been facing challenges which calls for urgent attention in terms of provision and incorporation of courtyards, increased planning, provision of sound structure and befitting design that integrates cultural identity of the community. These factors were believed to boost the health, cultural and aesthetic potentials of the community and the state at large.

Hausa architecture however, has been recognized to be unique in many respects; its construction techniques, (Daldy, 1945, Moody 1967, Moughtin, 1985), its wall decoration, Kirk Green (1964), and its architectural elements Prussin (1976 & 1986). However, in the true tradition of the dominant paradigm, the architecture of the Hausas under study is in the form of palaces, mosques, Dmochowski (1990), and a few houses of the affluent merchants and administrators, Foyle (1951 & 1952). But the bulk of the Hausa built environment is, and for long has been, composed of ordinary domestic houses that accommodate the citizens of its cities and hamlets. This work aims to study the transformation in Hausa residential architecture. It will specifically be concerned with affordable Hausa domestic architecture as found in the older parts of Nasarawa state.

(Oumar, 1997) notes that, one could say with little fear of contradiction that the ordinary houses of the Hausas have not been studied in depth. For this, little can be said about their architectural layouts, much less on their socio-cultural dispositions. One would find it hard to make any definite statement about, for example, the generic and the differential forms of actual houses, as opposed to prototypes. Again, not much is said about the way real Hausa houses are lived, perceived and related to by the inhabitants,

However, past researches revealed that Historical transformation or changes in concept and styles dates back to the renaissance period in Mid 18th century, when architects questioned the ‘classical cannons of Vitruvious’. By 1747, there was a split between engineering and architecture in Paris. This was considered as a decentralized mode of cultural resistance which was referred to as “regionalism”. Between 1750 and 1990 there was a sudden increase in man’s capacity to exercise control over nature. This awareness gave birth to new classical styles, which was recorded as part of the ‘cultural and territorial transformation’. However, international quest for discovery of new facts and materials has always been in existence, as it was evident in the cultural, territorial and technical transformation which metamorphosed into what was then termed “Modern Architecture” at the Bauhaus (1919-1932). This trend set researchers in ‘motion’ in search of new ideas. Such notable architects include: Walter Gropious (1887-1931), Frank Lloyd Wright (18671959). Louis Sullivan, (1886-1895). Hasan Fathy of Egypt. (1920-1980). Other, notable architects who contributed their styles, ideas to changes in concepts and materials include “Le-Corbusier” who employed stone, wood and concrete in construction Pessac state.

Bordeaox (1926), and Mies Vander Rohe, with his “German Pavilion” in Barcelona (1929), All these trends led to the fact that the prime architectural symbol is no longer the dense brick and block, but the open box style where skeleton construction is enveloped only by a protective screen. Ejisun and Olaniyi (2003). Dmochowski (1991) asserts that; Architecture is more than the totality of the transformation; the effect of man on his physical environment. Transformation may take place during a certain period, which goes against the common grain of culture, lifestyle, or the natural evolving environment.  According to Fike (1973), major colonial policies regarding the urban form, were put in place, i.e. the road network, drainage system, electricity and water networks, and all the important public buildings. The first works that deal specifically with domestic architecture, are the two seminal works of Foyle (1951 & 1952). In the true tradition of the concept of architecture it deals with the house of a rich merchant in the Kofar Mata ward of the walled city and, the official residences of the colonial British residents and the district officer in Kano, respectively.  Aside from the fact that these were by no means typical houses as found in the city of Kano, the works are mainly descriptive and technical, and lack any social content. In his later work Foyle (1959), deals with the general architecture of the region rather than domestic houses despite urgent pleas by some of the users of the houses, Mussom (1952:226-268). Schwerdtferger (1971 & 1982), focuses on Zaria, one of the major Hausa cities in Nigeria. His works as far as this researcher is concerned, are the first and perhaps the only works to deal with Hausa domestic architecture in any greater depth. In general, he is concerned with housing in all its aspects from production through perpetuation to reproduction. Specifically, he traces changes in domestic house form as a result of changes overtime, in family group composition on one hand, and domestic house construction and concludes that the ability of family group to choose and alter house form to suit their needs is contingent upon the prevailing socio-economic forces well beyond the control of the family group, Umar (1997).

“Prussin” (1968-70’s, 80’s, 1990) in several works stretching over two decades, extensively surveys the architecture of the region, in its various aspects, from its history, through its construction techniques to its socio-cultural basis. In its basic premises Prussin’s treatment of her  subject matter is extensive and varied rather than specific and focused.

Consequently, domestic architecture is discussed but passively. “Prussin’s” works lie in some of her assumptions which contradict certain socio-historical facts. A good example is in her treatment of the origin and development of what she terms Fulani-Hausa architecture, which itself is a misnomer Usman (1973). Prussin (1976;14 &1986:200) accepts that the form of this architecture is unique in the whole of Africa and even acknowledges the Hausa builders as skilled earth workers who, “were indeed instrumental in the development of this architectural form. However, Prussin (1986-226) proposes that the origin of this form of architecture lies in the nomadic ‘Fulbe building tradition’. Prussin(1986:206), another misnomer. Prussin’s (1976:16) explanation is that the Fulanis, a nomadic people, initiated a revolution which led to the conquest of the Hausas, a sedentary agricultural people, and adapted their tent form for the earth walls of the Hausas.

 

 

1.2       PROBLEM STATEMENT

Housing also referred to as shelter, is considered one of the most important basic need for Human. “Provision of adequate and quality housing units is one of the roles of any government since housing is a fundamental need” (Ekpo A., 2019). Housing in respect to population is considered a determinant for the success of a country. “Nigeria is facing a rise in the percentage of Housing deficit, therefore affecting the economy as well as the citizens of the country. According to World bank (2018), Nigeria requires about 700,000 Housing units annually, spanning through a 20-year period to accommodate the rising population”. Several attempts have been made to cater for the housing deficit in Nigeria, but the ways have proven to be not very effective. Attempts made in the National Development Plan (NDP3) (1975-80), National Development Plan (NDP4)(1981-85) and also the National Housing Policy (1991) where mandatory contributions were made by every income earning Nigerian, all were not efficient because the funds were not able to meet up with the Housing target set to meet. The cost of Housing has proven to be a major cause for Housing deficit in Nigeria. How can the cost of an ideal house be brought down in Nasarawa State?

The research attempts to study:

• Hausa Traditional Architecture
• Building materials of Hausa Traditional Architecture
• Construction techniques of Hausa Traditional Architecture

 

1.3        AIM

The aim of this project is to use assess the potential of Hausa traditional architecture in achieving accessible and affordable housing to the indigenous people of Nasarawa State.

1.4       OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of this research are:

1. To identify the elements of Traditional Hausa Architecture in Nigeria ii. To assess the affordable building materials used in Traditional Hausa

Architecture iii. To incorporate the elements of Traditional Hausa Architecture in the design of mass Housing Estate in Nasarawa State.

1.5       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the elements of Traditional Hausa Architecture in Nigeria?
2. What are the affordable building materials used in Traditional Hausa

Architecture in Nigeria?

• How can the elements of Traditional Hausa Architecture be incorporated in the design of mass Housing in Nasarawa State?

1.6       SCOPE

This research was conducted on Hausa Traditional Architecture. It identifies the building materials and construction techniques.

1.7        LIMITATIONS

This research is limited to Hausa Traditional Architecture. It is focused on mainly the building materials and construction techniques. The research is through the use of online journals and other academic writings relevant to the topic of research. Considering that some of the building materials locally found in Nasarawa state like bamboo are not very common in other places, the result of this research may not be applicable in those places without further research.

ADOPTING HAUSA TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE FOR AFFORDABLE MASS HOUSING IN NASARAWA STATE

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