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Arts & Communication Art and culture in Nigeria architecture

balancing modern and traditional styles in Nigerian at different levels, thereby creating architectural spaces for
architecture can enhance tourism, boost the economy, sustainable living. While Bilyaminu asserts that modern
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and create opportunities for local artisans to harness their architecture erodes traditional principles, he also notes
construction skills. This balance preserves cultural identity that it provides a platform for criticism and differentiation
while promoting development, potentially leading to between vernacular architecture and other forms of
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international recognition and economic growth. 1 architecture. Al Suwaidi advocates for a fusion strategy
that begets creativity, reiterating that in today’s globalized
Within the context of this study, tradition refers to
the cultural practices and values that have transcended world, cultural identity is crucial in producing art. He
reiterates that artists are increasingly inspired by various
from one generation to another. These include but are cultural influences when they create works that showcase a
not limited to the use of traditional styles, materials, and blend of different cultural affiliations.
construction methods (which preserves cultural identity),
as well as the incorporation of indigenous motifs and Architecture has the power to shape our experiences
symbols and eco-friendly and sustainable design practices. and reflect the values and identity of a society. In Nigeria,
Al Suwaidi further explains that cultural identity a country known for its diverse cultural heritage, there is a
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influences art by helping artists create works of art that growing recognition of the need to integrate art and culture
represents the experiences and traditions of their people, into modern architectural buildings. By incorporating
showcasing a community’s traditional heritage. Allu- elements such as traditional motifs, materials, and design
Kangkum posits that architecture is an embodiment of the principles, architects can create spaces that not only
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cultural disposition of a society’s customs and beliefs. This serve functional purposes but also celebrate and preserve
embodiment extends beyond the construction practices Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy. The aim of this study is to
that have existed in Nigeria for ages and have been impacted highlight the use of art and culture in modern architectural
by the culture, religion, and environment where they are buildings within southwestern Nigeria, with the goal of
practiced. It encompasses the design and construction reawakening the lost culture of traditional art symbols,
practices adopted in Nigeria for centuries, which have been motifs, and patterns in contemporary cultural buildings.
influenced by various elements, including the environment, 2. Literature review
culture, and religion. Nigerian traditional architecture is
known for its simplicity, practicality, and functionality, and 2.1. Historical context of Nigerian art and
is often decorated with intricate patterns and designs that architecture
reflect the culture, religion, and beliefs of the people. In Nigeria, a country rich in cultural heritage, has a long
this study, modern design refers to new developments in and vibrant history of art and architecture. Before the
architecture and art that are simple, functional, and devoid arrival of European colonial powers, Nigeria was home
of decorations. Idoko emphasizes that modern buildings to various indigenous civilizations, each with its distinct
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disregard traditional architectural developments, resulting artistic traditions. These civilizations, such as the Nok,
in a loss of cultural identity. Allu-Kangkum reiterates Ife, and Benin, produced intricate sculptures, masks,
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that external influences from foreign cultural practices and architectural structures. The old Benin people, in
have affected Nigerian traditional architecture, eroding its particular, had an influential sculptural tradition that
architectural value and the identity of traditional societies. was significant and remarkable in Nigeria’s ancient art
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In another study, Idoko observed that recently, a traditions Chukueggu. Their art often reflected religious
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significant change has been noticed in how Nigerian beliefs, social hierarchy, and cultural practices. The art and
architecture has transformed into modern buildings while architecture of this era were characterized by a high level
retaining traditional styles, resulting in a unique design. of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a connection to
Nigerian architecture has also witnessed a paradigm shift spirituality.
toward sustainable architecture through the integration of The colonial period brought significant changes to
traditional elements into modern styles. This integration Nigerian art and architecture. European influences,
has resulted in highly functional, esthetic, and sustainable particularly from Britain, began to shape the artistic
designs. However, Al-Thahab suggests that maintaining the landscape. European architectural styles, such as Neo-
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cultural identity of architecture is uttermost and requires Classical and Victorian, were introduced, leading to
reducing the negative effects that contemporary styles have the construction of government buildings, churches,
had on the value of traditional architecture. According to and other structures that reflected colonial power and
Baydar, value retention ensures that the contextual value authority. Prucnal-Ogunsote emphasized that some
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of various Nigerian architectural identities is maintained of the most significant impacts on traditional Nigerian
Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/ac.0333