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Arts & Communication Art and culture in Nigeria architecture

and cultural identities of their users, fostering a sense of
belonging, pride, and cultural continuity.
Moreover, cultural inclusion in architecture contributes
to the preservation and revitalization of indigenous
architectural traditions and vernacular building practices.
By integrating local materials, construction techniques,
and design motifs into contemporary architectural
projects, architects can pay homage to cultural heritage
while promoting sustainability, resilience, and community
empowerment. Inclusive architecture has the power to
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foster social cohesion, equity, and empowerment within
diverse communities. By engaging stakeholders in the
design process and prioritizing their needs, architects can
Figure 2. A typical example of a well-adorned wall in a traditional Hausa create inclusive spaces that promote social interaction,
community. Source: https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/ accessibility, and inclusivity. Public buildings, such as
disp/b5e09d178182653.64e3c3b3ba8e4.jpg libraries, schools, and community centers, serve as hubs
for social exchange and collective engagement, where
connections to the past and commit to preserving their diverse voices and perspectives are valued and respected.
cultural legacy for future generations.
Furthermore, inclusive architecture can address issues
2.3. Need for cultural inclusion in contemporary of social justice and urban inequality by prioritizing the
architecture needs of marginalized communities and underserved
populations. By designing affordable housing, public
Contemporary architecture operates within a globalized parks, and infrastructure projects that are responsive to
context where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. local contexts and cultural preferences, architects can
However, the architectural profession has historically contribute to the creation of more equitable and inclusive
struggled with issues of cultural exclusion, where certain cities. Cultural inclusion is imperative in contemporary
cultural narratives, identities, and traditions have been architecture for honoring diversity, promoting social
marginalized or overlooked. cohesion, and fostering equity and empowerment.

The history of architecture is replete with examples Okwumabua observed that the innovative residential
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of cultural exclusion, where dominant narratives and designs in the Ibo culture resulted from the impact of
esthetic paradigms have marginalized alternative colonization. By embracing diverse cultural perspectives,
viewpoints and traditions. Colonialism, globalization, architects can create spaces that reflect the richness and
and Western-centric architectural discourse have often complexity of human experience, while also contributing
perpetuated a homogenized architectural landscape to the preservation and revitalization of indigenous
that neglects the rich diversity of cultural expressions architectural traditions. Moving forward, efforts to
and identities worldwide. This legacy of exclusion has promote cultural inclusion in architecture must be
contributed to a built environment that fails to reflect prioritized to create built environments that are inclusive,
the complex tapestry of human experience and heritage. equitable, and reflective of the diverse societies they serve.
When old communities were evolving, certain factors Denyer opines that the European styles of architecture
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greatly influenced the construction styles, the internal and planning policies are still being practiced in Africa
arrangement of the rooms, and the form of most today, resulting in a less developed African traditional
buildings. Cultural inclusion in architecture is essential design style. As a result, many contemporary architectural
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for honoring the diverse identities, histories, and landscapes lack cultural diversity and authenticity,
aspirations of communities around the world. Adeyemi perpetuating a one-size-fits-all approach to design
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asserts that these traditional built forms became a
reference point to the cultural settings in Nigeria and 2.4. Impact and benefits of integrating art and
the basis of what evolved as vernacular architecture in culture in architecture
Nigeria. Architecture is not merely a functional necessity Integrating art and culture in architecture elevates the
but a reflection of cultural values, beliefs, and aspirations. esthetic appeal of built environments, creating visually
By embracing diverse cultural perspectives, architects stimulating and emotionally resonant spaces. Recently,
can create spaces that resonate with the lived experiences certain architects in Africa have created unique architectural

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 4 doi: 10.36922/ac.0333