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Arts & Communication Art and culture in Nigeria architecture

forms that showcase the lifestyles of specific African to the revitalization of urban neighborhoods, fostering
cultures and aim to enhance and preserve the cultures and economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for
environment of their people Hughes. Artistic elements, residents. This holistic approach to place-making promotes
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such as murals, sculptures, and installations, serve as focal social inclusion, civic engagement, and cultural diversity,
points that capture the imagination and evoke a range of cultivating more resilient and vibrant communities.
emotions. Whether through vibrant street art in urban
neighborhoods or intricately carved facades in historic 3. The present study
buildings, art imbues architecture with a sense of vitality, This study employed qualitative methods of inquiry
creativity, and cultural richness. Moreover, cultural motifs, involving the analysis of case studies of existing buildings
symbols, and patterns infuse architectural designs with within the Southwestern region of Nigeria. Given that the
layers of meaning and symbolism, enhancing their visual subject of this study is the integration of art and culture in
impact and resonance. From the geometric patterns of buildings, we selected indigenous cultural center buildings
Islamic tile work to the organic forms of indigenous textiles, within three southwestern states in Nigeria, comprising:
cultural esthetics contribute to the unique character and Ondo State, Edo State, and Oyo State. The major cultural
identity of architectural spaces, fostering a sense of place and center buildings of each of these states were used as cases
belonging for users and visitors alike (Okwumabua, 2007). for the case study approach, to ascertain the level of
These integrations of art and culture in architecture integration of art and culture in the physical and visual
stimulate innovation and experimentation in design, structure of the selected buildings. The buildings adopted
leading to the creation of more dynamic and responsive in the study are:
built environments. Artists and architects collaborate i. Oba Akenzua Cultural Center, Benin
to explore new materials, technologies, and spatial ii. Oyo State Cultural Center, Mokola, Ibadan
configurations that blur the boundaries between art and iii. Ondo State Cultural Center, Adegbemile, Akure.
architecture. From interactive installations that invite The analyses focused on the materials used for the
user participation to kinetic sculptures that respond to building, the facade architecture, and their resemblance
environmental stimuli, art-driven interventions push the to traditional Nigerian architecture in the areas they
boundaries of conventional design paradigms, offering represent. Due to limitations during the fieldwork, the
new possibilities for spatial expression and engagement internal space configurations of the case studies were not
Carrol. Furthermore, cultural considerations inform captured, meaning that only the facades of the buildings
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architectural solutions that are responsive to the needs, were analyzed. Below is a map of Nigeria showing the
values, and aspirations of diverse communities. By locations of Oyo state, Ondo state, and Edo state and their
incorporating local building traditions, social practices, proximity to each other in Figure 3.
and environmental knowledge into design processes, 3.1. Case studies
architects create spaces that resonate with the cultural
identity and lived experiences of their users. This approach 3.1.1. Introduction
promotes inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience,
fostering environments that are adaptable, accessible, and A case study is an inquiry that typically lays emphasis
responsive to changing social and environmental contexts. on describing, understanding, and predicting a process,
organization, or group Woodside. For the purpose of
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Integrating art and culture in architecture offers this study, three cultural centers from Oyo State (Oyo
numerous benefits, including fostering social cohesion, Cultural Center in Mokola, Ibadan), Ondo State (Ondo
cultural exchange, and community empowerment. Public art Cultural Center in Adegbemile, Akure), and Edo State
initiatives, such as murals, installations, and performances, (Oba Akenzua Cultural Center in Benin) in southwestern
activate urban spaces and bring people together, fostering Nigeria were used as case studies. These three case studies
a sense of collective ownership and pride in the built were selected due to the close relationship the states share in
environment. Cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions terms of geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and
hosted in architectural venues serve as platforms for cross- traditional beliefs. They also share physical boundaries, and
cultural dialogue, exchange, and collaboration, enriching major federal roads connect them, influencing commerce
public discourse and promoting intercultural understanding. and developments within these states.
Moreover, art-driven interventions in public spaces can
address social issues, stimulate economic development, and 3.2. Oba Akenzua cultural center in Benin
revitalize communities. By transforming neglected areas The Oba Akenzua Cultural Center in Benin was designed
into vibrant cultural hubs, architects and artists contribute by Architect Demas Nwoko. The building showcases

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 5 doi: 10.36922/ac.0333