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Arts & Communication Art and culture in Nigeria architecture

Figure 3. Part of the map of Nigeria showing Ondo State (gray color), flanked by Edo State (yellow color) and Oyo State (light brown color). Source: https://
www.worldatlas.com
tenets of indigenous art through its structural and esthetic
elements, as seen in Figures 4 and 5. The building was
conceived to serve two important functions: first, to house
cultural activities in Benin and Edo State at large and
second, to educate individuals about the art and culture
of the Benin people. The building’s close proximity to the
Oba’s palace and the Benin museum marks it as one of the
major cultural buildings in Benin.
There are two main auditoriums at the center: The royal
hall and the main auditorium. The royal hall has been
leased out as a cinema to revive the cinema culture in the Figure 4. Exterior of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Center (during
community, which started to erode gradually since the construction). Source: Authors’ fieldwork in 2019
1970s. The main auditorium, a masterpiece for theaters, is
situated such that its length aligns with the road connecting
to the airport, and its end is accentuated by a significant
landmark in Benin, the “Ring Road.”
The organization of spaces in the complex conforms
to a premeditated plan, characteristic of a purpose-built
building. This planning is evident in how certain spaces are
designed. For instance, in the auditoriums, natural lighting
is intentionally minimized by creating small fenestrations,
which create an ambient atmosphere inside the hall,
enhancing the theatrical experience in the space. Certain
offices are attached behind the stage to serve administrative
functions for activities carried out in the hall. The building Figure 5. Exterior of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Center (after its
also provides facilities for exhibitions, including gallery completion). Source: https://www.asabametro.com/dont-convert-oba-
space and an exhibition room. akenzua-ii-cultural-centre-to-market
The materials used in the building are readily available
and locally sourced. Besides the sandcrete blocks used for places, fired clay materials are used for cladding, while in
the walls, the building also uses materials such as laterite others, clay bricks are used for facing. Materials like the
bricks, treated wood, ceramic tiles, and iron for various new improvements in adobe blocks, invented by Architect
millworks and handrails. Demas Nwoko by mixing proportions of cement and
laterite, exemplify the modified materials that help the
On the building façade, clay materials are beautifully buildings conform better to a modern style while still
used in diverse forms (Figure 6) to accentuate and portraying the tenets of the indigenous culture of the
characterize the entire form of the building. In certain place.

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/ac.0333