INTRODUCTION
The beauty of the natural landscape is usually defined
by beautiful trees, shrubs and waterfalls. But no matter the level of the
aesthetic value of the natural scenery, it cannot be called a village, town or
city because shelter and buildings are lacking. But when man begins to alter
the natural scenery by way of redesigning and erecting building structures in nature,
villages, towns and cities will emerge, then the journey to urbanization
commences because inhabitants will now seek greener pastures in the city. And
who holds the aces of developmental innovation? Architectural educators. They have not only the duty but a
responsibility to transform the environment into urban centers by virtue of
their training and those they have trained.
Over the ages man has come to understand the term
development in the light of well built up areas, good looking, and planned
architectural environmental structures.
This underscore the fact that, architects and architectural educators face a
big challenge of shaping the environment for human good, especially now, in the
21st century of urban growth, or urbanisation. But what is
urbanisation? Urbanisation is a process
whereby urban population grow naturally or due to migration of rural dwellers
into urban centers for the purpose of education, employment, access to good housing,
good water and social amenities for human comfort.
This relentless urbanisation have increased the
population in most cities both in developed world and developing nations. What
does the records show? According to the World Bank “each year some 12-15
million new house households regaining an equivalent number of dwellings are
added to the cities of the developing world” (Awake 2005). What is the
consequence of this? Turning attention to the housing sector, since no enough
housing and employment to satisfy the need of these immigrants from rural areas
to urban areas, level of urban poverty rises and in turn, these urban poor are
forced to find shelter in where they can, overcrowding with relatives and
neighbours in make shift dwellings, agricultural buildings, or construction
sites, under fly-overs e.g. Lagos.
Although, considering Nigeria
as a case study what has been done?
This research, has examined the following areas and
proffer possible and attainable solutions.
-
Urbanisation and the Housing Sector
-
Urbanisation and Economic
Stagnation/Urban Poverty
-
Urbanisation and Environmental
Degradation
-
Urbanisation and Unsafe Illegal
Structures
-
Urbanisation and Collapse of
Buildings
-
Solution to Urbanisation
-
Recommendations and Conclusion
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THIS RESEARCH
May I commence this section by defining the word
development, because development is a key word in the vocabulary of educators
in any field of any discipline especially in the light of this conference
theme. What is development? Development
is the art and science of improving the human resource and the environment
resource either theoretically or practically for the good of humanity. Why is
it of significance to educators? First and foremost, educators at whatever
level and whichever profession has not only a duty but also a responsibility to
educate and enlighten the masses in order to attune the human mind towards
positive and achievable goals. Architectural educators holds the aces of
leadership by virtue of architectural profession to enlighten, educate and
attune both the intellectual community and the general public on the need and
significance of livable and habitable environment.
The researcher wants to state clearly and unequivocally
from the onset that, the pivot of any research in whatever field of discipline
is to achieve sustainable development
for the good of humanity. Sustainable development centres on provision of good housing and protection of the natural
environment to sustain life or the ecosystem. The fundamental reason cannot be
divulged from the fact that advancement in science and technology can only be
possible when the people which include the researchers and educators have
comfortable habitat, or affordable and livable environment. It should be recalled, even the research
including any activity for human progress need a functional shelter where the
experiments have to be carried out.
Quality housing is an evidence of technological progress and
development.
Based on the above, this research has examined the
Housing sector and the environment both theoretically and practically using
architecture as a tool to proffer solution. The research has also proffer
solution to urban poverty and proposed reasonable provision of employment
facilities for the urban poor. And this is what defines the philosophy of this
Research.
PHILOSOPHY OF THIS RESEARCH
The Philosophy of this research revolves around the
creation of livable environment for the urban poor. Improvement of rural
communities using architecture as a tool to achieve the positive goals, in the
light of simple technology. This philosophy also encompassed reduction in the
level of environmental pollution be it Flood, Storm Water Menace, Air Pollution
etc to achieve sustainable Natural environment, and development.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The methods employed in this
Research are follows:
-
Personal and Practical Observation
within the allotted time.
-
Review of documented catalogue,
ranging from periodicals to books.
-
Qualitative Analysis of available
samples, information and events
URBANISATION AND THE HOUSING SECTOR
Dramatic rent increase as a result of urbanisation, as
stated earlier, the housing sector in the cities have suffered over crowding.
Many families live in substandard dwellings e.g. dilapidated houses. For
instance in cities like Lagos , Port Harcourt , and Warri, the average person
per room is 5 – 10 occupants. And average of 12 – such rooms in a compound
sharing 1 – toilet and 2 – bathrooms.
Consider the photograph of a dwelling indicated below which fellow humans
regard as a house or a home. Due to
this acute shortage of housing and relentless growth of urbanisation,
international competition for sustainable global housing was launched. The Guardian
Newspaper (July 3 2006 ). “The global population is growing at the rate
of a small city each day in the midst of an undisputed housing shortage. The
challenge is on to provide cost-effective housing to meet the needs of this
growing population. Living Steel has
taken up the challenge by launching an international architectural competition
for sustainable housing to develop innovative approaches to meet these housing
needs the organisers said. Approved by
the International Union of Architects (UIA) and following UNESCO provisions,
the competition criteria address global housing requirements in a way that
respects the environment and economically meets society’s aspiration”.
URBANISATION AND ECONOMIC STAGNATION/URBAN POVERTY
The relationship of urbanisation, housing and the
economics of poverty cannot be over emphasized. World Bank report quoted
earlier says in 1988 alone “330 million urban dwellers in developing nations
are said to be poor” (Awake, 2005). As result of poverty many find it difficult
to afford their own houses. Also considering high interest rates and inflation
exclude the poor access to bank loans. So
million of urban dwellers take refuge in substandard housing. The urban poor
live in old buses, shipping containers, cardboard boxes. Some live under
stair-cases, plastic sheeting scraps of used lumber. (Awake, 2005)
Eric Hobsabawm, (2005) Urban development in our period
(1989 – 1848) was gigantic process of class segregation which pushed the newly
labouring poor in great morasses of misery outside the centers …..
URBANISATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
The natural environment is the bedrock of the survival
for the living organism especially the animal world and humans in particular.
When we talk of research, what are we researching? We are researching nothing
but the natural environment. But what has natural environment sacrificed as a
result of urbanisation? The natural environment has sacrificed the landscape in
terms of plants. A development magazine states (2005): “industrial pollution
from the over 5000 industrial facilities and perhaps another 10,000 small-scale
industries, within residential premises is a growing problem in Nigeria .
In places like Kano , Kaduna ,
Port Harcourt , Warri and Lagos , hot and heavy metal-laden effluent, is
discharged directly into the open drainages and channels. Furthermore, some
even go as far as defecating in the drainage at night due to lack of adequate
toilet facilities”. All these
constitute environmental pollution and health hazards especially into the water. And these wastes are discharged into the
water down stream to t he detriment of both to human and aquatic life.
Furthermore, as a result of urbanisation which has led
to increase in urban poverty, many of these urban poor engage in menial jobs
like mechanics services littering the city-scape. What has been the
consequence? That same development magazine mentioned earlier states: “the
about 150 million litres of crank case oil disposed from mechanic workshops
industries etc are discharged carelessly into drain and ground surface in the
cities”. (Peter Cookey 2005).
URBANIZATION
AND UNSAFE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES
Illegal
structures could be defined as structures or buildings erected on the
right-of-way contravening building by laws, and at the same time lack
structural stability and thermal comfort. Usually, these are structures erected
out of desperation, dishonesty, greed and urban poverty. A major factor is
urbanisation. Since these immigrants from rural setting to urban areas lack
shelter and employment, they resort to putting up structures in form of sheds,
huts in the built up environment to solve their shelter problem. Additionally,
even the house owners or property owners are also culprits in the matter
because of their quest for unlimited wealth; they take advantage of the poor
and exploit them, by granting undue permission for such structures to be
erected in front of their buildings.
Furthermore, I will also want to add that, certain professionals have
also abuse their office in granting approval of such life-threatening
structures. Urbanization has led to illegal structures being approved by
illegal professionals; as it were.
URBANIZATION
AND COLLAPSE OF BUILDINGS
Science
and technology is a tool, which researchers employ to shape the environment.
And this tool has standards, which must be met in order for the owner to
achieve a successful result. However, once the structures are overused or the
elastic limit as it were is exceeded the inventor and the user are in danger.
As
a result of urban poverty, and increase in urban population, most of the
structures in the cities and towns are over-used and over populated. Many are
converted to function as buildings or structure not designed for. So these
structures are subjected to excessive stress and strain and what follow, the
ultimate serviceability state of the structure are exceeded. What next? The structure collapses, as a
result of structural failure, destroying life and property.
According
to Onyemachi Akaka (2005). “The user may be guilty of gross abuse of the
building. A misuse of building usually occurs when the building is used for a
purpose other than what was previously intended". What is responsible for this? Lack of
awareness on the part of the users and those professionals who allow themselves
to be used to reshape such structures without giving thought to future
implications. In Uyo
City for instance, Akwa Ibom State
SOLUTION
TO URBANIZATION
PLANNED URBANIZATION AND URBAN RENEWAL
1. Urban Renewal
for Unplanned Urbanisation
Unplanned
urbanization has taken place in most cities around the world as such people are
concentrated in shanty towns. Consider Lagos
for instance, areas like interior of Alapere-Ketu, Mushin Olosha are
overcrowded areas. Consider Nwaniba Village in Uyo
Akwa Ibom
State Uyo
Township
Secondly,
Akwa Ibom State
2. Planned
Urbanization and Property Management
Urbanization
could be planned for especially when proposing new towns. It is an established
fact that certain highly placed individuals are the only group of persons that
can occupy certain section of housing estates. In African society particularly Nigeria ,
such a concept does not operate in absolutely terms. Consider Festival Town
or FESTAC town, Lagos .
You find out that the so-called high destiny zone have more number of cars,
higher number of children and, extended families staying with them.
So
when architects or consultants services are engaged to produce designs for
housing estates, land space should not be wasted in the name of high density
zone, because in FESTAC town, the executive managers the high and the mighty in
social status occupy the so-called low density zone. So it has been discovered
that the term low density zone function only on paper not in practical
terms. So, architectural educators
should begin to reform their teaching methods in order to orientate learners
mind properly. The challenge facing
architectural education especially in this 21st century and beyond is how to
remold the thinking of government on city and country planning. AARCHES should organize or set up a
high-powered delegation to consult with policy makers on regular basis to let
them see the gain of reforms.
Furthermore, those managing the housing sector both in private and
public sectors should review their design concepts, to meet the desire and
values of African people.
Furthermore,
when a completed estate is to be let out, before occupying the estate,
government should set machine in motion for expansion. Expects, in the field of
architecture should be given the responsibility to manage such ventures,
because of their training. We are yet to see where accountant dispense
drugs! Pharmacist dispense drugs. Fishermen and fish mongers dispense fish. The
butcher takes charge of meat in the abattoir. The lawyers care for legal
matters. So who is the best professional
to dispense buildings for intending users? Without any emotional thinking,
architect is most qualified professional for the task, because he is the author
of buildings and functional spaces.
SOLUTION – ENVIRONMENT AND SANITATION
Drainage:
Functional and major drainage should be put in place for first before allocating
property to intending dwellers. Architect Duke Tabuko (2006) in a paper
presented at Earth Watch Conference, Storm-Water Management, give five
functional proposals on flood-water or storm-water management were proposed. The concepts proposed ways of utilizing
stormwater effectively, especially in the South-South zone where it rains
almost throughout the year. These
proposals made provision for employment opportunities, apart from solving
drainage problem. The concepts are
enumerated below:
-
Collection and treatment of
stormwater for domestic purposes.
-
Separation of oil polluted runoff
form main drains.
-
Stormwater channeled to fish ponds
and other agricultural purposes.
-
Stormwater storage facilities at
defined intervals along major roads.
-
Stormwater storage facilities
provided for estates, market, schools, fuel stations.
One fact must be clearly understood:
education should not only concentrate on teaching building design but on
environmental design. Learners need to
be well informed on the importance of managing water i.e. flood water
effectively by design. What is the essence of designing an estate that will be
flooded or be a factor to environmental degradation? Infact good drainage should be the first
facility to be considered in any environmental planning.
RECOMMENDATIONS
ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION
1. Role
of NIA:
Nigeria Institute of Architecture should have a
data-base website in the internet through which all stakeholders can easily
access latest information on concepts of innovative planning patterns, design
ideologies reflecting the culture of the African architecture, building
materials and environmental technology information organized by ARCHIBHILT,
from year to year.
2. Role
of AARCHES
(a)
The association should set
modalities in motion to enable lecturers in architecture and interested
stakeholders acquire Internet link in their offices for easy access to
information science and technology to facilitate transmitting of such
information to students. In such case
interested lecturers will pay dues inform of cash to AARCHES, to procure such
facilities.
(b)
Conferences should be recorded in
audio CD in various schools of architecture after the conference for onward
transmission to students.
Earth watch institute already has
this facility.
(c)
AAACHES should visit schools of
architecture from time-to-time to organize seminar for lecturers in order for
them to be more committed to the architectural profession.
(d)
Education is a process of
imparting knowledge in such a way as to empower and inspire the hearers to
positive action. So education is not to
be understood as limited to 4-walls of the academic community. All of us are learners when it comes to
concept of education. It is therefore
imperative that architectural educators should see themselves as tools for the
enlightenment or educating not only the
students but the general public especially policy makers on issues of proper
management of the environment and its resources for sustainable
development. In the presendispensation,
AARCHES can seek audience with these policy makers and educate them on matters
of shelter and urbanism. The issue is
not whether policy makers will reject or accept a proposal, but AARCHES has to make the necessary impact and
it will be on record.
(3) AARCHES
– Design Reforms
These
architectural educators in private sector and Ministry of Works and Housing
should begin to re-appraise their professional approach to city and town
design. After all the architects are the
master sculptors of the environment with due respect to other stakeholder and
what they put on paper is final. So
re-shaping, redesigning, re-orientating and re-appraising design ideologies is
not a problem to architects and architectural educators.
(4) AARCHES
– Implementation Reforms
The next challenge is implementation. AARCHES need to consolidate and form a
formidable force and see to it that a design is implemented in accordance with
specification. Any foreign consultant
engaged by government must be cleared by NIA and AARCHES. We cannot continue to be led. Maters should
be properly defined. For instance, no foreign firm, company even an indigenous
firm can operate telephone technology without passing through NITEL. NITEL has to clear your papers. Nobody can import and export without be
cleared by Central Bank. Why must
architects continue to allow a foreigner to alter our environment without
getting clearance from NIA and AARCHES!
Such clearance must be priced and fund realized channeled towards
research purposes. So when NIA and AARCHES say no or reject a
design concept proposed by government through foreigners which does not define
our traditional values, desires, and aspirations with respect to planned
urbanisation, government will retrace his steps to agree with AARCHES.
CONCLUSION
AARCHES and NIA can achieve a positive goal
when honesty, peace, cooperation and the love humanity prevails within the
Association of Architectural Educators, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Landscape
Architects, Planners, Nigeria Society of Engineers and Allied professions and
their fellow men, environmental problems of Urbanisaton, Environment and Urban
Poverty could be minimized and properly managed
REFERENCES
Awake Magazine, (October 8, 2002 ) – Where Does the Water Go?
pp. 25-27.
Awake Magazine, (August 8, 2003 ) – What’s
Happening to Weather? pp. 4- 9.
Awake Magazine, (January 8, 2005 ) – Can Planet Earth Be Saved?
– Earth Dwindling Resources. pp. 4- 9.
Awake Magazine, (September 22,
2005 ) – THE GLOBAL HOUSING CRISES. Is there a Solution? pp. 4-9.
EarthWatch Journal (2005) Ensuring Environmental and Sustainability in
Nigeria
EarthWatch Journal (2004). Hazardous Wastes in Nigeria
Eric Hobsbawm (2005) The Age of Revolution (Assessed from the
Internet).\
The Guardian Newspaper, (June – December,
2002) – Property and Home Section – Environment
The Guardian Newspaper, (July 3, 2006 ) – Global Housing
Competition. pp. 47.
Arc. Duke Tabuko (2006) Housing – Qualitative Development and Quantitative Delivery. A paper
presented at First International Research and Development Conference, University of Calabar
Arc. Duke Tabuko (2006) Storm Water Management. A paper
presented at EarthWatch Conference, State Library Complex, Calabar – Cross River State , Nigeria
Onyemachi T. and Uji. Z. A. (2005). Building Failure and its Implication on Real
Estate Investment in Nigeria
Thomas Bender (2006) Architectural History and Urbanisation (Assessed from the Internet).
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