Sustainable Architectural Design Practice in Nigeria: An Evaluation of the ‘Pre-Building Phase’ Implementation in Lagos

Abstract

The need for architects to focus on the achievement of sustainable built environment in Nigeria has been the theme of many professional and academic forums in recent times. However, there is little evidence of the implementation of recommendations and strategies emanating from these deliberations. Sustainable design begins with intentions and decisions taken right from the conception of a project - the pre-building phase. This study aims at determining the extent to which sustainable design requirements are considered in the pre-building phase by architects in Lagos, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered on architects present at a Lagos state chapter meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA). The data was subjected to descriptive analysis. The result shows generally high mean scores, with energy efficiency (4.19), and design integration (3.96) scoring highest. However, the key sustainable design features applied by the respondents in their works were passive design features such as; building orientation, natural lighting, and natural ventilation. There appears to be very little innovation. There is therefore the need for architects in Lagos, and Nigeria in general, to exploit the ingenuity which architects are noted for, and explore innovative approaches and technologies for sustainable design, right from the pre-building phase of a project.