Sustainable Tourism Architecture: User Evaluation of Argungu Fishing Village

Abstract

Architectural design for sustainable tourism facilities demands the creation of spaces which will attract and satisfy the market, based on solutions which preserve, reinforce, or project destinations' natural and cultural attributes. In order to determine the extent to which this was reflected in the design of Argungu fishing village, Kebbi state, Nigeria, visual survey was conducted. This was followed by user perception survey through on-site questionnaires administration. Obtained data were subjected to descriptive analysis and non-parametric tests. Findings from the questionnaire survey include: Perception of low level of response to the market; moderate level of response to local culture; and, high response to the natural environment. Results also show positive attitude towards the combination of indigenous and modern architecture in the design. The study concludes that the design of Argungu fishing village reflected considerable attempts at sustaining the natural and cultural environment. However, there is need for more attention to user needs and preferences in order to enhance patronage and economic sustainability.