Course Description

This course will introduce participants to the concepts for developing a New Alternative Nigerian Architecture (NANA). The NANA programme is a course that encompasses the core principles of architecture while embracing novel and unique concepts. The programme aims to cultivate an innovative mindset and foster creativity in order to keep architecture in Nigeria contemporary and forward - thinking. Special emphasis is placed on often overlooked but crucial elements such as design for comfort, climatology, material selection, and building technology, ensuring architecture students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to future challenges in the field of architecture.

Course curriculum

  1. 01
    • HT1301 MODULE 3 SYLLABUS

  2. 02
    • Module Three Lecture

    • Module Three Presentation

Course Objective

As climate change intensifies and nations continue to be buffeted by various economic and social dilemmas, we are learning to change our habits and our minds. Sustainable technological developments driven by critical design thinking are gaining a steadily increasing importance. This is especially remarkable in the context of ecologically and economically viable architecture where utilising locally sourced materials and building of climate responsive architecture, while not mainstream concerns at the moment, they are bound to become so, raising the question: How can we create adaptable architecture that aligns with societal and contextual considerations such as cultural appropriateness and ecological sustainability? Inspired by the visionary architect Demas Nwoko, known for his emphasis on critical thinking and adaptability to local environments, the New Alternative Nigerian Architecture course embarks on a journey of critical inquiry to enhance the responsiveness of our design approach.

Our aim is to harmonize with Nigeria's aesthetic, cultural, environmental, industrial, and economic needs. With a focus on comfort, user-friendliness, sustainability, and culturally appropriate design and technology, our course ensures that our architectural creations are environmentally sound and cater to the contemporary demands of Nigeria.

Course Topics

1. Building climatology for architecture in the Nigeria
2. Ergonomics and human-centered design
3. A Nigerian perspective to space planning
4. Cultural intelligence and applied aesthetics
5. Contemporary and traditional cultural mapping in Nigerian regions
6. Design and context-driven form making 

Course Texts & References

Z R Dmochowski. An Introduction to Nigerian Traditional Architecture: Vol 1 - Northern Nigeria.                       

Z R Dmochowski. An Introduction to Nigerian Traditional Architecture: Vol 2 - South West and Central Nigeria.

Z R Dmochowski. An Introduction to Nigerian Traditional Architecture: Vol 3 - South Eastern Nigeria.

Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew. Tropical Architecture in the Dry and humid zones.

Udo Kultermann. New Directions in African Architecture.

Demas Nwoko. Concrete Thinking.

John Godwin Gillian Hopwood. The Architecture of Demas Nwoko.

Johan van Lengen. The Barefoot Architect – A Handbook for Green Building.                      


Explore www.cpdiafrica.org for the full breath of content for the course.