Emphasizing Landscape Elements as Important Components of a Sustainable Built Environment in Nigeria

Many residential areas in the built environment in the developing countries with reference to Nigeria are generally unattractive and lack basic landscape elements. Landscape elements encompass both natural and artificial features used to create a befitting visual presentation within the built environment; as such its role cannot be overemphasized. In line with the ethos of sustainable development, sustainability is an important concept in today’s urban planning, as such landscaping can be used to play a revitalizing role in the continued depletion and degradation of the natural environment. This paper examines the poor state of many residential areas in the built environment in Nigeria and the impact on the physical outlook. It further discusses landscape elements and their use in the built environment and the benefits of landscaping to a sustainable built environment. Using a case study approach the study looks at two residential housing estates in Akure, Nigeria to ascertain the extent to which landscaping elements have been used. The case study established that landscaping elements do not exist in many parts of the estates and where there is, lack adequate maintenance. The paper concludes that landscaping plays a vital role in achieving a sustainable built environment and therefore need to be incorporated in the Nigerian built environment. Keywords: Built Environment, Landscape Elements, Landscaping, Sustainabilit

Strategies for Mitigating Building Collapse in Nigeria: Roles of Architects and Other Stakeholders in the Building Industry

Collapse of buildings is one of the several failures of building projects and results either in loss of lives, properties and in some cases both. Often times the professionals in the building industry made up of Architects, Engineers, Planners, Quantity Surveyors, Land Surveyors, Estate Surveyors, Town Planners,  Builders and Project Manager trade blames on who should be held responsible for the failure. Many factors can be adduced to the continuous occurrences of building collapse which, include inadequate monitoring of construction sites by government officials as a result of the vast and fast pace of developments in many Nigerian urban centres; as well as the use of substandard materials, improper soil investigations, bad design and supervision, poor quality construction and poor funding by clients. Using the secondary source of data collection, the paper discusses the roles the architect could play both in practice and in architectural education in mitigating building collapse. Findings reveal that mitigation of building collapse can be achieved in Nigeria through collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved and concludes that architectural education could serve a supportive role. Keywords: Architects, Architectural Education, Building Collapse, Mitigation, Nigeri

Communal Facilities and Residential Neighbourhoods in Akure, Nigeria

Availability of communal facilities within the neighbourhoods helps to meet various social needs. At the same time satisfies current needs of the local communities without exerting strain on the existing facilities to the detriment of future demand. The focus of this paper is on communal facilities in selected residential estates in Akure, the capital city of Ondo state, Nigeria. Using the primary and secondary sources of data collection, the paper takes a critical look at the importance of communal facilities in neighbourhoods and examines the adequacy of communal facilities in residential areas in Nigeria. Two residential estates in Akure namely: Alagbaka and Ijapo estates were studied through the use of questionnaire and direct observations, to elicit relevant data relating to social, economic and environmental variables. Data obtained were collated and findings from empirical survey presented in the single factor descriptive analysis. Findings from the study affirm that the communal facilities available within the study area were inadequate. The paper recommends public enlightenment, environmental education, upgrading of existing facilities to acceptable standard. Keywords: Communal Facilities, Neighbourhood, Residential Estates, Housin

Investigating the Relevance of Cultural Landscapes in Tourism Experience in Abeokuta

Tourism is a modern global phenomenon, and the synergy between this phenomenon and cultural landscapes has increased the demand at both local and international levels. This paper investigates the relationship between cultural landscape and tourism, especially in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This is on the premise of bringing about sustainable development in tourism, thereby enhancing the cultural and economic values of the site. The study is important as it provides a medium for the assessment of Abeokuta cultural landscapes, and relates the influencing factors with the assessment results. This was carried out through a critical review of existing literature on cultural landscapes and the inseparable link with tourism, as well as an empirical investigation using the quantitative method of data collection through questionnaire survey on all stakeholders in the tourism industry in Abeokuta. The data generated from the survey were analyzed and results were expressed in percentages. The findings revealed that cultural landscapes actually have a positive input regarding sustainable development, and also have immense contributions towards the wellbeing of man. It also brought to limelight, the factors contributing to the quality of landscapes in Abeokuta. The paper therefore strongly recommends that adequate information should be made available to all stakeholders to improve their interest and participation, which brings about effective management, and subsequently, sustainable tourism. Keywords: Cultural Landscape, Abeokuta, Sustainable Tourism, Tourists Sites. DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/55-04 Publication date:March 31st 202

Tourism as a means of income generation for developing countries: focus on Nigeria

Nigeria as a developing country has long depended on oil and agriculture for its foreign exchange earnings. It can positively improve her economy by encouraging and investing in tourism of which she is richly blessed. Tourism in developing countries if focused on will in no small measure contribute to the economic growth. The methodology employed in this paper is direct observation and visits to some tourist sites in Nigeria, combined with relevant literature search. There are tourist attractions which cut across all countries in Africa, but to a large extent they are relatively undeveloped. This paper looks at tourism in some African countries and tourism in Nigeria at a closer observation; attempt is made at highlighting the shortfalls and ways in which these can be developed to help the potentials especially in area of income generation; factors which attract tourists to various potentials are also highlighted. The paper further discusses the benefits of tourism not only to the individual but to a developing Nigerian nation as a means of income generation. The financial benefits, the employment opportunities, developmental possibilities and other attractions that awareness and promotion of these potentials will portend for Nigeria were examined and recommend ways in which resources can be developed to international standard and sustained to generate income

Predicting the Effects of Economic Diversification on Sustainable Tourism Development in Nigeria

Abstract Tourism is as of the largest economic sector, generates employ ment and foster growth in many countries. Nigeria, a mono economy country, generates eighty percent of the nation's foreign exchange and remains heavily dependent on crude oil. Ho wever, with tourism still at its infancy, Nigeria stands to benefit fro m diversifying the nation's economy through tourism. There is therefore the need to consider and put more efforts in developing the tourism sector to serve as added avenue through which the over reliance on crude oil can be outcome. The aim of the study is to investigate the role tourism wou ld play if the Nigerian economy is diversified through tourism. This was carried out using the quantitative method of data collection in combination with the use of relevant literature. The findings report the result fro m a linear model through the multiple regressions analysis for the prediction of tourism's prospect in the Nigerian economy if diversified. The study corroborates the literature and showed the empirical support of effects of tourism on the Nigerian economy and concludes that tourism would be of immense benefit to the Nigerian econo my

Promoting Tourism in Araromi, Ondo State through the Integration of Bamboo, Stone, and Laterite in Beach Resort Architecture

The tourism industry is an essential driver of economic growth as it draws in tourists to explore diverse destinations and engage in various experiences. Even so, the tourism sector in Nigeria is presently underdeveloped and makes a negligible contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This inquiry focuses on Araromi, a locality in Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria, renowned for possessing the most extensive coastal stretch in the nation. The study puts forth a proposition for a beach resort design that is both sustainable and economically feasible, incorporating bamboo, stone, and laterite. The study investigates the advantages and modern methods of using indigenous materials, specifically bamboo, stone, and laterite, in building design by carrying out three case studies and collecting and analysing data from 60 questionnaires. Araromi region boasts an abundant and readily available supply of these materials. Results suggest that Stabilised Compressed Earth Blocks (SCEBs) made from bamboo, stone, and laterite can be viable substitutes for steel and concrete in non-structural elements. Integrating these materials can reduce construction and maintenance expenses while providing the beach resort with a unique traditional appearance that may appeal to visitors and promote tourism in Araromi, in Ondo State. The study points out the potential of bamboo, stone, and laterite as fundamental constituents in sustainable design, fostering economic progress through tourism promotion. Building designs in Araromi can exhibit the region's cultural heritage while providing a distinctive and eco-friendly experience for tourists by efficiently using the available natural resources. The use of these indigenous materials will promote the advancement of Nigeria's tourism sector. Keywords: Araromi. Beach Resort Architecture, Economic Development, Indigenous Materials, Tourism Promotion DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/64-06 Publication date: May 30th 202

Sustainable City Design Through the Use of Recreation and Leisure Parks in The Landscape

The landscape plays a critical role in the development of recreational parks that contribute to sustainable urban planning. Today’s cities pose several problems, but they also contain the key to achieving a more sustainable steady state. Parks and other open green areas in cities contribute significantly to people's quality of life. As such, the study examines how sustainable urban design might be achieved through the use of landscape. Additionally, it examines the psychological advantages of leisure, the importance of landscape to sustainability, and how effective landscaping may be used to achieve ideal open spaces. The paper describes how recreation improves the human body and keeps it healthy and how a park may be carefully managed via the use of landscape to be sustainable for an extended time while also creating comfortable public places. Due to the interpretative viewpoint taken, the case study technique was deemed the most appropriate strategy to use. The case study demonstrates that the landscape around an area's natural characteristics is critical to its sustainability since parks with an excellent and well-landscaped environment continue to draw significantly more people than artificial features. The study revealed that a place's environment dictates how people would utilize its resources and spaces, demonstrating that for a facility to be sustainable, its landscape and green areas are critical components. Keywords: Landscape, Leisure Parks, Recreation, Sustainable, Urban Design, DOI: 10.7176/CER/14-1-02 Publication date: February 28th 202

The likely effect of sustainable landscape on the quality of life through tourism: focus on Nigeria

Increase in leisure time, improved rising standard of living and concerns for healthy life style has geared people into taking part in tourism activities and landscape, play a very important role in the choice of the tourist destination. The desire of every tourist is to enjoy beautiful landscapes either natural or human-made which come in a variety of forms. A well landscaped attraction with nature, wildlife, water and other elements help people enjoy the environment, fresh air, engage in physical exercise, reduce anxiety and feel relaxed thereby adding to the quality of life. This paper sheds light on the need for proper development of tourist potentials in Nigeria through landscaping in order to improve on the quality of life of its people and tourists in general. It reviews literature in landscaping and examines the role it plays on the quality of life. It also analysed data collected from field survey in Nigeria using the descriptive summary measures and concludes that landscaping has the potential to contribute to the human wellbeing if considered, and should feature in the development of the Nigerian tourists’ attractions