Even though domestic energy can be from either renewable or non-renewable sources, the former is preferred because of its role in reducing both the operational energy intensity and carbon footprint. Given the positive role renewable energy plays in the energy mix, this paper examined the pattern of operational energy use with particular reference to the renewable and non-renewable energy content in medium and high density public residential buildings in Lagos, Nigeria. A survey research method was adopted for primary data collection while data analysis was by descriptive statistics. The study found that renewable energy use in the residential units is very low. In contrast, there was high dependence of the occupants on non-renewable direct fuel combustion through the use of fossil fuel-driven privately-owned electricity generators for electricity supply as a result of the inadequate supply from the national grid. In addition to the relatively high operational energy intensity observed in the studied buildings, the findings have implications for the safety, health and wellbeing of the building occupants as well as for carbon emissions from the buildings and for overall environmental sustainability. Recommendations to increase renewable energy use in new buildings and as retrofits in existing buildings were made.
The goal of architectural education is directed towards the attainment of a humane and responsive environment. This is subsumed in the overall purpose of education, which is to prepare people to perpetuate and improve their society. In this endeavour architects are trained to understand the nature of societal problems in their environmental context. This paper takes a critical look at the programmes of architectural education in Nigeria in their bid to contribute to, and improve the quality of the human habitat and ensure its sustainability. It notes the degradation of the environment and housing conditions in Nigeria's urban centres, which is symptomatic of the rapid urbanisation occurring in the country. It asserts that though the curricula in Nigerian architectural schools have been designed to ensure the provision of education that ensures the attainment of professional skills requisite for effective shaping, reordering , and articulation of the built environment, there are shortcomings. It proffers recommendations for invigorating architectural education for attaining a sustainable and qualitative human habitat.
Residential and neighbourhood satisfaction are important indicators of housing quality and conditions which affect individual’s quality of life. This study which was conducted in 2018 evaluated the level of satisfaction in terms building features in six completed and occupied housing estates in Benin city, namely the federal owned estate at Ikpoba hill, and state owned housing estates located at Ugbowo, Oregbeni, Oluku, Evboriaria and Iyekogba. Data were collected from 1000 heads of households and analysed using descriptive statistical tools, categorical regression and factor analyses. The findings showed that the building features significantly affect the level of resident’s satisfaction. The RSI scores for the relatively old estates; EDPA, Ikpoba hill and Oregbeni and are on the dissatisfied region (RSI: 1.1-2.00) while for the relatively newer ones; Andrew Wilson and Oluku, the RSI scores are on the satisfied level (RSI=. 3.1-4.00) with building features features. The study recommends that the design for future low cost housing should consider the family sizes of average Nigerian family, kitchen design that make use of cooking gas, kerosene and outdoor kitchen possible. The paper concludes that the buildings should maintain an acceptable quality standard in terms of functional spaces, structural stability and aesthetics as this will result to resident's housing satisfaction.
Gender-induced discriminatory practices against women are very common in Nigeria, as in most African countries. Gendered practices are socially and culturally constructed, and are as such informed by the values and norms of societies. These practices have hampered the development of women's capabilities, and have precluded equal economic and social participation in the development of the nation leading to low levels of education and high incidence of poverty among women. This article discusses the role of women in housing development, linking this to a statistical model developed from research conducted by the authors.
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