Landscaping for Passive Security and Adaptation to Climate in Church Environment, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is faced with several risks ranging from problems of climate change to security challenges and this is not limited to a specific aspect of the built environment as all buildings and environment are affected. The places of worship are greatly affected in terms of security which affects the disposition of Christians during worship at churches. Many of the studied churches were seen to have made use of landscape elements but these were not placed with the aim of using them to deter intrusion as in the case of security but rather for beautifying the church. The challenge for architects and church administrator is how to cope with challenges of security and climate change. This paper examines landscaping as a catalyst for deterring intrusion of threats passively and enhancing climate adaptation in church environment in Nigeria. The research method adopted for this study is the descriptive survey method by collecting qualitative and quantitative data. The results were analyzed using descriptive tools in SPSS and are presented in tables and charts while the pictures are presented in plates. The study reveals that it is possible to achieve passive security and solve some climatic challenges in church environment using soft landscape elements. The paper is concluded by determining the aspects of the building where the architect can infuse the specific landscape elements to achieve the aim of the paper. It further states the type of landscape elements that could be used to achieve the aim of the study hence developing a responsive building design scheme. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i1.2