TRANSFORMATION IN HAUSA TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
TRANSFORMATION IN HAUSA TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
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Date
2008-09
Authors
KABIR, GALI UMAR
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Abstract
Housing has to satisfy both the initial human shelter need and the additional needs as they
arise. Such additional needs may be as a result of changes in the original need; changes in
economic status, socio-cultural needs, spatial needs or just the addition of new needs, as well
as the availability or affordability of building materials. The change in needs serves as the
genesis of all forms of spatial transformation in buildings.
In the light of the above, this study deals with five contemporary categories of
Traditional residential housing, in design and construction of Hausa traditional
residential buildings in some selected parts of Kano metropolis
The essence of this study is to explore the transformations patterns of Hausa traditional
residential architecture in terms of concept, geometric form, building materials, and
factors or reason behind such transformations and their impact.
Appropriate methodologies were used for the study of the Hausa domestic architecture
as exemplified in the old city of Kano the methodologies include use of Kano
metropolitan map of 1963 in the selection of wards and sample houses, through a
purposeful quota sampling system of relevant samples the traditional protocols were
observed in conducting the field work, while in the process and analysis spatial
characteristics were recorded in an attempt to appreciate the qualities of the physical
environment at all levels. This is done mainly by observation, oral interviews with ward
and compound heads. And administering research questionnaires the use of
photographs and sketch drawings with research assistants were employed
Undoubtedly the study reveals that: traditional concept are being continuously modified
and transformed by new ideas, imitations economic status, spatial needs, educational
awareness, new materials which arise as a result of innovation diffusion and emerging
educational and technological advancement of the community in the metropolis.
The study reveals that Zaures have been transformed from series of rooms to “I”or:”L”
shape lobbies, with introduction of guest rooms and toilets, living rooms etc and the
sizes/volumes, and height of rooms are been transformed. The concept of privacy and
accessibility seems to be diminishing due to the influence of modern day architecture.
Traditional building materials and techniques such as mud walls, of 600-1000 mm
thickness change to 150mm-225mm brick walls, azara, thatched roof to timber, and
zinc/aluminum roof. Timber doors and windows are4 change with metal doors and
windows, executed locally and skillfully by trained craftsmen.
Similarly, in the geometric form, the study reveals that, the shapes, and sizes, which
were irregular as an ill-conceived design produced by the degree of the construction
know-how of the traditional builders, are currently taking regular geometric shapes and
sizes.
The leading findings of the study reveals that; the contemporary prototype could not
satisfy the house hold social relation and cultural values. And the research equally
reveals that spatial organization in a typical Hausa man’s house as a domestic unit
within the compound houses is been replace with a single unit houses, and changes these
(Transformation) are mostly due to factors like inheritance and economic status.
The study understand that socio-cultural values have been neglected in the design and
production of contemporary buildings, particularly by omission, in the concepts of
courtyard systems and zoning concepts in traditional Hausa compound. This signifies
the tendency of total the loss of concepts and materials and methods in Hausa
traditional residential architecture.
Description
A Ph,D DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE POST-GRADUATE
SCHOOL, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF
PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D) IN ARCHITECTURE.
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA
2008 SEPTEMBER
Keywords
TRANSFORMATION,, HAUSA,, TRADITIONAL,, RESIDENTIAL,, ARCHITECTURE: