/ Research - Igbo Architectural Heritage

For many centuries, sub saharan architecture has been seen as primitive, However Igbo architecture can also be seen as the product of physical and cultural factors, which create architectural problems and also provide some means of solving them. The physical environment, for instance, causes the problems of rain, heat and humidity, but provides mud, timber, bamboo and palms for house building. In the current climate where ideas of de-growth and challenging consumption are gaining traction, the traditional architecture adheres to the basic sustainability principles of energy efficiency and utilization of materials /resources in close proximity to the site. A taxonomy of traditional Igbo architecture was conducted to see what aspects could be relevant in the modern day

/ Research - Umuahia

The site is located in Umuahia, capital of Abia state, which lies along the railway between the major urban centres of Port Harcourt and Enugu. It is an agricultural market centre. In precolonial times, it served as one of the central marketplaces in the region for commerce. Currently being the state capital it is also an administrative centre and many people are employed as civil servants.

Originally a village group, in line with colonial policy, it was developed into a town from its constituent villages. Since 1916 it became a collecting point on the railway for the crops of the surrounding region.

Due to rapid urbanisation, The city of has expanded majorly into the surrounded villages and many have found themselves in the middle of the crossroads heading in and out of the city. The city faces many challenges but most relate to overcrowding due to urbanisation\ poor roads, lack of formal infrastructure, for example sanitation, drainage and piped water and a lack of access to communal space.

Two areas in particular were studied to try and identify a target group of residents for my scheme, and look at a cross section of living conditions. The World Bank Housing Estate a middle income area, and what was originally the ‘natives reservation’, a low income area showing a continuation of the original grid iron pattern, established by the British.

/ Research - Site

The 1.9 hectare site is comprised of virgin land to the north east of the city, near Okwuta village in an area which is rapidly becoming more central due to urban sprawl.

Currently populated with palm trees and undergrowth, the site slopes from the north east to the south west, a height difference of approximately 10m with a south westerly prevailing wind. The roads around the site are in poor condition but will likely be upgraded in future due to the areas development

/ Proposal - Site Strategy

Principles learnt from the research into Igbo traditional architecture and relevant low cost housing schemes were brought together into the specifics of the site and the context of Umuahia to create a development in contrast to the typical grid iron pattern

The overall concept is based around 5 clusters of residential units, 4 low income and 1 high income, which are assembled around a central civic communal space. Several units are centred and accessed through a compound courtyard, these compounds are in turn centred around a communal cluster courtyard and the clusters in turn lead to the central civic space.

/ Proposal - Clusters and Compounds

Smaller compound courtyards lead into cluster courtyard and ultimately into the central civic space. 2-3 storey volumes create a low rise high density environment.

The cluster courtyard space is activated by the surrounding semi-public compound courtyards. The concrete structure and bands of door and window openings gives rhythm to the facade. Brick screens provide ventilation privacy and variety. Vertical bamboo planters can be applied to blank walls.

The plan is based around a simple 4x4m concrete frame structural grid, with non structural infill which allows for later additions, whilst maintaining an architectural language. The plans are one room deep allowing for cross ventilation. Each unit is provided with private outdoor space (terrace or rear garden) and use of the semi public compound courtyard. The grid structure allows for flexibility both horizontally and vertically.

Verandahs and the slender floor plan emphasise the outdoor space. The materiality of bamboo and earth matches the exterior. Jalousie windows help with cross ventilation.

The steeply pitched roofs provide protection from sun and rain. The low walls around the courtyard provide privacy and seating. A perimeter verandah helps to encourage outdoor living.

Where possible the use of local materials will be used to reduce the consumption of concrete as well as to link back to the vernacular. Bamboo for the roof structure, earth in the form of compressed earth stabilised blocks for walls and paving, rammed earth for foundations and floors and coconut fibre cement composite roof tiles

The building typology is based on a bamboo framed roof, which sits on top of a concrete frame. Layering in the roof allows hot air to rise and radiated heat to dissipate before entering the interior. Composite tiles perform better thermally than metal sheeting and can be produced on site in the workshop.

/ Proposal - Incrementality

The basic grid system allows for various typologies, which residents can design when choosing their starter home. Residents can add 50% or more of floor area to their initial plot.

An example is a unit based initially on 2 bays - a kitchen, bathroom and living space - which then expands to 5 bays

Groups of residents are pre-selected per compound, for example via a civil service run scheme. A plot is assigned and they are instrumental in designing their starter home layout. Early involvement is sought at this stage to try and form community ties

/ Proposal - Central Civic Space

The central civic space is at the heart of the site and is activated by commercial and public functions which wrap around it. A covered walkway leading to the main meting hall lines the perimeter offering seating for events and chance encounters

The communal area uses the same language as the rest of the development but is more expressive with round compressed earth composite columns reminiscent of traditional carved posts, decorative earth pavers and decorative screens and doors with geometric patterns on the main meeting hall

The meeting hall is conceived as a bamboo roofed structure, housing a first floor gallery, which is supported by a heavy more enclosed rammed earth base. It is surrounded by a continuous verandah, with wide overhangs and a continuous flow between the indoors and outdoors

Due to security issues a boundary wall is planned. By increasing the depth and providing a roof in some segments, pockets of activity can line the boundary of the site and create an alternative use for the wall from trading stalls to seating, food production and planting.

Examples of decorative elements