Embracing Nature; Integrating Natural Elements in Construction for Sustainable Architecture in Nigeria
Chapter One
Aim and Objectives
The aim of this research is to explore integrating natural elements in construction for sustainable architecture in Nigeria.
The aim will be achieved through the following objectives
- To study and understand the concept of sustainable architecture and its
- To study the climatic elements and how they affect buildings and
- Identifying which of the principles of sustainable architecture are applicable to the tropical
- How these principles can be applied to a hotel.
CHAPTER TWO
The Concept of Sustainability
Sustainability is a broad concept which can be applied to almost everything from manufacturing to financial issues. In defining sustainability it is important to first understand the context in which you are discussing the matter. For the sake of this study, we would want to define sustainability in the context of architecture.
Truly sustainable architecture could be defined as the creation of buildings for which only renewable resources are consumed throughout the process of design, construction and operation. Sustainability status must also include the manufacture and transportation of materials, components and construction equipment. First Nations people were perhaps the last inhabitants of North America to have truly understood the meaning of sustainability and to have lived accordingly. The present day examples of truly sustainable architecture are rare, if not non-existent. (Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 2010)
Generally, “Sustainable” is a derivative of Latin “sustenere” – (tenere-to hold; sus-up) – To “hold up” implies keeping up or maintaining something in a specified position. Sustainable
is the ability of something to continue for a long time (Summers, 2010). Sustainability has three (3) major components i.e.
- Environmental sustainability
- Social sustainability
- Economic sustainability
Environmental sustainability
Environmental Sustainability can be defined as the capacity to preserve over time the three basic functions of the environment: the resource supply function, the waste receiver function and that of direct usefulness. In other words, within a territory (area / region), environmental sustainability means the capacity to increase and bring up the value of the environment and its peculiarities, while assuring the protection and the renewal of natural resources and the environmental patrimony (www.sogesid.it, 2015).
It is essential to highlight that environmental sustainability is closely interconnected with the other components of sustainability.
Principles of environmental sustainability
An environmentally sustainable system must maintain a stable resource base, avoiding over-exploitation of renewable resource systems or environmental sink functions and depleting non-renewable sources only to the extent that investment is made in adequate substitutes. This includes maintenance of biodiversity, atmospheric stability, and other eco-system functions not ordinarily classed as economic resources (John, 2000). With respect to this, principles of environmental sustainability must be adhered to in order to achieve an environmentally sustainable system. Principles of environmentally sustainable development were outlined in a study by Steven (1996) and another study by John (2011). They outlined the supporting principles of environmental sustainability. As this research is context based, only principles found to be relevant in the housing context were adopted.
CHAPTER THREE
METHOD OF STUDY
Introduction
The effect of research method on the possible outcome of any research endeavour can never be overstated. When undertaking research it is important to choose the correct methodology, to ensure that the research objectives can be met and that the findings can be validated.
The nature of a research topic, its aims and objectives and the resources available largely determine its design. These criteria largely clued-up the research method developed for carrying out this research. The research phase was achieved through deductive reasoning combined with extensive and critical reviews of a large body of literature, web pages, internet discussion forums and expert focus group approach. These helped to build up a theoretical background to the subject area, providing a foundation for achieving the research aim and insight into many of the major issues concerning the concept of sustainable architecture.
This chapter discusses the research methodology adopted, in this case a quantitative methodology. Miles and Huberman (1994) describe qualitative analysis as a continuous, iterative process that consists of the following concurrent flows of activity:
data reduction, which refers to the process of selecting, focusing, simplifying, abstracting and transforming the data;
data display, which is an organised, compressed assembly of information that permits conclusions to be drawn and action; and
Conclusion-drawing and verification, which refers to the decision about what things mean and how the meanings that emerge from the data have to be tested for their validity.
Figure 4.1 shows the components of qualitative analysis and their flow pattern.
CHAPTER FOUR
ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
Case Study 4: Transcorp Hilton, Abuja
Introduction
Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja, formally known as Nicon Noga Hilton hotel is an imposing‗Y‘ shaped five star hotel situated in the high brow maitama central business district of Nigeria‘s capital city Abuja as shown in Plate XLIV. It is the foremost hotel in town and the first five star hotel to be built in Nigeria. It is the preferred host for many public and private functions in Abuja. (Bureau of Public Enterprises, 2011)
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION
Conclusion
The present state of architecture and development continues to be responsible for the inward twisting of high levels of resource consumption, pollution and wastefulness that have characterized the 21st century. At this present moment in history, humankind has the ability to affect the environment on an unprecedented level. The urgency exists for all to realize that, if we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem. In order to do this; development must begin by reflecting on the totality of its effects throughout its various life cycles.
However, it is very important to realize that Sustainable architecture can demonstrate a vision, and become an inspiration for what a society may entail. In trying to move construction to work with the forces of nature, a far greater equity will be possible within society. This will lead to fairer access to resources, better health, improved productivity levels, and decreased running costs, and increased property values, while ensuring that resources and planetary systems are protected for future generations to come.
The objective of the research is to apply the principles of sustainable architecture in a Nigerian five star hotel so as to create a better and healthier environment. And from the case studies carried out, it is evident that internationally, there are very few five star hotels that apply the principles of sustainable architecture, and none in Nigeria.
The research was concluded by proposing a befitting design for the hotel which adopted some principles of sustainable architecture like passive solar design such as building form, orientation, green roofs and shading devices, photovoltaic and rain water catchment.
Summary of Finding
From the research, some of the following findings were identified. The use of large openings for sufficient ventilation, shading devices, overhangs, green roof reduces heat generation in a build which results to little or no need for artificial cooling and lighting. This makes the building more energy efficient.
Rain water catchment and recycling of grey water makes the hotel water efficient.
Verticality is used against horizontality and the use of porous paving allows rain water to penetrate into the ground.
Recommendations
The conclusion drawn from these findings are
- If hotels are designed with principles of sustainable architecture applied, it will be a more human friendly environment and this will make the occupants more comfortable resulting to better overall
- Cost of running and maintaining the hotel will be cheaper and the building will have a longer life This automatically will make the prices of hotels cheaper.
- The value of the property (hotel) will increase.
- The world will be less polluted and so reducing the effect of global warming.
- And most importantly green ratings should be made mandatory as part of the planning
Contribution to Knowledge
In the course of this research, the following original contributions were made to knowledge.
- Established that the application of principles of Sustainable architecture, with main focus on energy efficiency (passive cooling techniques and daylighting) reduce overall energy consumption, running cost and subsequently high cost of hotels in
- Demonstrated that the use of solar tubes to heat water reduce energy consumption of a hotel by 15%.
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