INTEGRATION OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE FEATURES IN A POLO SPORTS CLUB, MINNA, NIGER STATE

ABSTRACT

Vernacular architecture is the expression of an individual person’s or society’s culture, history and locality or geographic area being reflected in their immediate environment and surrounding buildings. Buildings connect individuals to the culture, as the human desire to be culturally connected to ones surrounding is reflected in a harmonious architecture. The constant deterioration of the current Minna polo field, the bare nature of the field and the lack of supporting facilities as outlined by the Niger State Government  mandates  the  need  for  a  modern  facility  that  incorporates  indigenous culture and promotes development in the State; hence the need for a Polo Centre that adopts vernacular architecture. This research provides an example of how architecture can be an expression of a particular culture, exploring the influence of culture on architecture in Niger State by considering the major ethnic groups the Gwari’s and the Nupe also with little interest on the minority ethnic groups in Niger State, Nigeria. The research adopted a descriptive research method, employing the use of observation schedule, an ample review of existing literature, a selection of local and foreign case studies for data deduction to obtain data concerning sports clubs and vernacular architecture design. Field survey and observation were conducted on five selected sports club using the purposive sampling technique case studies. The data obtained was analysed  and presented using tables  and pictures.  Findings  indicate a low level  of implementation in the use of vernacular architecture design principles in the design of sports club. However the research also proposed a design of a Polo Centre in Minna, Nigeria, incorporating elements for optimum airflow, use of indigenous vegetation, incorporating of gender considerations in the allocation of spaces, and traditional materials and  features  within and outside built  spaces.  It is  important  to note that vernacular  design   principles   are  passive   and   sustainable  measures;   engravings, compound  layout,  house forms,  and  locally sourced  building materials  that  can  be adopted by the Government and other associated bodies to enhance the connections to the people’s immediate environment, history and culture, which is highly recommended by the research. The research concludes by advocating for the use of vernacular design principles applicable to building architecture in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Architecture all over the world is a part of ones’ daily life. In all outgrowth, architecture is about the users (Banta, 2006) It is imperative that Architecture responds to those users in the context within which they exist.  The context here being defined as both the physical attribute that is the environment and cultural attribute which is the people and their way of life (Moore 2005; Rapoport 1969). The Hausa aristocracy had historically developed a horse based culture. Still a standing depiction of the traditional superiority in Northern culture. Horses are trained and ridden for practical purposes such as police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch, they are used for competitive sports including, but not limited to dressage, events, endurance riding, show jumping, vaulting, polo, driving, horse racing and rodeo. A polo facility is created and maintained for the purpose of accommodating, training or competing equids, some of the examples are horses, donkeys and mules, especially horses. Based on their use, they may be known as a barn, stables, or riding hall and may include commercial operations described by terms such as a boarding stable, livery yard, or livery stable. Larger facilities may be called polo centres and co-located with complementary services such as a riding school, farriers, vets, tack shops, or equipment repair.

Culture is an outlining of a concept which expresses all of the intellectual activities of a civilization (İnceday 2007) Culture encompasses social interaction, infinite history of societal  interaction  and  the  analysis  of  the  community’s  experience  (Flinn,  1997; Linehan and Gross, 1998; Risjord, 2007; Muhammad & Ismail 2015). The culture is; diverse, expressed through the community as well as the individual, interpreted with each member of the community, shared with groups and transformed to new generation.

It involves a system of rules, and also attitudes, values, beliefs and norms, thereby, putting into practice by interpreting experience and generating behaviour. It conveys the sustainability of vitality of the community, and has the potential to change.   Cultural values were deduced from cultural the cultural origin by breaking the information down into three major group. The three group are social value, cultural value, and environmental context.

Nigeria is a vast country with a rich diversity. This diversity is seen in various dimensions such as ethnic group representations, climatic conditions, religious affiliations, cultural beliefs and practices and art forms. Because of the vastness of its diversity, approaches to architecture also vary. Different ethnic groups in Nigeria approach architecture in different ways in an attempt to address local conditions and needs. To better understand and appreciate vernacular architecture in Nigeria (Lodson et al., 2018). National identity could be forged through a five-tier synthesis of architectural strategies, to positively integrate form, space, and order imaginatively to fit user i.e. sense of rootedness. The application of the courtyard within the family compound (groups of dwelling units sharing common services), serves physical, social, and economic functions concurrently (Moukhtar & Sani 2019).

1.2       Statement of the Research Problem

The Minna polo field, although not relocated has been gradually deteriorating and is being encroached by the new Kure market, The Minna polo ground Is only a field with vast land and no supporting facilities to tender to the horses or the horse rides men.

1.3       Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to incorporate vernacular architecture in the design of polo center in Minna, Niger State.

The objective of this thesis includes

i.         Investigate the characteristic nature of vernacular architecture in Minna.

ii.        Evaluate the application of vernacular architecture in recreational areas in Minna.

iii.        Examine the implementation of vernacular Architecture in polo and polo club.

iv.       Propose a polo and polo center that incorporate vernacular Architecture.

1.4       Research Justification

In recent times there is increase in the popularity of the game polo, resulting in self- awareness, the rapid rates of social change, adaptation of technological innovations and population increase tend themselves to more demand for other recreational opportunities and an adaptation to new social requirements. This study create an avenue for convergence of sports, entertainment, recreation, job creation and a safe place for festivals and celebrations.

1.5       Scope of the Study

The design of the polo and polo centre is a complex where the sport is played professionally with a clubhouse for members of the polo club as well as a retreat centre for accommodation and relaxation of non-members.   A well-equipped livery will be provided for breeding and training horses to maximise tourist inflow.

1.6       The Study Area

Minna, Niger State has a total area of 8000 sq. km and located in west-central Nigeria. It is the capital of Niger state. Its predominant tribes are the Nupes and Gbagyi, with a population of 304, 113 people from the 2007 census (NPC, 2007).

Muslim culture filtered into Minna by way of the ancient Saharan trade routes and has many Muslim organization, Christianity is also a major population in Niger state, where sharia laws is valid. The Minna town is surrounded by hills. The historical background of Minna Niger State was compiled by Maxlock group Nigeria limited. In its Minna master plan and report.

The city is located between latitude 8.25 and 9.25 north of the equator and longitude 6.45 and 7.39 east of the Greenwich Meridian, in a scenic valley of rolling grasslands which is relatively underdeveloped.

The location of the site is strategic for the development of this club because of its accessibility to the target users and also the availability of the important utilities and also it’s the existing polo ground in Minna.

(Source: Muhammad & Ismail, 2015)

Niger, state, west-central Nigeria, bounded to the south by the Niger River. It is also bounded by the states of Kebbi and Zamfara to the north, Kaduna to the north and northeast, Kogi to the southeast, and Kwara to the south. The Abuja Federal Capital Territory is on Niger state’s eastern border, and the Republic of Benin is its western border. The landscape consists mostly of wooded savannas and includes the floodplains of the Kaduna River.

Niger State is one of the most rural states of the Federation. Out of an estimated total population in 1979 of 1,623,704; more than 90% are rural, while the remainder are urban dwellers (Aiyedun 1998). It is situated in the middle belt region of Nigeria and lies between latitude 8″00 and 13″30 North and longitude 4″20 and 8″40 East.

Its area of 65,037 km2 represents about 8% of Nigeria Four major traditional societies live here, including the Nupe who occupy about one-quarter of the land area, make up one-third of the population and who are found in four Local Government Areas in the South (Larum, Gbako, Agaie and Lapai). Another is the Gwari who occupy about one- quarter of the land area and make one-third of the population.

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