FLEXIBLE HOUSING: IMPROVING SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Authors: *Obarisiagbon O, Ebhomien L.E

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

The increasing challenge in Nigerian urban cities necessitates an alternative approach given paucity in housing supply caused by inadequate resources. With flexible housing, resources can be conserved in solving housing problems. This study investigates the housing issues that have not met flexibility standard in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria in order to suggest ways of improving flexibility, thus fostering sustainability. In the study, 30 residential houses were sampled from each of the three prominent areas (Government Residential Area, Ekehuan and Okhoro) in the city. The result was obtained using physical observation and interview with the housing unit heads. The result was analyzed with the use of frequency counts and mean values. The study revealed low extent of flexibility on the properties surveyed. Most of the properties were built without consultation with qualified professionals neither were they approved by planning authorities. The study concluded that there is need to consider functional adaptability in housing design, mandate developers to adhere strictly to building codes and regulations and integrate housing estate into city planning. This will ultimately lead to sustainability and functional efficiency of both buildings and the built environment, thereby addressing housing issues and restore ‘urban orderliness’ to the City.

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