L A G O S . I B A D A N B E N I N C I T Y
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Each of the three cities that I visit will be examined under strict criterion which I have established based on derivatives of P. Cherlunik’s Model for Environmental-Behavioral Research and A.Rapaport’s House, Form ,and Culture . The climatic elements will be noted for their architectural potential as sustainable resources or problems. Economic factors will be compared within the extremely imbalanced spectrum that exists in Nigeria. Materials will be scaled according to their origin, physical properties, and overall efficiency. The majority of observation will be qualitative, and without regard to “traditional” architectural bias. Quantitative information regarding the weather, prices, and physical measurements will be provided to establish a setting that place each city in the scope of civilization. It will be especially useful upon return the presentation of observations, and in further architectural research. My first destination is Lagos, where I will begin recording observations at the airport. Along with other facets of life, means of transportation will each be scrutinized in their ability to cope with the extreme overpopulation of the city. Spatial “scavenging” will be noted for its ingenuity, and compared to the spatial ”abandonment” which takes place in similar American urban structures. It is in Lagos that I must develop a more complete and precise method of inquiry based off of the case studies developed by Koolhaas. Thus, information gathered will be ordered and compared systematically for the duration of my Nigerian experience. I have corresponded with Professor Salau at the University of Lagos, and arranged to visit their Civil and Environmental Engineering facilities, which will provide me with a glimpse of the local students’ perspective.