Regenerative design practices in Nigeria: a case study of Ngozika housing estate, Awka, Anambra State

Abstract

While Design has been acknowledged as a potent process of engaging the imagination, aspiration and creativity of the mind, in recent times, it has not been adequately deployed to engage the 'natural' world thus creating the vast rift that we see in the environment in the form of urban decay. In its resolution, an interest in regenerative approaches to design and development had grown in many foreign countries, while Nigeria, has occupied herself with regeneration in the aspect of sustainable urban renewal. This research therefore, is aimed at assessing the extent to which regenerative design is practiced in Ngozika Housing Estate with a view to effectively implement the concept within the study area. The study adopted the use of survey method of research, review of related literature, and structured questionnaires to source for information. Sample size of 285 residences from a population of 1000 residences in Ngozika Housing Estate Awka, and 116 sample size from a population 240 registered construction professionals within the study area were derived using Yaro Yamane‘s formular. A total of 207 questionnaires were retrieved and were analysed using descriptive statistics. The hypothesis of the study was postulated using the Z–test. This study revealed among others, 79% lack in the regenerative design thinking and practices within the study area. Hence, it strongly recommends among others, that designs should always take into consideration the interconnectivity of human activities and nature which have direct impact on energy consumption, environment and sustainability

Keywords: Regenerative design; Regenerative Development; Sustainability; Urban Renewal