Department of Architecture

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    Adequacy of the national building code (2006) in promoting Universal Design practices in Nigeria.
    (Journal of Accessibility and Design for All (JACCES), Volume 15, Issue 2, 2025) Sholanke, Anthony Babatunde; Adisa, O.
    Universal design seeks to develop environments that are accessible to all users, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone. Therefore, effective building regulations are essential to support and advance universal design in developing the built environment. This study examined accessibility provisions of Nigeria’s National Building Code (2006), which is an extensive document that provides set standards for how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained in Nigeria. The National Building Code was examined to identify gaps hindering inclusivity in the built environment, thereby determining their adequacy in promoting universal design practices, towards enabling individuals to participate in society without physical barriers. The study is a review article that employed qualitative research methods to gather, analyse, and present data. A systematic textual analysis was conducted using secondary sources, including the NBC (2006), the 7 Principles of Universal Design, and key accessible design standards. The data were grouped into themes, and the content was analysed. A descriptive approach and thematic categories were employed to explain the findings. To achieve its findings, the study used two objectives, it examined the existing accessibility provisions of the National Building Code in relations to the requirements of Universal Design Principles and used the provisions found to determine the adequacy of the Code in promoting universal design practices in the development of the built environment. The findings revealed that although the Code contained some relevant accessibility provisions, several of them were vague, lacked detailed specifications or dimensions needed to ensure inclusivity. The study submitted that in its current state, the National Building Code (2006) operational in Nigeria is inadequate in promoting the ideals of universal design. The study recommends a detailed systematic revision of the code to address the identified shortcomings relating to accessibility.
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    EVALUATION OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES AS A FRAMEWORK FOR AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH PROPOSAL IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-07) IKHALEA, Daniel Inibhoje; Covenant University, Dissertation
    Churches, as multifunctional public buildings, play a critical role in fostering worship, community interaction, and social integration. In Lagos, Nigeria, where diverse demographics converge, many churches face challenges of accessibility, often excluding persons with disabilities, elderly worshippers, and caregivers with children. This gap underscores the need for design frameworks that prioritize inclusivity. Universal Design (UD) concept provides a globally recognized approach to creating equitable, functional, and dignified spaces. The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of Universal Design principles as a framework for developing inclusive church design in Lagos, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to: examine the extent to which selected churches comply with UD principles; identify accessibility features that create physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers; evaluate the adequacy of existing accessibility features in meeting users’ needs; and develop a design framework for an inclusive church design in Lagos. The study adopted a qualitative methodology using a multiple case study approach. Data were be collected through structured observation guides based on the seven UD principles, complemented by structured interviews with church leaders, facility managers, and congregants, including persons with disabilities and elderly worshippers. A literature review and relevant policy documents, such as the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2019) and Lagos State building regulations, were provide contextual grounding. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis to draw insights into design gaps and user experiences. Findings were presented through narratives, tables, figures, drawings, 3D models, and animations. The study is revealed limited compliance with UD principles in selected churches, highlighting accessibility barriers and inconsistencies between policy provisions and practical implementation. The research contributed to architectural knowledge by contextualizing UD within faith-based architecture, offering practical frameworks for inclusive design, and reinforcing the alignment of church environments with values of hospitality, dignity, and equity. The outcomes were significant for architects, policymakers, and church authorities seeking to transform worship spaces into inclusive environments that promote participation for all.