Conserving Indigenous Geometries: A Vital Approach to Integrating Cultural Heritage into Architectural Education

• Mokọ́ládé JOHNSON

  Author

• Bashir SALIM

  Author

• Enobong EQUERE

  Author

• Miriam I. CHUKWUMA-UCHEGBU

  Author

• Emma EKPO

  Author

• Ali B. ABDULSALAM

  Author

There is growing awareness of various theoretical and applied native geometries and the weak strategies in preserving their uniqueness in the Global South. Hitherto, examination overlooked Nigerian examples for pedagogy. In contrast, attention is generally focused on the European prototypes in learning from schools with limited description of how they have evolved. Drawing from explorations across geopolitical zones in Nigeria, the study employs a mixed-methods approach and an interpretivist framework to develop an understanding of how schools can implement native extraction plans. Studies record increasing loss of homegrown patterns, symbols, graphics and histories that authenticate their traditional significance and general usage for society and learning. In response to these impacts, the study highlights patterns, shapes, and graphics rooted in traditional knowledge systems to collectively draw out models for architectural education and other creative vocations that preserve heritage geometries. Notably, indigenous geometries are deeply connected to cultural societies and religious groups; however, contemporary applications can engage with them as principles of ‘art for art’s sake’. Curricula could integrate Indigenous geometric practices with modern knowledge and technologies to facilitate various applications in learning, modelling, and 3D architectural rendering. To preserve heritage histories, decision-makers in local, regional and national government institutions could work to design multi-scalar interventions that support the integration of native hieroglyphs and contemporary knowledge, addressing the potential loss of local geometries across different scales.

• FJET_21_55_55

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