Urbani izziv Volume 31, No. 2, December 2020
: 66-77
(Articles)
UDK: 711.58(669.1)
doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2020-31-02-001
Author
Peter Bikam
University of Venda, School of Environmental Sciences, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Thohoyandou, Južnoafriška republika
peter.bikam@univen.ac.za
James Chakwizira
University of Venda, School of Environmental Sciences, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Thohoyandou, Južnoafriška republika
james.chakwizira@univen.ac.za
Title
Influence of traditional settlement patterns on urban design and planning: A case study of Zaria, Nigeria
Abstract
This article discusses the influence of traditional settlement patterns on planning new parts of towns using the case study of the old town of Zaria, Nigeria, which developed from the eleventh to nineteenth centuries. The central argument is that some elements of old settlement patterns have been integrated into Zaria’s new town. The literature review traces the evolution of the city, reflecting on traditional Hausa architecture, settlement forms, and their influence on spatial organization. Maps, sketches, and tables are used to illustrate how the rich Hausa tradition has influenced urban design and planning. The study shows that some traditional settlement patterns influenced urban design because old vernacular architecture was gradually integrated into new town plans. The article concludes that architects, planners, and developers can learn from this case study of Zaria.
Key Words
traditional settlements, vernacular architecture, urban design and planning, Hausa culture