Cultural Heritage Preservation in Rapidly Urbanizing Cities: A Case Study of Civic Buildings in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in different parts of Nigeria has gradually erased indigenous cultural identity with modern development. In Rivers State, this change poses threat to both tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the various cultural groups. Therefore, there was a need for this study to find out ways in which the various cultures in rivers state can be preserved using civic buildings. The study examines the implications of rapid urbanisation on cultural heritage preservation and explores architectural strategies for preserving cultural identity. The study was guided by two (2) objectives: To examine the role of civic architecture in preserving cultural identity and to explore how civic buildings can be used to preserve culture. This paper addresses two research questions: How can civic buildings be designed and used to preserve cultural heritage and how can architecture support the preservation of local culture. A qualitative research method was used through literature review and case study analysis of civic buildings in Nigeria, as well as theoretical examination of international civic buildings. The case studies reveal that civic buildings can be used to tell the stories, memories and identity of a group of people with the use of local building materials, the method or technique with which the construction is done, landscape and the use of the building. This study concluded that cultural heritage is dynamic because it evolves in response to environmental and socio- cultural forces. This study recommends that culture can be preserved using symbolic architecture, integrating cultural activities with modern activities and using exhibition spaces that show different cultures as transition spaces.