ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

SET 115:
INTRODUCTION TO
URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

January 2025
 COURSE OUTLINE
* Concept of Planning
* Cyclic Process of Planning:
• Nature, principles and techniques in each stages of the process;
• Roles of public and private sector in the process;
• Roles of various disciplines and institutions in the process;

* Concept and Definition of the Built Environment:

• Origin of the Built Environment

*Physical Elements of the Built Environment:

• Form, content and qualitative characteristics of the Built Environment
• Forms and pattern of the Built Environment before, during and after the Industrial
Revolution
• Traditional settlements: the Nigerian context; Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo

* Process and Determinants of formation of the Built Environment

* Social and Economic effects of the Built Environment
THE CONCEPT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

What is an Urban Area?

An urban area is a region characterized by high population density and significant infrastructure
development, including buildings, roads, and other facilities. Urban areas typically encompass
cities and towns, and they are associated with economic activities, such as commerce, industry,
and services. In contrast to rural areas, which are often more sparsely populated and may be
dominated by agriculture or open spaces, urban areas are marked by a concentration of people and
a variety of amenities and services.

Urban areas can vary in size and can include metropolitan regions that extend beyond city
boundaries to include suburban or exurban communities. Various factors contribute to the
classification of an area as urban, such as population size, density, and economic function.

What is a Region?

A region is a designated area that is defined by certain characteristics or criteria, which can be
physical, cultural, political, economic, or social. Regions can vary greatly in size and scope and
can be defined for various purposes. Here are some common types of regions:

What is Planning?

Planning is the process of setting goals, developing strategies, and outlining tasks and schedules
to accomplish those goals. It involves anticipating future needs, resources, and potential challenges
to create an organized framework for decision-making and action.

What is now Urban and Regional Planning?

Many different names e.g. town & country planning, town planning, physical planning etc. Has
been defined by various authors and scholars as;
 The art and science of ordering the use of land and siting of buildings and communication
routes so as to secure the maximum practicable degree of economy, convenience, and
beauty.
 Urban and Regional Planning also means the guidance and control of changes within the
human environment. This is because the human environment has persistently been
 influenced by activities of man especially those that tend to occur and re-occur at specific
locations or within particular zone or area.
 Urban and Regional Planning has also been defined as a systematic and creative approach
use to address and resolve social, physical and economic problems of neighbourhood,
suburbs, metropolitan areas and larger regions.

For the purpose of this course we are adopting the definition below.

Urban and Regional Planning is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the development and
management of land use, infrastructure, and public resources in urban and regional contexts. It
seeks to create sustainable, efficient, and equitable communities by considering the complex
interplay between social, economic, environmental, and political factors. Here's a more in-depth
discussion of its key aspects:

Key Concepts:

1. Land Use Planning: This involves determining how land should be allocated for different
purposes residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and green spaces. Planners
often create zoning regulations to promote organized growth and prevent conflicts between
different land uses.

2. Transportation Planning: Effective transportation systems are crucial to urban and regional
development. Planners work to improve public transit, pedestrian pathways, and road networks to
enhance accessibility and mobility, reduce congestion, and minimize environmental impact.

3. Sustainable Development: This principle emphasizes the need for growth that meets present
needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Planners strive to
integrate sustainable practices in urban development, including energy efficiency, waste reduction,
and promoting green infrastructure.

4. Community Engagement: Involving community members in the planning process is essential

to ensure that the plans reflect the needs and desires of the population. Planners utilize public
meetings, surveys, and workshops to gather input and build consensus.
5. Economic Development: Planners aim to stimulate local economies by encouraging business
development, investment, and job creation. This may involve identifying areas for redevelopment
or revitalization and promoting initiatives that enhance regional competitiveness.

6. Environmental Considerations: Urban and regional planning takes into account the natural
environment. Planners assess potential impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and biodiversity, and
work to incorporate green spaces and manage resources sustainably.

7. Regulatory Framework: Urban planners often navigate a complex landscape of regulations and
policies at various levels of government. This includes understanding local ordinances, state laws,
and federal regulations that affect land use and urban development.

Objectives of Urban and Regional Planning

The objectives of Urban and Regional Planning are multifaceted and aim to create functional,
sustainable, and equitable environments for communities. Here are some of the primary objectives:

1. Sustainable Development: Promote sustainable land use and resource management practices
that balance economic, social, and environmental needs for current and future generations.

2. Efficient Land Use: Optimize land use to minimize waste, reduce urban sprawl, and
accommodate growth while ensuring adequate supplies of residential, commercial, and
recreational spaces.

3. Transportation and Accessibility: Enhance connectivity and accessibility through efficient

transportation systems, reducing congestion, and providing a range of transportation options (e.g.,
public transit, biking, walking).

4. Economic Development: Foster economic growth by creating conducive environments for

businesses, attracting investments, and generating employment opportunities. This includes
planning for infrastructure that supports economic activities.

5. Social Equity and Inclusion: Ensure that planning policies and practices consider the needs of
diverse populations, particularly marginalized communities, to promote social equity and
inclusiveness.
6. Community Engagement: Encourage active participation of residents, stakeholders, and
interest groups in the planning process to create plans that reflect community needs, aspirations,
and values.

7. Environmental Protection: Protect and enhance natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity
by integrating environmental considerations into planning processes and mitigating potential
negative impacts of development.

8. Infrastructure Development: Plan for and manage public infrastructure (water, sewage,
electricity, public spaces) to ensure that services are adequately provided to current and future
residents.

9. Resilience and Adaptation: Develop strategies to enhance community resilience to natural

disasters, climate change impacts, and other external shocks, ensuring that communities can adapt
effectively.

10. Quality of Life Improvement: Enhance the overall quality of life for residents by fostering
safe, attractive, and healthy environments. This includes supporting recreational spaces, cultural
amenities, and social services.

11. Historical and Cultural Preservation: Recognize and preserve cultural heritage and historical
sites within communities to maintain identity and promote local pride.

12. Innovative and Smart Solutions: Embrace new technologies and innovative practices (such
as smart city initiatives) to improve planning efficiency, enhance quality of services, and engage
with community members.

13. Balanced Growth: Manage both urban and rural areas to prevent neglect of smaller
communities and ensure balanced development across regions.

These objectives guide urban and regional planners as they work to address complex issues and
create integrated plans that respond to the unique needs of communities while anticipating future
challenges.
Hierarchy and Types of Plans in Urban and Regional planning
In Urban and Regional Planning, various types of plans serve specific roles and purposes in guiding
development, land use, and resource allocation. Below is a detailed discussion of each of the
specified plans, highlighting their characteristics, purposes, and typical contents:

1. Master Plan (Comprehensive Plan)

Purpose:

The master plan provides a long-term strategic vision for the growth and development of a
community or region, typically covering a timeframe of 20 to 30 years. It helps create a framework
for decision-making related to land use, transportation, housing, and other public services.

Characteristics:

 Holistic Approach: Incorporates various aspects of urban planning, including land use,
housing, transportation, community facilities, parks, and environmental sustainability.
 Community Involvement: Often developed through extensive community engagement
processes, gathering input from residents, stakeholders, and experts.
 Guiding Principles: Establishes a set of goals, policies, and objectives that guide future
development and investment decisions.
  Implementation Strategies: Includes recommendations for program development,
regulatory changes, and public investment priorities.

Typical Contents:

 Vision and Goals: Overview of the community's aspirations.

 Land Use Plan: Designations for residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses.
 Transportation Plan: Infrastructure improvements and public transit options.
 Housing Strategy: Plans for affordable housing, density, and mixed-use developments.
 Infrastructure Planning: Assessment of water, sanitation, and waste management needs.
 Economic Development Strategies: Plans to enhance job creation and support local
businesses.

2. Zonal Plan

Purpose:

Zonal plans provide a framework for the detailed development of designated zones within a
broader planning context, helping to guide land use and ensure compatibility between different
activities.

Characteristics:

 Focused Area Development: Addresses specific zones based on land use categories (e.g.,
residential, commercial, industrial).
 Regulatory Framework: May establish specific zoning regulations, development
standards, and permissible land uses for each zone.
 Integration with Master Plan: Aligns with the community’s master plan and serves as a
tool for implementing its objectives.

Typical Contents:

 Map of Zoning Districts: Defines specific areas within the zone and their use.
 Development Regulations: Limitations on building height, density, setbacks, and design
requirements.
 Land Use Allocation: Specifies allowed uses within each zone (e.g., residential densities,
commercial types).
  Infrastructure Recommendations: Needs assessment for transportation and utilities within
the zoned area.

3. Sub-Zonal Plan

Purpose:

A sub-zonal plan offers further detail within a specific zone, breaking it down into smaller areas
that may require unique planning considerations or strategies due to their specific needs or
characteristics.

Characteristics:

 Targeted Planning Approach: Provides a more granular focus on localized areas, often in
response to community issues or unique site characteristics.
 Responsive to Stakeholder Input: Includes input from local residents and stakeholders
directly impacted by changes within smaller zones.

Typical Contents:

 Detailed site maps that show land use patterns and development proposals.
 Specific policies or guidelines tailored to sub-zonal areas.
 Local infrastructure needs and investments.
 Strategies for managing change, redevelopment, or revitalization in light of community
aspirations.

4. Local Area Plan

Purpose:

Local area plans focus on specific neighbourhoods or districts within a community, addressing
both long-term visions and immediate needs related to land use, infrastructure, and community
services.

Characteristics:

 Community-Cantered: Developed with significant input from local residents and

stakeholders, reflecting their priorities and needs.
  Detailed Strategies: Offers specific recommendations for addressing local issues, such as
housing, public spaces, and access to services.

Typical Contents:

 Vision and Goals tailored to the local area.

 Land Use Recommendations: Specific densities and uses based on neighbourhood
context.
 Infrastructure Improvements: Local service enhancements, such as transportation and
public facilities.
 Community Engagement Strategies: Initiatives to foster local involvement and
investment.

5. Sector Plan

Purpose:

Sector plans focus on specific functional areas within a community, such as transportation,
housing, or economics, providing detailed guidance for development and management.

Characteristics:

 Functional Emphasis: Concentrates on one or two specific sectors, aligning them with the
overall goals of the master plan.
 Performance Metrics: May include methods for evaluating the effectiveness of strategies
implemented in the sector.

Typical Contents:

 Assessment of current conditions and future needs within the sector.

 Policies and strategies to promote development and manage resources.
 Guidelines for project implementation, financing, and partnerships.
 Monitoring and evaluation strategies for assessing performance over time.

6. Neighbourhood Plan

Purpose:
Neighbourhood plans are small-area plans that focus specifically on a neighbourhood’s unique
characteristics, needs, and aspirations, usually developed with substantial local community
engagement.

Characteristics:

 Community Vision: Often shaped heavily by local stakeholders, reflecting their values,
needs, and desires for development.
 Flexible Framework: Allows for a diverse range of strategies tailored to address
neighbourhood-specific issues such as housing affordability, safety, and public amenities.

Typical Contents:

 Neighbourhood Vision and Goals: Outlines aspirations for the community's future.
 Land Use Proposals: Specific allocations for housing types, commercial areas, and public
spaces.
 Infrastructure Improvements: Recommendations tailored to local residents' needs (e.g.,
parks, transportation).
 Action Items: Short-term projects and initiatives to engage the community and foster local
participation.

In summary, each of these plans serves a crucial role within the broader framework of urban and
regional planning, ensuring that development is strategic, coordinated, and responsive to
community needs across varying scales and contexts.

CYCLIC PLANNING PROCESS

It is a grave reality that planning is a process of continuous efforts to address increasing number
of problems over the period of time. A planner desires to address these problems with a vision for
the future. This vision of a planner required a flexibility of ideas which could incorporate the
changing needs of the society. The planning process requires a logical sequence of interrelated
facts on which an argument or scheme is formulated, tested & proved.

John Ratcliffe, a notable figure in urban planning, outlined a systematic approach to the planning
process that comprises several distinct steps or phases. This framework allows planners to
methodically develop plans that are comprehensive, practical, and reflective of community needs.
Here are the steps/phases of the planning process as outlined by John Ratcliffe:

1. Problem Identification

 Objective: Recognize and articulate the challenges or issues to be addressed through the
planning process.
 Activities: Engage stakeholders, conduct preliminary research, and define the scope of the
problems. This phase emphasizes understanding community needs and expectations.

2. Data Collection and Analysis

 Objective: Gather relevant data to inform the planning process and provide a factual basis
for decision-making.
 Activities: Collect quantitative and qualitative data, including demographic information,
land use patterns, economic statistics, environmental conditions, and existing
infrastructure. Analyse the data to identify trends and patterns that may impact planning.

3. Goal and Objective Setting

 Objective: Develop clear goals and specific objectives based on the identified problems
and analysis of data.
 Activities: Involve stakeholders in discussions to establish a vision for the future and
outline specific, measurable objectives that will guide the planning process. Goals should
reflect community values and aspirations.

4. Alternative Generation

 Objective: Create a range of possible alternatives or strategies to achieve the established

goals and objectives.
 Activities: Brainstorm various planning options, policies, or interventions that could
address the identified problems. Consider innovative solutions, and ensure that all
stakeholders have a voice in this creative process.

5. Evaluation of Alternatives
  Objective: Assess the feasibility, advantages, disadvantages, and potential impacts of each
alternative.
 Activities: Use criteria such as cost, environmental impact, social equity, and technical
feasibility to evaluate the generated alternatives. Engage stakeholders to gather feedback
on the perceived value and implications of each option.

6. Plan Formulation

 Objective: Develop a comprehensive planning document that articulates the chosen

alternative(s) and outlines implementation strategies.
 Activities: Combine the selected alternatives into a cohesive plan that includes specific
actions, programs, policies, and timelines. Ensure that the plan aligns with community
goals and regulatory frameworks.

7. Implementation and Monitoring

 Objective: Execute the plan and track its progress to ensure it achieves the intended
outcomes.
 Activities: Develop an implementation strategy that includes roles, responsibilities,
timelines, and funding mechanisms. Monitor progress through performance indicators and
feedback loops, adjusting the plan as necessary based on evolving conditions and
stakeholder input.

Conclusion
John Ratcliffe's planning process emphasizes a structured approach that encourages community
engagement and evidence-based decision-making at every stage. By following these seven phases,
planners can create effective and responsive plans that address complex urban and regional issues
while remaining aligned with community needs and aspirations
 Problem Identification Data Collection & Analysis

Goal & Objective Setting

Implementation & Monitoring

Plan Formulation Alternative Generation

Evaluation of Alternatives

Figure 1: The Cyclic Planning Process

Roles of various disciplines and institutions in the process

The planning process in urban and regional contexts typically involves a diverse array of
disciplines and institutions, each contributing unique perspectives, expertise, and resources. Here
are the key roles of various disciplines and institutions in the planning process:

1. Urban Planning and Regional Planning

 Role: Develops comprehensive and strategic plans that guide land use, transportation,
housing, and economic development based on community needs and goals.
 Expertise: Land use regulations, zoning laws, community engagement, and sustainability
practices.

2. Architecture

 Role: Provides design solutions for buildings and public spaces that align with planning
goals and enhance the built environment.
  Expertise: Aesthetic considerations, functionality, accessibility, and integration with
surrounding context.

3. Civil Engineering

 Role: Designs and oversees construction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water
supply systems, and drainage solutions.
 Expertise: Technical requirements of infrastructure, safety standards, and environmental
impact assessments.

4. Environmental Science

 Role: Assesses the environmental impacts of development proposals and promotes

sustainable practices.
 Expertise: Ecosystem preservation, resource management, pollution control, and climate
resilience.

5. Transportation Engineering and Planning

 Role: Analyses transportation systems and recommends improvements, ensuring effective

movement of people and goods.
 Expertise: Traffic analysis, transportation modelling, public transit systems, and
pedestrian/bicycle planning.

6. Economics

 Role: Studies economic impacts of planning decisions and informs strategies for
sustainable economic development.
 Expertise: Economic modelling, land value assessments, job creation analysis, and fiscal
impacts of planning policies.

7. Sociology and Community Development

 Role: Provides insights into community dynamics, social equity, and public participation
in the planning process.
 Expertise: Community engagement techniques, demographics, social justice, and
neighbourhood revitalization.
8. Public Policy and Administration

 Role: Develops policies that guide planning practices and ensure compliance with local,
state, and federal regulations.
 Expertise: Policy analysis, program evaluation, governance, and intergovernmental
relations.

9. Geography and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

 Role: Analyses spatial data to inform planning decisions and visualize development
proposals.
 Expertise: Spatial analysis, mapping techniques, and demographic data analysis.

10. Real Estate Development

 Role: Involves the financing, development, and management of real estate projects in
accordance with planning guidelines.
 Expertise: Property valuation, market analysis, development feasibility, and investment
strategies.

11. Public Health

 Role: Evaluates and promotes health impacts of planning decisions, focusing on

community health and access to services.
 Expertise: Health impact assessments, active transportation, and access to green spaces.

12. Law

 Role: Provides legal guidance on land use regulations, zoning, property rights, and the
enforcement of planning laws.
 Expertise: Statutory interpretation, case law, and regulatory frameworks.

Institutions Involved in the Planning Process

1. Local Government Agencies: Responsible for implementing planning policies, conducting

public engagement, and managing zoning and permitting processes.

2. Regional Planning Organizations: Collaborate across municipalities to address issues that

transcend local boundaries, such as transportation and regional development.
3. Neighbourhood Associations: Engage the community in the planning process, providing input
and advocating for local needs and concerns.

4. Non-Profit Organizations: Often focus on specific issues such as housing, environmental

conservation, or social equity, contributing advocacy and expertise.

5. Private Sector Firms: Urban planners, architects, engineers, and developers provide technical
expertise and contribute to project development within the framework of planning policies.

6. Academic Institutions: Conduct research, provide educational opportunities, and contribute to

the theoretical foundations of planning practices.

7. Public Interest Groups: Advocate for specific community issues, such as social justice,
environmental protection, or historic preservation.

Each of these disciplines and institutions plays a crucial role in the planning process, helping to
create comprehensive, sustainable, and equitable plans that reflect the needs and aspirations of
communities. Collaboration among these varied stakeholders is essential for successful planning
outcomes.

CONCEPT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The word Environment is derived from the French word “Environ” which means “surrounding”.
Our surrounding includes biotic factors like human beings, Plants, animals, microbes, etc and
abiotic factors such as light, air, water, soil, etc.

Environment is a complex of many variables, which surrounds man as well as the living organisms.
Environment includes water, air and land and the interrelationships which exist among and
between water, air and land and human beings and other living creatures such as plants, animals
and microorganisms. Therefore, environment consists of an inseparable whole system constituted
by physical, chemical, biological, social and cultural elements, which are interlinked individually
and collectively in different ways. Fair Child (1976) defined Environment as those natural
phenomena that affect the origin and development of physical and social live such as climate,
temperature, sunshine, rainfall, drought, soil, land, vegetation etc.

Lapedes in 1972 looked at Environment from three angles;

  Ecologically as the sum of all external conditions and influences affecting the development
of lives of organisms;
 Physically as the aggregate of all the conditions that determined the behaviour of a physical
system; and
 Mechanically as the totality of all natural operations or other conditions that affects the
operation of equipment.

The term Built Environment is used when referring to those surroundings created

For humans,

By humans, and

To be used for human activity.

Examples include cities, buildings, urban spaces, walkways, roads, parks, etc.

The term ‘built environment’ can also be defined as that aspects of our surroundings that are built
by humans, that is, distinguished from the natural environment. It includes not only buildings, but
the human-made spaces between buildings, such as parks, and the infrastructure that supports
human activity such as transportation networks, utilities networks, flood defences,
telecommunications, etc.

Origin of the Built Environment

The built environment emerged through an orderly stage of development over a long term space;
each stage has some distinctive characteristic. The origin can be traced back to the history of man
himself. Research revealed that the early specie of man called Hominids were first discovered in
Northern Tanzania in about 1.5-2 million years ago. These Hominids were found in small groups
on lake shores in savannah region, they were wonderers, moving about picking fruits and hunting
animals for food and taking shelter in caves and grooves of trees. About a million years ago a
breakthrough was recorded as man invented simple tools like double edge hand axe, hammer stone
and scraper which enhance his ability to hunt animals and gather fruit. Man began to live in larger
groups. About 8000 years ago, man discovered fire from stone and learn to use it for rusting food
and keeping himself warm during cold period. This development brought in the idea of settling in
one place instead of wondering about, though on daily basis man still move around to gather fruits
and hunt animals and later in the evening come back to his settling place, this period was regarded
as Neolithic age or the New Stone Age. As the seed thrown by man began to germinate man
gradually discover that he could as well plant a seed in an effort to grow food in a particular
location hence the idea of farming.

As man settles in one place, though taking shelter under trees and caves, he started making
increasing use of the common materials around him like wood, bones and stones to erect local
structures. The spread and expansion of the farming practice increased the sizes and complexity
of social groups (family) which in turn put demand for more structures. This instability provides
sufficient experience of practical activities that lead to the development of the built environment.

Physical Elements of the Built Environment

The physical elements of the built environment encompass various aspects that shape the way we
experience and interact with our surroundings. Understanding these elements involves analysing
three primary dimensions: form, content, and qualitative characteristics. Here's a breakdown of
each:

Form

The form of the built environment refers to its spatial organization, structure, and physical layout.
It encompasses the various elements that make up the environment, including:

 Building morphology: The shape, size, and layout of buildings, including their height,
bulk, and orientation.
 Street pattern: The arrangement and layout of streets, including their width, orientation,
and connectivity.
 Public spaces: The design and layout of parks, plazas, and other public areas.
 Block size and shape: The dimensions and configuration of city blocks.
 Lot size and shape: The dimensions and configuration of individual parcels of land.

Content

The content of the built environment refers to the various physical components that make up the
environment. It includes:

 Buildings: Residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.

  Infrastructure: Roads, highways, bridges, utilities, and other essential systems.
 Landscaping: Vegetation, gardens, and other landscape features.
 Furniture: Street furniture, such as benches, lighting, and signage.
 Transportation systems: Public transportation, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and
parking facilities.

Qualitative Characteristics

The qualitative characteristics of the built environment refer to the sensory and experiential aspects
of the physical environment. It includes:

 Aesthetics: The visual appeal and beauty of the environment.

 Ambiance: The atmosphere and mood created by the environment.
 Safety: The perceived and actual safety of the environment.
 Accessibility: The ease of movement and access to various areas and facilities.
 Sustainability: The environmental impact and sustainability of the built environment.
 Social cohesion: The extent to which the environment fosters social interaction and
community.
 Cultural significance: The cultural and historical importance of the environment.

Conclusion
Together, the form, content, and qualitative characteristics of the built environment play crucial
roles in shaping our physical and emotional experiences. Understanding these elements helps
architects, urban planners, and policymakers design spaces that are functional, aesthetically
pleasing, and reflective of the community's needs and values. By considering how these elements
interact, stakeholders can create more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant environments.

Process and Determinants of Formation of the Built Environment

The process of formation of the built environment involves several stages, influenced by various
determinants. Here’s an overview:

Process of Formation of the Built Environment

1. Planning and Design:

Needs Assessment: Identifying the needs of the community or specific populations that the built
environment will serve.

Urban Planning: Involves zoning, land-use planning, and determining the integration of different
spaces (residential, commercial, and recreational etc.)

Architectural Design: Creating blueprints and designs for buildings and infrastructures,
considering aesthetics, functionality, and environmental impact.

2. Regulatory Approvals:

 Compliance with local, regional, and national regulations.

 Obtaining necessary permits and approvals from governmental and planning authorities.

3. Financing:

 Securing funding through investments, loans, or grants.

 Economic feasibility studies to ensure the project's viability.

4. Construction:

 Mobilization of labour and equipment.

 Site preparation and the actual construction of buildings and infrastructure.
 Quality control to ensure standards are met.

5. Operation and Maintenance:

 Post-construction activities including occupancy, facility management, and regular

maintenance to ensure the built environment remains functional and safe.
 Community engagement to gather feedback on the built environment and make necessary
adjustments.

TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT: The Nigerian Context

Cities existed and thrived long before European intervention, these urban centres had over time
developed design principles based on the forces peculiar to their culture, the inhabitant’s
expectations and the physical and economic possibilities.
Basically, the urban design characteristics include the walls, gates and city square, others include
narrow winding path and borrow pits, the market square and religious grounds. The combination
of these elements varies from one cultural setting to the other in the country. In broad terms, three
dominant cultural settings i.e. Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo have a history of urban development before
the European i.e. the indigenous city development.

THE HAUSA/FULANI TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT

The Hausa are located in Sahel Northern Nigeria. The Hausa are related to the Fulani’s and are
generalised as Hausa/Fulani. The Hausa/Fulani cultural setting in urban area is organised on
various hierarchy of social and physical units. These being the city (Birni), neighbourhood
(Wakili), ward (unguwa/anguwa), housing cluster (Sashe) and compound or house (Gida).

The principle of community security and survival was applied to affect the settlement structure
due to the extensive war and technological limitation. The resultant form at the city level is the
city wall which is exemplified in the town of Katsina, Kano, Daura Zaria and Bauchi which consist
of gates connected with paths leading to the emir’s palace and markets. This structure was retained
and strengthen after the Jihad. Before the Jihad the Hausa/Fulani settlement look this:-

During times of peace i.e. after the jihad, the forces of culture and religion emphasized the needs
and values of emir’s glorification and wealth depiction to impress on resident of other cities in the
kingdom. This lead to the principle of expressive leadership power and wealth which can be seen
in decoration of the city gates, the emirs’ palace and the cultural space (Dandali). Similarly, the
expression of religion was in the location of relative size and decoration of central mosque near
the emir’s palace. The characteristics of the city comprises of the tripartite system of public, semi
public and private spaces, varying in degree of accessibility and enclosure.

The main public places or areas of the settlement are: the market, palace/dandali and the central
mosque. These are the domain of men to which the needed maximum accessibility and unrestricted
social, religious and commercial contact. To meet this need and consider value of the elements,
the planning principle of centrality evolved. This gave the radial pattern of urban design. Means
of movement were by horse back and predominantly on foot. The building materials and
technology were irregular and manual respectively. Hence the geometry of urban routes was
narrow and irregular.

The layout pattern of the central area element which was meant to satisfy the religious and cultural
needs and values resulted from the planning principle of grouping of like functional elements.
Farm land were located within the wall thus the settlement was self-sufficient.

After the Jihad, the Hausa/Fulani operate a “DUAL” city concept, they have the traditional walled
city and the newer settlements like the Tudun wada, Sabongari etc

NB: Northern migrants not indigenes of the city were also refused permanent settlement in the city
With the advent of the Europeans the settlement looks like this:-

NB: The colonial administrators created the G.R.A’s outside the city. These have developed into
another nucleus of the city

The major elements identified in Hausa/Fulani setting are:

Walls: - In most Hausa/Fulani settlements walls were created essentially for defensive purposes,
some of the walls were quite extensive. They have gates that served as toll gates. In most cases the
walls were very massive, within the walls area extensive farm lands were also provided.

The Central Area: - There are two components of the central area, these are the palace and the
mosque. Reasons have been given for this separation. The palace consisted the residential units for
the emir, his relations and servant.

The impact of Fulani jihadist became strong by location of the major mosque by the palace, which
is towards the east of the palace. The palace area is an administrative, political as well as religious
unit. The palace is usually located within the central area of the settlements. It overlooks the
prominent open space which extends to the heart of the settlement. The open space which is used
during religious ceremonies. The name of the open space vary from place to place for e.g. Dandali
in Katsina and Kangiwa in Zaria.

However, by the sides of the Dandali, some administrative buildings and some urban facilities
were provided e.g. local government headquarters, police station, health centre, etc. after the
advent of the Europeans.

Market: - The Market was essentially an open space, located away from the palace. It represents
the commercial life of the city.
The Roads: - Major roads radiates from the Dandali in front of the emir’s palace to its periphery,
they were essentially circulation lines.

The Settlement Pattern: - They are broken into wards known as unguwa/anguwa, sometimes
they are based on trades like hunters ward, blacksmith wards etc. There is a hierarchy from the
emir’s palace to the common man, surrounding the emir’s palace are the royal families.

THE YORUBA TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT

There are some similarities in principles of city building with those of Hausa/Fulani settlements,
in terms of the composition of urban elements, namely, the wall, gates, the palace, markets and
network of movement channels. These similarities are product of similar forces of war, political,
symbol and social status. However, significant variation exist in the choice of location of the
respective urban components, the groupings and the role of religious beliefs in settlement design.

The structure of the Yoruba settlement was “BICYCLE WHEEL” in concept. At the centre was
the Oba’s palace and in front of the palace is always a large open space for recreation and
ceremonies and next to this will be main market. In contrast with the Hausa settlement, the

Yoruba town have farmland far away (5-7 miles) from the city. Yoruba traditional town are
identical with Greek towns in term of design principles of public and private spaces. Basically, the
geometry of the respective compounds is a square full of quadrangles, open space and court yard
and veranda.

Oba’s palace is built on the top highest place just as Greek acropolis is sited on the hilltop. The
open space infront of the Oba’s palace in Yoruba land is for assembly and festival
The major elements identified in Yoruba cultural settling are:

The Rim: - The Rim represents the city wall, the city wall created was essentially for security
reason due to inter-tribal and regional wars. It has been observed that most of the large and fairly
large settlements have city walls. Indeed some settlements were founded as out post to protect
some cities e.g. Oshogbo was an outpost against Oyo. The search for security also resulted in the
coming together of people from smaller settlement to form large ones.

In most cases the walls have ditches as protection measures. The trenches are usually constructed
to make it difficult to either climb the wall or descend from the wall.

Some important settlement have double walls with the ditch in-between e.g. Oyo, Oshogbo, Ife,
Ilesha, Owo etc.
The wall did not include any extensive land for farming. In spite of that some of the walls were
very extensive, e.g. Ibadan, the outer wall run for 24miles around 1862. In most cases, the walls
were above 6m. in each settlements the walls were perforated by gates. Ibadan had16 gates,
Abeokuta 12 gates. The gates were manned by warriors. The idea of toll gates were introduced for
collection of certain levies.

Spokes: - This represent the roads and path, the roads radiates from the central area to the city
walls about (10m) and extended beyond the city walls. Studies have shown that the roads were
not only lines of movement but also social areas.

Hub: - This is where you have the roads meeting at the central area, there is a land unit called the
‘HUB,’ it is the centre of social, political and religious activities. Within this special unit is the
palace (AFIN). The Afin occupied a fairly large space and in most cases, there is an intensive area
of land called the Oba’s forest within the area. There are three reasons for reservation of Oba’s
forest. These are recreation, security and medical.

The Afin has a rectangular housing units for the Oba and his extended family. Each of the unit
have a compound of its own i.e. courtyard. The Afin has a porch that overlooks the market called
Kobi, which is the space occupied by the Oba during market days, there is a strong linkage between
the Afin and the market called Oba’s market. It is usually in front of the Afin. The Oba looks at
the market. This market is also spiritually related to the Afin. The market is made of open space
with only trees for shades. The commodities are displayed on the ground. The space is also used
for ceremonies. Between the path and the roads are residential units in an organised form. Each
cluster belong to a recognised group.

The Yoruba House Form

Most of the Yoruba’s house form is drawn like this

There is a central courtyard surrounded by rooms and veranda. And the rooms are built to
accommodate extended family. Before the advent of the west they used the leaves of palm fruits
as a roofing material. But with the advent of Europeans they started using iron sheets.

THE IGBO TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT

The Igbo’s are democratic and individualistic, it has been observed that Igbo land has more of
scattered rural settlement than large settlement. They do not worship personality or institutional
authorities like Hausa’s and Yoruba’s situation. As a result they existed in small family units
(statelessness situation). They are agriculturalist that practice shifting cultivation. Throughout the
pre-colonial period, there were no large settlements in Igbo land. The large settlements today are
due to colonial administration.

However, looking at some of the villages, an interesting concept could be observed e.g. Ohafia
compound. The compound has a periphery and inner structure. Within the compound there can a
number family units.

Circular compound
Note: There is no sanitary provisions. They use the nearby bushes. During the women periods they
can move to the bushes to clean up without contaminating the men.

In the settlement pattern three levels are distinguished

The individual compound: As demonstrated above, the individual compound has the Obi which
is the head located in front, followed by male quarters, next to this is boys and girls quarters located
side by side, then the female quarters, behind the female quarters is a forest. There is also visitors
and slaves quarters located side by side of the male quarters.

The Village square: This consist of a village hall and shrine. It is linked to the village market or
market square by major road. The village square serves as a place for important meetings, minor
disputes and for wrestling and entertainments.

The market square: This is similar to the village centre, but in place town hall, there is the shrine
of the chief of gods, there is the evil forest. The size of the population determines the size of the
market square because it is meant to accommodate the size of the village population. It also has an
open space which serves as ceremonial ground and a place for important annual festival. The evil
forest is a burial ground for evil doers and crime committers, when the Igbo came in contact with
the Europeans their towns adapted easily to the Europeans pattern. That is the Grid iron pattern.

Determinants of the Built Environment

1. Socioeconomic Factors:

 Economic resources available to the community influence the type and quality of built
environments.
 Socioeconomic status affects demand for different types of housing, amenities, and
services.

2. Cultural Factors:

 Local customs, traditions, and values influence the design and function of spaces.
 Cultural heritage considerations can impact preservation and integration of traditional
designs in the built environment.

3. Political Factors:
  Government policies, regulations, and political stability can significantly influence urban
planning and development processes.
 Availability of governmental support and investment in community infrastructure.

4. Environmental Factors:

 Natural geography, climate conditions, and environmental sustainability considerations

shape design and construction practices.
 Impact of environmental issues such as climate change, natural disasters, and the need for
sustainable practices.

5. Technological Factors:

 Advances in construction technology, materials, and design software impact how built
environments are conceived and constructed.
 Smart technologies are increasingly influencing the functionality and efficiency of spaces.

6. Demographic Trends:

 Population growth, migration patterns, and demographic shifts (age, family structure)
affect housing demand and urban development patterns.
 Changes in population density can lead to the need for revised infrastructure and urban
design.

Each of these elements interacts with one another, and their influence may vary based on the
specific context of a location or community. Understanding both the processes and determinants
of the built environment is critical for creating sustainable, functional, and inclusive spaces.

Social and Economic Effects of the Built Environment

The built environment encompassing buildings, infrastructure, and other human-made structures
has significant social and economic effects on communities. Here are some key social and
economic effects:

Social Effects:

1. Community Interaction:
The design of public spaces, parks, and community centers fosters social interactions and
community building. Accessible and inviting public areas encourage gatherings and strengthen
social ties.

2. Health and Well-being:

The built environment impacts physical and mental health. Well-designed spaces can promote
physical activity (via walkable neighborhoods, parks) and reduce stress through green spaces.
Conversely, poorly designed environments may contribute to issues such as obesity and mental
health problems.

3. Equity and Access:

The built environment can reflect and exacerbate social inequalities. Limited access to quality
housing, transportation, and community facilities may affect marginalized groups
disproportionately, leading to further socio-economic divides.

4. Cultural Identity:

Architecture and public spaces can reflect and preserve cultural heritage and identity. They can
promote a sense of belonging and pride in the community.

Economic Effects:

1. Property Values:

The quality of the built environment directly affects property values. Well-maintained
neighbourhoods with good infrastructure and services tend to have higher property values, while
neglected areas often see declines.

2. Business Development:

The built environment impacts business locations and customer accessibility. Well-planned
commercial districts attract businesses, stimulate local economies, and create jobs, whereas poorly
planned spaces may deter investment.

3. Employment Opportunities:
Infrastructure, such as transport networks and utilities, facilitates economic activities. A well-
connected area can increase employment by providing easier access to jobs and resources.

4. Cost of Living:

Housing within well-developed and desirable areas is often more expensive, affecting the cost of
living for residents. The balance between affordable housing and desirable locations is a critical
consideration for urban planners.

Conclusion:

The built environment is a powerful determinant of social dynamics and economic prosperity.
Thoughtful urban planning and design can enhance community well-being, promote economic
growth, and foster a sense of belonging, while neglecting these aspects can lead to myriad social
and economic challenges.