Evaluation of the Features of Iconic Architecture in Selected Buildings in Nigeria

Abstract

One of the global phenomena in recent years in many developed worlds is development of iconic architecture. Iconic architecture interpreted into buildings can promote global tourism and financial investments in a particular clime. Against this background, this paper seeks to evaluate the features of iconic Architecture in Nigeria. The vernacular architecture in Nigeria is also studied with the intention of exploring the possibility to fuse culture in contemporary iconic buildings, the study involved literature review and Case study of selected buildings in Nigeria. Six buildings were randomly selected and studied, these buildings are the Nigerian Communication Centre located in Abuja, the World Trade Center, tower 1, in Abuja, the Polo Park Mall in Enugu, the National Theatre in Lagos, the Civic Centre in Lagos, and the Anglican church of Nigeria, in Lagos. Exploratory research method was utilized in analyzing the content of literature and reporting the data collected from the case studies. The result from this study highlights the features of the selected iconic buildings and has clarified the poor fusion of cultural elements in iconic buildings in Nigeria. Government should be deliberate about tourism and should make polices that promote cultural considerations. Therefore, little drops of interesting architectural piece add up to the overall image of the city, which in turn promotes tourism. The study has practical implication for environmental designers in Nigeria as regards the global trend applicable to the development of Iconic architecture in the country which will ultimately aid in diversifying the country's economy from a mono dependent economy.