Assessment of Nupe Cultural Features in a Multmedia Studio in Bida, Niger State.

Abstract

The constant evolution of culture has created new hybrids between art, film, media, advertising, journalism, architecture, and many other spheres that have an impact on human culture. These hybrids sometimes call for a paradigm shift or at least challenge our cultural philosophies or ideologies. As a result of technological transformation through industrialization, most public buildings in Nigeria are beginning to lack its indigenous Architecture within their cultural context. In addition, Studies have shown that most public buildings in Nigeria are lacking indigenous people's spatial needs and cultural values and they are profound among the minority ethnic groups. As such, a public building such as a media house ought to reflect the culture of its location. This study focuses on evaluating the application of Nupe cultural features in the design of a multimedia studio in Bida. Media houses were selected randomly in Bida, Niger state to know how modernization has influenced the rich culture of the Nupe people. The research method employed in this study is the qualitative research method and the process of observation has been employed for gathering data. An observation schedule was used as an instrument for data collection and these data were sampled using the non-random sampling method. These data were analyzed through content analysis and the findings showed that the cultural feature has not been properly adopted in multimedia designs. The study concludes that a public building such as a media house should reflect the culture of its location and this can be achieved by prioritizing cultural artistic inputs on building by professionals and by extension, promoting the culture and art of its people.