Abstract

Indigenous cultures in Nigeria demonstrated robust social coexistence and governance structures long before colonialism, guided by established customs and traditions passed down through oral history. This paper explores the profound impact of culture on architectural expressions in Nigeria, specifically within the North-Central region. Culture, encompassing social order, language, art, and architecture, sets distinct identities among various groups. Nigerian architecture, shaped by diverse cultural and historical influences, reflects a fusion of traditional styles, Islamic, colonial, and contemporary elements. Cultural sustainability, which integrates with environmental, economic, and social aspects, plays a pivotal role in fostering well-being. This study explores the implications of aligning development initiatives with local culture in architectural design. This study employs a qualitative approach, merging a comprehensive literature review with a non-participant survey of residential buildings in North-Central Nigeria, excluding the Capital Business District. Data analysis encompasses meticulous documentation and content analysis of observations across diverse neighbourhoods. Understanding the interplay between culture and architecture is vital for preserving cultural identities, promoting sustainable architectural practices, and aligning development initiatives with local values. The study reveals the continued use of traditional building materials, like clay bricks, reflecting a commitment to cultural heritage preservation. Furthermore, architectural elements rooted in regional culture and traditional beliefs, including intricate carvings and symbolic motifs, are prevalent. The use of symbolism reinforces the close connection between culture and architecture, enhancing the cultural identity of the area. Cultural sustainability is a significant driver of architectural choices in North-Central Nigeria, where traditional building materials, decorative elements, and symbols reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. These findings underscore the importance of embracing culture in architectural design to preserve cultural identities and promote sustainable practices in architectural expressions. Architects and designers should incorporate indigenous architectural elements and materials to reflect local culture and preserve heritage. Policymakers should consider cultural sustainability in urban planning and development initiatives. Further research should explore the long-term impacts of cultural sustainability on community well-being and development.