Civil Engineering and Architecture 12(6): 4257-4276, 2024 http://www.hrpub.org
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120635
Adoption of Inclusive Architecture Design Strategies in
Selected Community Centres, Lagos Mainland, Nigeria
Bukola Adejoke Adewale
1,2
, Anuoluwa Nissi Odewumi
1,*
1
Department of Architecture, Covenant University, Nigeria
2
Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Received May 27, 2024; Revised August 8, 2024; Accepted October 29, 2024
Cite This Paper in the Following Citation Styles
(a): [1] Bukola Adejoke Adewale, Anuoluwa Nissi Odewumi , "Adoption of Inclusive Architecture Design Strategies in
Selected Community Centres, Lagos Mainland, Nigeria," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 4257 -
4276, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120635.
(b): Bukola Adejoke Adewale, Anuoluwa Nissi Odewumi (2024). Adoption of Inclusive Architecture Design Strategies in
Selected Community Centres, Lagos Mainland, Nigeria. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 12(6), 4257 - 4276. DOI:
10.13189/cea.2024.120635.
Copyright©2024 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree that this article remains permanently open access under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License
Abstract Community centres play a variety of
important responsibilities in communities. They function
as cohesive environments, fostering the convergence of
individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in
collaborative endeavours and promote inclusion, which is
essential for sustainable urban development. This study
examined the adoption of inclusive architecture strategies
in three selected community centres in Lagos Mainland,
Nigeria – Araromi Youth Development Centre, Magodo
Residents Association Community Centre, and Ikeja Youth
Centre, in order to improve inclusion in public spaces and
foster sustainable urban development. Employing a
qualitative approach, the research aimed to evaluate the
adoption level of inclusive architecture strategies in the
study area. Utilising an observation guide as a research
instrument supported by a thorough literature review, the
study conducted in-depth case studies within the study area,
revealing commendable levels of adoption. However, a
deeper examination reveals opportunities for greater
adoption of inclusive architecture strategies in order to
achieve a more holistic and inclusive design aligned with
global standards. This study also offers significant
implications in the field of architecture as it provides a
comprehensive framework that future research can use to
assess and compare the inclusiveness of different public
spaces. This research underscores the pressing need for
enhanced inclusivity in urban spaces and public areas,
contributing valuable insights to academic discussions and
offering practical implications for educators, architects,
urban planners, and policymakers, thus fostering
inclusivity and sustainable urban development.
Keywords Case Study, Community Centre, Inclusion,
Inclusive Architecture, Lagos Mainland, Nigeria, SDG 11
1. Introduction
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [1]
established a clear definition of community centres as
secure and accessible spaces where people from all
demographic backgrounds can gather for social gatherings,
recreational activities, educational and vocational
programmes, knowledge sharing, and other purposes.
Community centres are essential community resources that
promote social connections, mutual reliance, and active
participation in civic affairs. They play a crucial role in
improving the overall well-being of individuals and families
by providing them with the necessary knowledge and
resources to succeed [2].
Community centres play a variety of important
responsibilities in communities. They function as cohesive
environments, fostering the convergence of individuals
from diverse backgrounds to engage in collaborative
endeavours. These centres also provide chances for
enhancing skills through volunteering, backing community
projects, empowering young people, and advocating for
healthy lifestyles. Moreover, they serve as access points to
vital services and promote the principles of social