Vernacular Architecture Of Hausa-fulani In Northern Nigeria

The Ancient structures of Northern Nigeria have a special aura around them and they are of various shapes and sizes.Over the centuries a tradition of fine architecture has flourished in the area.The variety and quality of buildings in Northern Nigeria are bound to generate much delight and enthusiasm in anyone who is interested in buildings and structures.Indeed,the manner after which a building is constructed,and the sheer artistry that is deployed in the effort,combines to reveal aspects of a people's development,their history and culture,and assists in projecting the precise conditions of a people's soul.The architecture of the Hausa is perhaps one of the least known but most beautiful of the medieval age.Many of their early mosques and palaces are bright and colorful,including intricate engraving or elaborate symbols designed into the fa?ade.This architectural style is known as Tubali which means the traditional architecture in the Hausa language and globally known as Vernacular Architecture?VA?.The aim of this research work is to discuss and assess Vernacular Architecture in Northern Nigeria?VANN?with a view of identifying,evaluating and ranking the factors affecting or impacting Vernacular Architecture in Northern Nigeria?VANN?.The primary data for this research work are obtained from the conducted fieldwork.The architectural and visual findings are obtained from the hamlets surrounding the three villages of Anguwar Fulani,Dudinni,and Dandagoro villages in the Katsina state of the northern part of Nigeria.Collection of architectural data was done through participant's observation involving interviews,photography,measured drawings,and other forms of visual notes.The interview notes were audio recorded,written down and transcribed off sites,the architectural drawings are used to discuss and identify the structural forms of VANN.The secondary sources are obtained from journals,conference/seminar/workshop papers,text books,newspapers,magazines and the internet sources etc.,which are used to review literatures in the VA field,identify the factors hindering/affecting VANN and also forms the main body of the administered questionnaires to the various construction project professionals practicing within the Northern Nigeria's built environment.The result shows that Modernization was ranked1^st by the respondents;Economic condition was ranked 2^nd;Culture and History was ranked3^rd;Available building materials ranked 4^th;Discontinuity was the factor ranked 5^th;Geography of the Region was ranked 6^th;Religion was the factors ranked 7^th;Family size was ranked 8^th;and Weather and climatic conditions was ranked 9^th.These clearly indicate that this factor is the least hindering VANN as attested by the various construction project professionals practicing within the Northern Nigeria's built environment.