EXAMINATION OF CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE DESIGN OF A CULTURAL CENTRE FOR KATSINA

ABSTRACT

Cultural centers are venues for the culmination of cultural activities; as such their designers need to make sure they bear the sense of the cultural group to which they are meant to serve. Identity in architecture is a key issue that needs addressing as a result of the universal language of architecture created by modern movement. Contemporary cultural centers are becoming homogeneous as such lacking character and identity. The phenomenon of expressing cultural identity in the design of contemporary cultural centers is a major issue that needs addressing. This is based on the argument that the expression of cultural identity in architecture observed in many countries is an attempt to create architecture that sustain and supports the continuity of cultural and social values. This research examines the phenomenon in the context of Katsina. It focuses on the designers of cultural centers, their perceptions, and the strategies they use in expressing cultural identity in their designs. The aim of the research is to provide a basis for the reflection of cultural identity in the design of cultural center in Katsina state. It examines the recent attempts by designers at the beginning of the 21st century to reflect a cultural identity in architecture. Several research studies were conducted on culture, traditional identity, national heritage and their integration in contemporary designs by many authors and researchers to understand the extent and the meaning of the phenomenon of expressing cultural identity in contemporary architecture by utilizing elements from traditional architecturebut none of these studies specifically examine the perception this employed cultural elements or strategies have on contemporary designs of cultural centers. Five case studies were conducted and the level of cultural identity reflection was assessed and also the views of seven architects and custodians of culture were obtained using interviews. Visual survey and checklist methods were used in conducting the case studies in the different facilities visited. Findings show that there are several ways by which different cultural identity principles and elements can be expressed in design in order to reflect the culture of a particular cultural group.The research concluded that there were several strategies employed by architects and designers of cultural centers to express a cultural identity in the design of cultural center so as to create architecture that sustains and supports the continuity of cultural and social values. The outcome of the research was demonstrated in a design proposal of a cultural centre for Katsina which tried to express the cultural identity elements and strategies of Katsina by borrowing from the traditional architecture of the region. The research finally recommends that when designing any building in any region, architects should try and express the cultural identity of the region so as to create sense of belonging to the region on the building thereby making people appreciate the resident culture.