The Influence of Modernism on Hausa Residential Architecture: Case Study of Kano Metropolis

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of modernism on Hausa residential architecture in Kano metropolis. In the Hausa speaking regions, the architectural style is usually vernacular. Kano state however a typical Hausa society is, and showcases the unique and ornate features of Hausa residential designs. The Hausa residential buildings are highly functional, and provide to some certain extent beauty, privacy and comfort. Contact with foreign cultures began to change the trend. This unique, rich, and creative architectural heritage is trying to turn into history, and be so called anteques. Change is however unescapable in any society, especially when the lede come into contact with other societies with different culture, norms, and values, because the architecture of any society is dependant on its culture. This research however focused on shading more light on the changes in the traditional Hausa residential buildings (Kano as a case study). Purposive sampling was made in selecting the streets and two typical homestead layout were randomly selected, carefully observed, analysed and compared with a typical Hausa traditional residence, in terms of functionality, building materials, design, ornamentation, and construction. The case studies serves as a reference on the transition from traditionality to modernity. The research concluded that modernism have indeed crept its way into the system of building in hausa land, as such there is a gradual loss of cultural savour that the traditional buildings in the city carry. Recommendations were made to help drastically reduce the cultural loss.