JISC Design Competition 2020 Book

Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Continued Project Description
Different materials were employed in different stages of the design, for the foundation, it is proposed
that car tires filled with concrete and large bamboos serve as a frame system to hold the whole building together.
Majorly, compressed earth bricks were used for the exterior walls and interior partitioning for security reasons
and also to keep heat from the interior spaces. Corrugated roofing sheet is used placed on a bamboo framework
and strongly tied together in grid form. Other materials used in the interiors are local handmade carpets, wooden
board for the ceiling and floor, bamboo for some of the interior furniture, with painted decorative motifs. It
is estimated that the cost of construction ranges between 2000 US Dollars to 3750 US dollars or its equivalent in
Naira as most of the materials are locally sourced.
The concept used in the design is based on the Hausa traditional architecture and it’s called “the concept
of triple space”. The triple space concept tries to separate the living area in Hausa traditional architecture into
three stages; they are the public area, which includes the living room, ‘zaure’ in hausa language, it is the external
reception that accommodates guest, they ensure the safety of the host and one important feature of this public
area is the ‘dakali’ which is considered the first level of hospitality. Then the second of the triple spaces is the
semi-private space, ‘salemuck area’ this houses the master area, dining and the garden or the courtyard. The head
of the family unit is called ‘turaka’ which can be likened to the master bedroom and the location of this room is
based on the ruling and supervisory possibility and also to defend against any intruder. And the third and the
most important of the triple spaces is the private area, ‘hameli area’ it is the family area, and it houses the wife
and children. The peculiarity of Hausa architecture is that it is influenced by the need to separate the men from
the women and also protect them in case of danger which is why the room for the women and females are situated
away from the main entrance and also allows the mother to look after the children, especially the female ones.
A sense of community plays an important role for the people. Therefore, the need for open spaces such
as a courtyard or ‘rumfa.’ This space can be where the women gather, join games for children, a place for prayers
and other rituals and ceremonies. In addition to this, a kitchen was provided which is usually separated from the
living area to protect the building from fire and also heat transfer to neighbouring spaces, this was well addressed
in the design solutions. There was also a space for keeping livestock and farm produce. The space for this was
separated from the main building but is positioned close to the exit door for easy accessibility from the building.
In conclusion, the design incorporates the modular form of design while also ensuring that the aim and
objectives are achieved. As much as possible the drawings are well detailed as it also in itself describes the intent
of the designers. It is affordable, modular and can easily be duplicated in any part of the region. This design, if
actualized, can restore hope to the displaced people. It is not only comfortable, but it will also appeal to their
emotions as their shelter needs.
JINKAI Initiative Shelter Competition
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