Adoption of appropriate technology for building construction in the tropics; a case of Nigeria

Abstract

Construction technology from the West has played a vital role in building construction in the Tropics. Due to the level of organization, capital and personnel, some cities within Africa can absorb the latest technology faster and better than other cities; thus, their construction development projects using the western borrowed and learned technology has been verbatim and most times, excessively done. This trend, which cuts across many regions of tropical Nigeria leads to the neglect of folk wisdom. Local construction wisdom is usually substituted for new technology without the geography of the area being considered. In 1996, the economic crisis caused the construction business to come to a halt. The cost of oversea technology significantly increased due to the baht flotation policy. Several manufacturers and contractors went bankrupt at that time, including owners of small property in remote parts. While it seems that construction problems from the past are being alleviated, some signs of financial crisis are still evident in recent times. To prevent such future reoccurrence, the study focuses on appropriate construction technology to create social resilience and promote sustainable development. Utilizing literature review research methodology, the concept of appropriate technology is examined, highlighting the appropriate construction technology for the industry in Nigeria’s tropical environment. Photographs of existing building of historic and contemporary architecture were collected and used as a basis for analysis of building construction technology. Benefits and hindrance of appropriate technology are discussed and the research concludes that the only way to achieve economic, social and environmental justice and sustainability is by the adoption of this appropriate technology.