Critical indicators of sustainability for mixed-use buildings in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable cities’ growth and developmental pattern relies on design and planning that meets its inhabitants’ needs. Seemingly, in these cities mixed-use buildings exists as skyline dots of vertical, horizontal and as shared ‘premises’ building dimensions. Essentially, mixed-use buildings are gradually replacing urban neighbourhood zooning design and building configurations particularly along major streets in the built environment. Significantly, Lagos state government in Nigeria has invested in the development of Model City Plans (MCPs) as district and neighbourhood regenerating process of which mixed-use building concept is an essential part of the scheme. Hence the need to develop a sustainability guide for mixed-use buildings leveraged on the experience of stakeholders particularly the inhabitants of these environments. The study therefore aims to establish critical indicators applicable for a sustainable mixed-use building development in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted questionnaire survey in soliciting for data which was thereafter analysed using inferential statistics. In this regard 341 respondents inhabiting mixed-use buildings were surveyed after selection through random sampling. Thereafter a trail of inferential statistics with empirical evidences evolved relating the critical indicators necessary for sustainability of mixed-use building as inspired by the users. The outcome established six (6) domains termed critical indicators because of the significant association of their factors for mixed-use building sustainability in Lagos, Nigeria. Notably, these developed domains adequately considered the pillars of sustainability relevant to mixed-use unlike existing guides that are mostly mono-dimension. Hence it is expected that the proposed indicators promote sustainable mixed-use, enhance sustainable city growth, creates resilient and self-sustaining cities. • Lagos Model City Plans desire mixed-use concept in district & neighbourhood renewal projects. • Contextual mixed-use building indicators are critical for sustainable building development. • Resilient & self-sustaining cities rely on mixed-use indicators rich in local content.