The Architects’ Practice Knowledge, Expressions and Communications of Architectural Design Intentions in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the knowledge of Architects in the practice of designintentions, communications, principles, and expressions of architecturaldesign in selected Architectural practices to improve architectural designdelivery in Southwest Nigeria. Data collection was enhanced with astructured questionnaire from 250 participants comprising practicingArchitects at various levels. The survey data were analyzed by descriptivestatistics and the key finding is that Architects' practice knowledge of intentions,communications, principles, and expressions of architectural design in the studyarea is very high. Appreciably, 66.6% of the respondents use pure lines tocommunicate design intentions, 25% of the respondents communicate throughforms and shapes while 4.2% of the respondents each use geometry and materialsas elements of communication of architectural intentions. The Pearson Correlationanalysis to establish relationships between the tested variables reveals significantrelationships between the meaning of architecture and visual communication ofarchitectural intentions (p < 0.05; r = 0.359). This study recommends thatArchitecture as a utilitarian art requires the effective and clear conveyance ofthought through pure visuals, clear lines, forms, and materials to communicateclear intentions, culture, personality, and status as well as create an importanthuman-environmental link.