INVESTIGATION OF LOCALLY SOURCED SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR THE DESIGN OF NATIONAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Museums serve as vital institutions for cultural preservation, education, and national identity, yet their architectural design is often separate from the cultural values they seek to embody. This study investigates the role of locally sourced sustainable construction materials in the design of history museums in Nigeria, with a focus on how these materials not only support environmental sustainability but also function as expressions of cultural heritage. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research employed case studies and interviews, examining three key museums, out of a total number of 16 identified history museums in Nigeria (National Museum Lagos, Gidan Makama Museum, and Nike Art Gallery) and engaging 8 Nigerian architects through snowball sampling. Materials such as laterite, bamboo, and adobe were assessed during case studies for their sustainability, durability, and cultural significance. While these materials were shown to enhance passive ventilation, thermal comfort, and overall sustainability, challenges related to durability, maintenance, and regulatory support persist. The findings reveal that designing museums with indigenous materials offers a unique model of sustainability and cultural continuity, yet this practice remains underrepresented in architectural discourse. The study calls for targeted policy reforms, improved building regulations, and increased public awareness to encourage the integration of locally sourced materials in cultural architecture, positioning museums as both environmental and cultural landmarks in Nigeria’s built environment.