Culture as the Nexus Between Theory and Practice of Architecture: Evidence from a Hausa Migrant Settlement in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

The gap between architectural theory and practice has widened over time. Contemporary architectural practice is shaped less by theoretical frameworks and more by global forces such as globalization and sustainability, which have profoundly influenced spatial environments. Housing and built forms have undergone radical transformations, adopting increasingly globalized identities. Yet, despite these inevitable changes, architectural design must continue to ensure a strong person-environment fit. The enduring factor that mediates this fit is “culture”. Although formal cultural theories rarely guide architectural practice, culture nonetheless plays a critical role. This study investigates Hausa migrant housing in Ile-Ife, comparing it with both the Yoruba house and traditional Hausa domestic architecture to highlight the centrality of culture in shaping design continuity and transmission in the absence of explicit cultural theory. Previous research on Hausa migrant settlements has seldom examined the design and organization of migrant housing or its relationship to traditional Hausa compounds. Using a qualitative approach, this study documented one hundred and twenty-six (126), building plans in annotated sketches which were thematically analysed these against traditional Hausa housing patterns. Findings reveal the same pattern for all the houses, so only the unique and representative ones were presented in this paper. It was also revealed that while migrant housing incorporates elements from the host community, the organization of spaces reflects strong cultural transmissions. This cultural continuity strengthens the person-environment fit for Hausa migrants. The study concludes that culture serves as the critical nexus between theory and practice in architecture. However, in this era of globalization and sustainability, the future of architectural design must recognize culture as the confluence where theoretical ideals and practical realities meet.