Evaluating Cultural Synthesis as a Catalyst for Pure and Sustainable Architecture: A case Study of the Dominican Chapel, Ibadan

Abstract

Pure architecture echoes traditional and cultural practices with features reflecting functional and aesthetical sustainability, framed by context-sensitivity and environmentally responsible designs. Studies have shown that sustainable architecture embodies indigenous cultural identity of a people, valued by their cultural capital and hinged on their traditional heritage. Therefore, the effects of cultural neglect in place-making cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, the current concern on the erosion of cultural principles in contemporary works of architecture appears to account for nonorganic growth in African place-making with attributable consequences. This paper, therefore, examined the impact of cultural heritage on sustainable architectural development using the purity of architecture from the exploration of cultural synthesis. A case study of the Dominican Chapel at Ibadan, Nigeria was adopted with a qualitative approach to evaluate the impact of cultural forms and layouts on the functional aesthetics and sustainability of the Chapel. Field observations, interviews with the project architect, and other requisite observers in conjunction with content analysis provided relevant data which pointed attention to the value of cultural integration in the production of pure and sustainable architecture. The study revealed that cultural identity plays a pivotal role in shaping both the aesthetic and functional aspects of architecture, contributing significantly to sustainable postcolonial place-making. It advocates for the integration of indigenous architectural forms with practical, hands-on design approaches to foster originality and reduce reliance on Western paradigms. However, it encourages a shift to cultural synthesis in architectural expression and presents a clarification for both students and practicing architects towards adopting cultural forms in place-making for originality and sustainability choices.