ABSTRACT
Technology is taking over every aspect of human endeavour including architecture. Thus regions are beginning to lose their identity and history to mediocrity and homogeneity. Critical regionalism is an approach to architecture that strives to counter the lack of use of sense of place but focus on local need and think about the long term implication on the environment. Critical regionalism is a post modern sub-trend aimed at creating a sense of place through making buildings reflective of their surrounding environment. Human needs revolutionalized design trends of cultural centre to the extent that creating sense of environment becomes a fundamental principle; thus making cultural centre one of the most suitable vehicles for critical regionalism. This research explores the principles of critical regionalism that evoke a peculiar sense of place special to Idoma people. The methodology employed includes the use of data from case study of various buildings, literature review and interviews. The centre is meant to display a sense of place through the use of what the users can recognise as identity of Idoma people. Case studies of prominent traditional buildings were documented this help to ascertain user spatial needs and preference. From the inferences emerged a design proposal for Idoma cultural centre, Otukpo, Benue State which is done to preserve the historical and cultural legacy of Idoma people. The result of research findings shows the identification and creative use of symbols in the design of Idoma cultural centre which is peculiar and unique to Idoma people can bring people from all works of life to have a common experience, thus creating an environment that will give user a unique experience to appreciate the culture and history of Idoma people.
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