New Design Ideas

Affordable housing challenges affect cities worldwide, significantly impacting developing countries. This study examines the severe housing shortages, affordability issues and build​ing materials in Nigeria using a qualitative approach involving literature review and semi-structured interviews. We argue that integrating traditional building practices within the contemporary construction sector can address the critical need for housing while considering climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. The findings underscore that socio-economic, environmental and cultural factors influence the unique patterns of housing challenges affecting low- and middle-income families in Nigeria. In addition, housing concerns transcend the modern approach of formal supply because of the limited resources and the prevalence of housing informality and financing. Traditional building materials and practices present viable solutions for addressing Nigeria's housing needs, socio-spatial injustice and environmental concerns. This is particularly relevant in light of the anthropogenic and unsustainable use of modern construction methods. Nevertheless, cultural biases and the hegemony of Western architectural paradigms hinder widespread acceptance, recognition and understanding of these approaches. We conclude that Nigeria should prioritize a systematic implementation of proactive informal approaches and pro-poor solutions. This study contributes to the existing knowledge on fostering affordable housing, circularity, energy efficiency, climate resilience, cultural heritage preservation and sustainable communities in Nigeria.