Abstract:

Vernacular architecture in Lagos, Nigeria crystallized from the fusion of traditional architecture and the Brazilian influence and is characterized by ornate walls, mouldings and motifs. The adoption of the international style architecture with its subsequent variants relegated the Brazilian influence to the background. However, through the eclectic approach currently being applied to architectural design, ornaments, mouldings and motifs are returning to the façade of many buildings in Lagos, Nigeria. This paper examines the resurgence of wall mouldings in contemporary Nigerian residential architecture using Lagos, Nigeria as a case study. The paper seeks to answer questions relating to types of materials and techniques used for the mouldings and motifs, as well as the craftsmanship associated with the work. Observations of on-going and completed buildings within selected medium- and low-density residential areas in Lagos. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results of the study shows that the mouldings, which often incorporated stone veneer finish include edge mouldings, mouldings around openings, horizontal and vertical wall mouldings, as well as eaves mouldings. The use of decorative columns is also evident. It was also found that architects’ involvement in the design of mouldings is limited. The implications of the above for façade composition by architects are emphasized.   

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