A THEME APPROACH TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT – A CASE STUDY OF IKURU TOWN IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Peterside, Gift David

Department of Architecture,

Faculty of Environmental Science,

River State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Email: peterside_gift@yahoo.com,

ABSTRACT

Water bodies and Rivers are important natural resources for human life, the environment and national development. Recognition of water resources as national heritage will contribute towards more long term sustainable property development. Waterfronts are characterised as a place integrating land with water and having a natural attraction to people. This paper reviews the benefits of water front development in Ikuru Town, Rivers state. It is aimed at applying the concepts of sustainability to enhance the coastlines of the area. It also focus on revitalizing the waterfront with a view of reintroducing Aquaculture to a ranking industry which plays a vital role in the culture of Rivers people and also establish recreational and relaxing spot that will help promote tourism and generate income for the state.     

Keywords: Waterfront development, Aquaculture, Sustainability, Tourism

THE IMPACT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN BAYELSA STATE

Ebitimi Timibitei Ede-Alakere & Arc O. L. Frank

Department of Architecture, Rivers State University of science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

Email: ebaitimi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This research investigated the effects of the built environment on vocational education in Bayelsa state. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative interviews with critical stakeholders such as Trainees, Instructors, School Administrators and Youths in the host communities where the case studies were carried out; constituting a sample size of 270. The stratified sampling technique was used. Questionnaires were developed to obtain data and a null hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Tables, percentages and bar chart were used to analyze the data and Chi-square was also used to test the level of significance of the impact of the variables on vocational education. Findings from the study revealed that the built environment has direct impact on the perception/psychology, learning, performance, enrollment and health of the trainees learning traits in vocational training centers.  One of the major findings was the great level of significance of the impact of the built environment on vocational education as regards perception, learning, performance, enrollment and health of the trainees and trainers. And based on the findings, the author recommends that government and school proprietors should consider the built environment of their training centers as paramount as the establishment of same in the areas of design, availability and maintenance (sustainability).

Keywords: Built environment, vocational training and education.

GREEN ARCHITECTURE: PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABILITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Dauda Ali and Shitufa Hamidu

Department of Architectural Technology

 Federal Polytechnic Bauchi

Email: dauda2292@gmail.com; shitufah@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Green building architecture is all about buildings entire life cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. People are now concern about factors such as economy, utility, durability and comfort, therefore the knowledge of green sustainable building becomes important to the building industry and the society in general. “Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.”This paper highlights the importance of green building, the differences between “green” and “sustainable” as are often used interchangeably, and the basic principles of achieving sustainable architecture. Principles of sustainable architecture which includes energy efficiency, water conservation, use local and natural materials among others, were also highlighted. The most important thing to know about making our home green is to keep it small, only big as necessary for the functions intended; large houses use lots of energy and materials to build and to keep comfortable.

Keywords: Green Architecture, Pathway, Sustainability, and built environment.

CEMENT, AGENT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH

Boyce A. Odoko

Department of Architecture

National Institute of Construction Technology

Uromi. Edo state

E-mail: odokoarch@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Cement, its contribution in economic growth of nations is significant. Cement is the super glue of the construction industry; it is the binding agent that holds construction materials together. Cement is used in the production of concrete, concrete masonry units, mortar for binding concrete blocks. It is also used to bind other construction materials such as stones, bricks and many other materials used in the construction industry. When cement is mixed with coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and water, the end product is concrete used for construction of roads, bridges, buildings, retaining walls, embankment walls, dams and many more. The construction industry depends on cement in the production of construction materials. It is important to note that the construction industry is the major engine of economic growth of nations as compared to other sectors in economic development, such as agriculture and manufacturing services. The construction industry which is the most important sector in economic growth depends on cement in production of its construction materials. For this reason, it means that cement is the backbone of the construction industry and it is also an agent of economic growth of nations.

Keywords: Cement, Water, Sand, Gravel, Crushed Stones, Aggregates, Construction, Concrete, Blocks, Rocks, Mortar, Binder, Portland cement, Construction Industry, Construction Materials, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Economic Growth.