Symbolism in the Conceptualization of Contemporary Yoruba City Central Business District Urban Design

Abstract

Design failure of central business district in Nigeria cities is traceable to colonial urban planning 'dual city' concept and 'tropical architecture modernism' philosophy that ignored culture in planning process. Culture creates the image that frames the vision of a city. Central business district planning with strong cultural expression as a backdrop projects meaningful values to the citizens. This paper explores cultural symbol inherent in King's Market (Oja-Oba) in the conceptualization of contemporary Yoruba cities central business district. The study is underpinned by place making and symbolic economy theories. The study adopted qualitative methodology. Data gathered through scoped literature on Yoruba urbanism and two hour each interview of ten sages on Akesan market at Oyo as typical traditional Yoruba central business district were analyzed using grounded theory. The paper revealed Oja-Oba as Yoruba city mindscape. It carries the economic, social, festive, religious, historic and work place images of the city as activities that enhance liveability. These activities were identified as 'place' themes that constitute local urban design context. The study evolved a CBD conceptual framework by grafting the 'place themes' on Yoruba city cosmogram. The paper concluded that urban designers should explore strategic thinking that accommodate Yoruba world view and situate sustainability within localized design to manage the stifling impact of globalisation. It recommends architectural hybridization where identified local urban design context serves as culturally sustainable rootstock to receive compatible architectural design values as scions.2. INTRODUCTION