From Tradition to Innovation: Culturally-Inspired Sustainable Architecture in South-South Nigeria

This study investigates the intersection of cultural heritage and sustainable architectural practices through an in-depth analysis of courtyard design among the Ibibio, Isoko, Efik, and Itsekiri ethnic groups in South-South Nigeria. Drawing on extensive empirical data, the research examines the adoption of courtyard forms, evaluates their performance across critical sustainability parameters such as natural ventilation, thermal comfort, lighting, and water conservation and assesses the integration of sustainable architectural practices. The findings reveal that while enclosed courtyards are widely adopted across all groups, the Isoko ethnic group demonstrates significantly higher implementation of sustainable design strategies. A validated design-performance correlation confirms that energy efficiency, natural ventilation, and water conservation substantially enhance courtyard functionality. The study culminates in the development of a context-sensitive, climate-responsive framework for sustainable courtyard design that incorporates environmental, cultural, and functional considerations. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary sustainability imperatives, this research contributes to the global discourse on vernacular architecture, offering strategic insights for architects, policymakers, and educators committed to advancing resilient, low-carbon building practices in tropical regions.