ATTRIBUTES OF LANDSCAPE COMPONENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF RESIDENTIAL SETTLEMENTS IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE

Landscaping plays an essential role in the quality of our environment, economic wellbeing of the people, as well as their physical and psychological health. However, insufficient understanding and documentation of how landscape components, such as vegetation and hardscape elements, contribute to the architectural identity and urban aesthetics still exists. This study surveyed the attributes of landscape components within the context of architectural characterization used in enhancing residential settlements in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select residents in the study area. The data collected for this study was obtained from both primary and secondary sources. A total of 188 questionnaires were distributed, and 150 were retrieved representing 79.78% used for final analysis. The retrieved questionnaire were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics and weighted average index analysis. The study revealed that landscape components were available to residents and it have significant environmental impacts. The paper therefore recommends that long term plans of integrating landscape components from inception of design by relevant professionals in the built environment and policy makers be encouraged as this promotes outdoor environmental beautification