ASSESSMENT OF SPACE ADEQUACY AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF LOW-INCOME HOUSING: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED RESIDENCES IN ADIGBE, ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Housing is a fundamental human need that extends beyond the mere provision of physical shelter. For low-income households in Nigeria, the home serves as the primary setting for rest, socialization, and economic activities. However, the persistent housing deficit in the country has led to the proliferation of informal and substandard low-income housing, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Abeokuta. This study assessed the space adequacy and functional performance of low-income housing in Adigbe, Abeokuta, using a field survey design comprising a structured questionnaire survey of 250 households and semi-structured interviews with selected residents. The results indicate that the housing units generally meet the spatial needs of the residents, with an average of five persons occupying three rooms. Satisfaction with space adequacy, daylighting, and privacy was high. Thermal comfort was moderate, with residents relying on fans for cooling. The most significant finding is that residents do not view the physical structure of their homes as a major problem; instead, their primary concern is the lack of constant basic amenities, specifically power supply and water. The study concludes that the housing is functionally adequate for its demographic but is hindered by external infrastructural deficits. It is recommended that future interventions prioritize infrastructure upgrades and passive cooling design over major structural modifications.