Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture:A Comparative Study of American and Nigerian Universities

By

Prof. Olu Ola Ogunsote and Dr. (Mrs.) Bogda Prucnal-OgunsoteDepartment of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure

Email: bogunsote@yahoo.com. Web site: sdng.net

A School Seminar Paper of the School of Environmental TechnologyFederal University of Technology, Akure

June 2006

AbstractCampus planning and architecture present unique opportunities for demonstrating andpopularizing contemporary tendencies in architecture and urban planning. A visit to severalAmerican universities during the summer of the year 2005 presented an opportunity to observeand experience current trends in campus planning and architecture. The seven Americanuniversities used as case studies are the Cleveland State University, Harvard University, IllinoisInstitute of Technology (IIT), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Rockhurst University,University of Chicago and University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC).

The location and campus plans of these universities were analysed while their architecturalcharacter is illustrated. Campus specific architecture such as student hostels, religious buildingsand libraries were used to characterize the universities. Landmark buildings were used toillustrate architectural tendencies and theseinclude the Harvard Carpenter Centre forthe Visual Arts, the Harvard GraduateSchool of Design, Architecture andPlanning, the IIT University Centre, the MITStata Centre and the Stowers MedicalResearch Centre. An analysis of landscaping,traditional architecture and conservation aswell as parking and transportation was alsocarried out.

These American universi t ies werecompared with African universitiesincluding the Ahmadu Bello University,Benue State Universi ty, CovenantUniversity, Delta State University, FederalUniversities of Technology in Akure andYola, Obafemi Awolowo University,University of Benin, University of Ibadan,University of Lagos and University ofScience and Technology, Kumasi. It wasconcluded that architecture and urbandesign contribute immensely to the successand popularity of universities. It wasrecommended that universities shouldinvest in dynamic master plans to enhancearchitectural character and encouragelandmark buildings that popularizesignificant tendencies in architecture.

Plate 1. Stata Centre, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 1

Table of Contents

Abstract.1.0 Introduction 31.1 Comparisons 31.2 Style and Presentation 42.0 University Campuses 42.1 Cleveland State University 42.2 Harvard University 42.3 Illinois Institute of Technology 52.4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 52.5 Rockhurst University 62.6 University of Chicago 62.7 University of Missouri, Kansas City 62.8 Other Universities 73.0 Libraries 74.0 Religious Buildings 85.0 Student hostels 86.0 Landmark Buildings 96.1 Carpenter Centre for the Visual Arts 96.2 Harvard Graduate School of Design, Architecture and Planning (Gund Hall) 96.3 McCormick Tribune Campus Centre 106.4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Stata Centre 106.5 Stowers Medical Research Centre 117.0 Landscaping 128.0 Traditional Architecture and Conservation 129.0 Parking and Transportation 1310.0 Comparison with African Universities 1310.1 Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 1410.2 Fed. University of Technology, Akure 1410.3 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 1410.4 University of Ibadan, Ibadan 1510.5 University of Lagos (UNILAG) 1510.6 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana 1610.7 Other Nigerian Universities 1611.0 Summary 1712.0 Conclusion 1813.0 Recommendations 1814.0 References 19

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 2

1. Introduction

1.1 Comparisons

The design of University campuses offers unique opportunities for demonstrating andpopularizing contemporary tendencies in architecture and urban planning. The concept of theUniversity as an ivory tower is universal. The freedoms of thought, speech and associationfound on university campuses combine with the abundance of impressionable minds toprovide fertile soil for sowing architectural ideas. Few people have visited the ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile Ife campus without being impressed by its beauty and serenity. This“most beautiful Campus in Africa” represents the zenith of campus planning and architecturein Nigeria (Olaniyan 1985).

The same university campus however shows the current degradation in campus facilities andarchitectural originality. Many of the new buildings are little better than temporary buildings,with little or no architectural significance. Meanwhile the older buildings are falling apart fromdisrepair, while facilities are stretched beyond limit. Certainly, this radical decline cannot bepermanent, and the dawn of renewed originality in campus architecture is hopefully imminent.The proliferation of private universities with their individualistic architectural styles, promises towake us up from this intellectual coma and artistic nightmare.

A recent visit to several universities in theUnited States of America offered anopportunity to compare campus planningand architecture across the twocontinents. The universities were visited inJune and July 2005. Seven of theuniversities were chosen as case studiesand these are Cleveland State University,Harvard University, Illinois Institute ofTechnology (IIT), Massachusetts Instituteof Technology (MIT), Rockhurst University,University of Chicago and University ofMissouri, Kansas City [Table 1].

These visits were planned to study newdirections in campus architecture, andspecifically to predict how thesedevelopments may influence the Nigeriansituation positively. Thus the emphasis wasnot only on form and function, but also onsustainability, social responsibility andatmosphere.

The visits took place at the beginning of thesummer vacation, thus only thedepartments offering summer courseswere active, but even these had only skeletal staff on ground. The absence of staff and studentsreduced the opportunities for interaction, but the few people present had more time to showus around.

The authors attempted to find examples from African universities to relate their experiences tothe Nigerian situation. One Ghanian and five Nigerian universities were used as major casestudies [Table 2]. Nine Nigerian Universities were additionally used as minor case studies[Table 3]. The visit to Ghana was in the year 1999 while photographs from the Nigerianuniversities were taken over the last five years.

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 3

University City State

Cleveland State University Cleveland Ohio

Harvard University Boston Massachusetts

Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago Illinois

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston Massachusetts

Rockhurst University Kansas City Missouri

University of Chicago Chicago Illinois

University of Missouri, Kansas City Kansas City Missouri

Table 1:American Universities used as major case studies.

University Location

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna State

Federal University of Technology, Akure Ondo State

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Osun State

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Oyo State

University of Lagos, Lagos Lagos State

University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ghana

Table 2:African Universities used as major case studies.

Photoshop, Corel Photo Paint, Hewlett Packard Image Zone and Microsoft Office PictureManager. The page layout was done using CorelDRAW. The renderings were produced usingAutodesk Architectural Desktop and 3D Studio Max.

The architecture of the campuses is often unique and is generally interesting. The campuses arelocated in large cities, and they are integrated into the city transportation network. There areusually well serviced bus and train routes leading to these campuses. The buildings areintegrated into the city fabric, and there is usually no fence separating the university from theneighbourhood.

The Cleveland State University (CSU) has avery beautiful and serene campus withextensive glass walls reflecting the bluesky, brick facing, horizontal lines andbeautiful landscaping. Though strategicallylocated in downtown Cleveland, it covers85 acres and consists of 40 buildings. Thiselegant architecture is characteristic ofCleveland with its modern skyscrapersstylishly and gracefully adorning thedowntown skyline.

The University is located at the centre ofthe city and is made up of a series of interconnected buildings, some of which are linked by anoverhead bridge. A pleasant system of walkways, lawns, trees and flowerbeds give the campusits characteristic park atmosphere. The surrealistic blue sky works well with the glass to createpalpable euphoria. [Plate 2].

The Visitor Centre provides information on the architecture and planning of HarvardUniversity. A detailed map of the campus is given to each visitor. Most of the buildings arehistoric such as the Widener Library, the Barker Centre and the Wiggles-worth Hall. There aresome modern additions including the Carpenter Centre for the Visual Arts, the GraduateSchool of Design, Architecture and Planning, Knapel Building by famous architect Pei CobbFreed and the Sackler Museum. The Sackler Museum was designed by British Architect James

2.0 University Campuses

2.1 Cleveland State University

2.2 Harvard University

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 4

Plate 2. Cleveland State University.

University Location

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State

Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo Ogun State

Benue State University, Makurdi Benue State

Covenant University, Sango Otta Ogun State

Delta State University, Abraka Delta State

Federal University of Technology, Yola Adamawa State

Kogi State University, Ayangba Kogi State

Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye Ogun State

University of Benin, Benin Edo State

Table 3: Nigerian Universities used as minor case studies.

1.2 Style and PresentationThis paper is necessarily very graphic, sinceit attempts to illustrate the experiences ofthe authors during these visits. The use ofpictures has taken precedence overdescriptions, while the rigid academicwriting style has been relaxed to conveymeanings found not just in the words, butin their sequence.

All but a few of the photographs used weretaken by the authors. These photographswere scanned and edited using photo-editing software including Adobe

Stirling, winner of the 1981 Pritzker prize.[Plate 3].

The Illinois Institute of Technology isrenowned for many inventions, includingthe first portable cell phone and magneticrecording. The master plan of the campuswas designed by famous architect LudwigMies van der Rohe in 1941 and it is one ofthe top architectural achievements in theUnited States. Mies also designed 20 of thebuildings, including the famous Crown Hall(1956) which has been declared a nationalmonument and is currently beingrenovated. It is his first large-scale, clear-span, universal-space building and it hasexposed, well expressed steel frame withthe roof suspended from spanning I-beams.

Through this building and the Perlstein Hall(1946) Mies modified and refined the basicdetails of his architecture which laterbecame the standard for many latercampus buildings.

The Grover Herman Hall (1962) by WalterNetsch of Skidmore, Owings and Merilland many others followed the Miesian’sstyle [Plate 4]. There are two splendid,newly added buildings; the McCormickTribune Campus Center (2003) designedby Rem Koolhaas and the State Street Village (2003) a residence hall designed by Helmut John,voted one of the “Ten Most Influential Living American Architects” by the American Institute ofArchitects.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technologycampus is a modern conglomerate ofbuildings, most famous of which is theStata Centre by Frank Gehry [Plate 5]. Thisquiet yet busy campus is home to severalworld class schools, laboratories andresearch institutes, including the School ofArchitecture. The campus is intersected bymajor urban roads, but there is no definiteboundary separating the campus from theother buildings. There is free bus transportwithin the campus and a large shoppingmall complete with specialty shops,grocery stores, restaurants and services.

2.3 Illinois Institute of Technology

2.4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 5

Plate 3. Sackler Museum. Harvard University.

Plate 4. Grover Herman Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology,

Plate 5. Stata Centre. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston.

2.5 Rockhurst University

2.6 University of Chicago

2.7 University of Missouri, Kansas City

Rockhurst University is a private ChristianUniversity located on Troost Avenue inKansas City, Missouri. The objectives ofthe University emphasize the shaping ofcharacter and the serene environment ofthe university campus is ideal forcontemplation. The modern buildingshave a unique character with stonecladding, glass walls and pyramid motifs inpillar details. The central square isbeautifully landscaped with a tower,fountains and a colonnade [Plate 6]. Thepedestrian gate which leads to theUniversity square reflects the architecturalcharacter of the university.

This spacious university campus is home tot h e S c h o o l o f S o c i a l S e r v i c eAdministration by Mies van der Rohe. It isan academic building with a low-risestructure, steel skeletal frame clearlyexpressed in the elevation and acharacteristic curtain wall [Plate 7]. Alsoseated along a quiet road is the RobieHouse, one of the best designs by one ofthe greatest architects of the last century:Frank Lloyd Wright. Opposite the Robiehouse is a modern building celebrating theideals of this great architect.

The Henry Hinds Laboratory for theGeophysical Sciences is a well articulatedbuilding with a well defined entrance andsome sophisticated postmodern details.The Students ’ Hoste l has goodproportions, beautiful color scheme andpostmodern toy - l ike appearanceenhanced by careful ly designedlandscaping elements. The high-technology sports hall uses white pylonswith suspension and tension cables.

The Main Campus of the University of Missouri, Kansas City is located in the southern part ofthe city. Many of the buildings, such as Epperson Hall are historical buildings. Some, such asFlarsheim Hall, have been completely renovated and have modern interiors. Most of the corebuildings are however modern buildings, including Katz Hall, the Pierson Auditorium [Plate 8]and the Bookshop Complex. The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is the most interestingbuilding on the campus. The Swinney Recreation Centre houses a swimming pool complete

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 6

Plate 6. Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri.

Plate 7. School of Social Service Administration, University ofChicago, Chicago.

with a glass roof that can be retracted insegments. Most of the University buildingsare concentrated in a clearly definedquadrant, often separated from the rest ofthe city by roads. The campus is bisected bymajor city roads, including VolkerBoulevard and the infamous TroostAvenue. Popularly called the Troost or theHood, this avenue is a manifestation of theracial divide in the US.

The researchers also visited some otheruniversities, including Columbia Universityand Fordham University [Plate 9] both inNew York, the University of Illinois atChicago and Wayne State University inDetroit. Columbia University and FordhamUniversity are located at the very heart ofNew York and right on the main street. Theopinions expressed in this paper are alsoinf luenced by the planning andarchitecture of these universities.

University libraries have distinct character.The Widener Library at Harvard Universityis a monumental historical building. TheRational Style that prevailed at IIT is alsobehind the design of the Paul GalvinLibrary (1962) by Walter Netsch ofSkidmore Owings and Merill [Plate 10].The future of the library as an institution isunknown with the advent of the virtuallibrary and wide internet access. Theresearchers paid several visits to theChicago Public Library where visitors havefree access to two hours of internetconnection daily and to 15 pages of freecomputer printouts daily. Registeredlibrary users have even more access. Theyalso spent a week at the elegant MillerNichols Library at the University ofMissouri, Kansas City and made thefollowing observations:

The students and general public usebooks very rarely.They come to the library mainly to usethe computers with internet access.Students and university staff areencouraged to use the internet and they

2.8 Other Universities

3.0 Libraries

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Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 7

Plate .8 Pierson Auditorium, University of Missouri,Kansas City.

Plate 9. Fordham University, New York.

Plate 10. Paul Galvin Library, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago.

have unlimited access. Students pay asmall fee per session for computerusage and a limited number ofcomputer printouts. Staff haveunlimited access.A new concept of gaining and sharingknowledge is encouraged throughinteractive spaces in cafeterias, studentscenters and also in the libraries wherestudents can plug their laptops to accessthe internet.Public libraries provide unlimited freeinternet access to users who come withtheir own laptops. The laptop shouldhave a wireless network card installed.

There is an expectation that a churchshould be monumental to host its religiousfunction due to the long tradition ofhistorical churches. This is fulfilled in somecases by the modern architects. In someother instances they used box-likeanonymous forms which in the opinion ofthe researchers are not the best for thepurpose. They are good however indemonstrating the changing fashion inarchitecture like for example the Robert F.Carr Memorial Chapel of St. Savior (1952)at IIT. It is the only ecclesiastical buildingever completed by Mies van der Rohe. It is 11m wide, 18m long, and 6m high. Its walls areconstructed of buff brick with interior partitions of natural finished oak. This building does notreflect the religious function on the exterior in anyway. It looks like any other building on thecampus. Even the interior is just an open hall like other Miesian’s open space interiors.St Francis Xavier Catholic Church (1951) at UMKC has a sculpture-like, monumental shapewith the cross on the tall bell tower in front [Plate 11]. It can be compared to the shape of a boator to “praying hands”. The interior is very pleasant especially because of the sapphire blue colorof the stained glass. The light that comes in through the narrow, tall, vertical windows makes itappear mystical. Its form goes well with the Revival of Radical Individualism as represented bythe pilgrim church at Ronchamp by Le Corbusier.

The new tendency is that the university should be an integral part of downtown rather than anenclosed and separate community. In that regard private sector and joint development isencouraged within the university. The university is also concerned with the surroundingneighbourhoods. Increasing the number of students and staff who live on or near campus is apriority in the master plan.

In all universities visited the students who secured accommodation on the campus lived in aserene environment. Their residences are as well treated as any other university buildings andthus at IIT Mies van der Rohe used the Alumni Memorial Hall (1945-46) to improve on hisearlier works. He used dark anodized metal for the glazed curtain walls and raw brick walls to

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4.0 Religious Buildings

5.0 Student hostels

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 8

Plate 11. , University ofMissouri, Kansas City.

St Francis Xavier Catholic Church

supplement the metal frames.

Also at IIT main campus there is thespacious McCormick Student Village - aresidence hall complex for the students.The hostels are accommodated in thetraditional buildings like at HarvardUniversity or very fashionable PostModern buildings like at the University ofChicago [Plate 12].

The most famous buildings are designedby world-renowned architects. Althoughmany of these architects are Pritzker prizewinners, they usually strive to produceunique and interesting designs for theseuniversity campuses. They know that asuccessful project on campus will enhancetheir fame and popularity. The landmarkbuildings used as case studies are theHarvard Carpenter Centre for the VisualArts, the Harvard Graduate School ofDesign, Architecture and Planning, the IITUniversity Centre, the MIT Stata Centreand the Stowers Medical Research Centre.

The Carpenter Centre for the Visual Arts (1961) at Harvard University is the only buildingdesigned by Swiss architect Le Corbusier in North America, and one of the last to be completedduring his lifetime [Plate 13]. He was the spokesman for Modernism with its Rationalismthrough the publication L’Espirit Nouveau. The open plan was a characteristic feature of thebuildings of Rationalism. Closed square and rectangular rooms were replaced by open spaceswhich led from one to the other, giving a flowing series of rooms. These could be subdivided asrequired, because the skeleton structures only needed supports and did not require load-bearing walls. As a result of these principles the Carpenter Centre is a unique, open structurewith a curved ramp and a promenade, a particularly strong accent, passing through thebuilding from one side to the other with glass on either side making the interiors visible from theoutside. The layers and levels swing out and back from the grid of concrete pilotis within,making the most of cantilevering to create interpretations of exterior, as well as a sequence ofspecial events linked by the promenade of the ramp. It is a wonderful collection of the designprinciples and devices from Le Corbusier’s earlier works, the “ondulatoiries” from Le Tourette;the brise soleils originally from the Marseille Unite’ d’habitation but angled later in Chandigarhand the original Five Points from the 1920s accentuated in a new way. It is as if the Villa Savoyehad been exploded inside out, with ramp and curved partitions extending into theenvironment.

Gund Hall which houses the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Architecture and Planning(GSD) was designed by rationalist Australian architect and GSD graduate John Andrews [Plate14]. It has a skeleton structure which allows for flexible floor planning. The glazed wall and thesloping clear-span roof (sky light) reveal the shape of the studio for five hundred students. All

6.0 Landmark Buildings

6.1 Carpenter Centre for the Visual Arts

6.2 Harvard Graduate School of Design, Architecture and Planning (Gund Hall)

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 9

Plate 12. Student Hostels at University of Chicago.

Plate 13. Carpenter Centre for the Visual Arts, Harvard University.

the students work in the same steppedstudio space. The entire studio is evenlyand very well lit by the sky lights. There arelong space rafters that span across thewidth of the studio and support the weightof the sky lights. The ground floor with thereception and a conference hall has a lot ofexhibition space for students’ works. Thereis free access around the building allowingeasy pedestr ian circulat ion. Thecantilevered front area with horizontalwindow bands has offices for 100 facultyand staff. The pillars visible on the frontelevation span three floors while on theside elevation their height changesaccording to the studio level. The studio wall is projected in a way that the side elevationperfectly exposes the levels used for the studio.

The studio space is organized on five levels. All the levels have visual contact with the groundfloor and other facilities including the snack bar. The working spaces for individual students areseparated by portable partitions which are also used as display boards. Each student has a largedrawing table with provision for networked computing and a big modeling table. Studentsbring their own computers which they use for design work. One of the levels is howeverdedicated to providing computer resources. Computer laboratories, large format plotters,printers, huge touchscreens, consumables and personalized networking are managed bycomputer experts.

The McCormick Tribune Campus Centre is strategically located at the centre of the IllinoisInstitute of Technology campus. Thisappealing design is the work of PritzkerPrize winning architect Rem Koolhaasbased in Rotterdam [Plate 15]. The designconcept arranges various areas arounddiagonal pathways, with a concrete andstainless steel tube that encloses anelevated section of the city mass transitrailroad. This tube dampens the noise ofthe trains overhead. The building housesservices that had hitherto been scatteredall over the campus: food courts, retailshops, student organization offices, arecreational facility and space for campusevents. This is the first building completedby Koolhaas in the United States.

The Ray and Maria Stata Centre by Pritzker Prize winning architect Frank O. Gehry is arguablythe most interesting building at MIT. The architect’s challenge was to design an openenvironment for researchers that encourages intellectual and social interaction, thus facilitatingcooperation and exchange of information.

6.3 McCormick Tribune Campus Centre

6.4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Stata Centre

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 10

Plate 14. Harvard Graduate School of Design, Architecture andPlanning, Harvard University.

Plate 15. McCormick Tribune Campus Centre, Illinois Institute ofTechnology, Chicago.

The interior concept zones private andquiet areas from common and public areaswhile working spaces, lounges andkitchens are arranged around public areas.The exterior is a complex array ofdeconstructivist volumes clad in metal andbrick, with extensive glass walls [Plate 16].

The Stata Centre houses the ComputerScience and Artificial IntelligenceLaboratory, the Laboratory for Informationand Decis ion Systems, and theDepartment of Linguistics and Philosophy.The Student Street is the heart of thebuilding. It is an example of MIT’s effort toimprove the student experience beyondthe classroom. There is casual seating for socializing and chalk boards for informal academicinteraction. A 350-seat amphitheatre used mainly for casual gatherings also hosts lectures andperformances.

The fitness centre has facilities for aerobics, weight training and a dance studio. There is a directlink from the Fitnesss Centre to the Alumni Swimming Pool. The building also has a ChildcareCentre with a playground and a designated drop-off area. The building is designed to maximizethe use of natural lighting. This is enhanced by a series of glass walls and roof lights. The buildinguses raised floors with a modular electrical system, phone and data networks and a displacedair system. The Stata Centre is environmentally friendly, with a storm water managementsystem and pumps powered by solar panels. Water from the roofs is collected in undergroundcells and used for flushing toilets. A series of interconnected plazas and gardens provideextensive outdoor space. Completely hidden underneath the building is a 700-carunderground garage.

The Stowers Medical Research Center (2000) by Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets Inc. and MBTArchitecture is dedicated to research on cancer patients [Plate 17]. It has the beauty andcharacter that directly responds to its mission statement: “Hope for Life”. The complex caneasily capture passers-by attention by its beautiful form, rich landscape and quality of details. Ina way it is reminiscent of Prairie house buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright especially in the designof the roof and the last floor, the linear treatment of finishes of the ground floor and theelongated wall with falling water and thegeneral attention paid to details. Theelevation uses warm light brown colourand is finished to resemble natural granitestone. Most windows on the elongatedelevations are in horizontal bands while onthe short elevations there are big windowsoccupying nearly half the wall surface. Theoverall result is very pleasant andenchanting. The design is further enhancedby the landscaping features including asmall garden setting with a gazebo, waterbodies with fountains and sculptures. Thecontrasting dark green plants also have a

6.5 Stowers Medical Research Centre

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 11

Plate 16. Stata Centre, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,Boston.

Plate 17. Stowers Medical Research Centre, University ofMissouri, Kansas City.

beautifying effect. The interior consists of interactive spaces throughout the facility that inviteresearchers to pause and exchange ideas. Conference rooms, break rooms, shared lab supportspaces, and other public spaces are situated along central corridors, and windows are placed inlab doors all allowing scientists to view what others are doing. The gallery includes quietinterior niches, indoor gardens, and a pool fountain for gathering or solitary reflection.

The landscape design plays an indispensablerole in campus planning. It relates tocirculation and recreation. It supplements thearchitecture and creates a visual pleasure[Plate 18]. It consists of the ground finish withpavements; concrete tiles, brick, stone orgravel finish with terrain steps, grass lawns,and pools of water. Others are verticalelements, seating arrangements, elevatedflower beds, retaining walls, fencing materials,fountains, sculptures, small scale freestanding structures like gazebos and plantsincluding trees, shrubs, herbs and climbingplants. Along with buildings, landscaping isresponsible for the skyline, the views, vistasand the way the sky vault appears.

The character of the landscaping elements is carefully chosen. The shape of the flower bedsand the water pools correspond to the character of the Miller Nichols Library. At the StowersMedical Research Centre, the roof of the small garden structure used for outdoor seating(gazebo) is in analogy to the roof of the main building. In another case it is a contrast concept ofa soft line motif that is used to complement the box like architecture. Generally the character iscarefully chosen to follow a well defined concept. There is an atmosphere of a dream gardencreated in the park-like setting of the Research Centre. At the Illinois Institute of Technology theseating arrangements are an invitation to have a lunch break.

The landscape brings life to the built environment and there is a constant change associatedwith the growth of and the seasonal change of plants. The water pools with the fountainsintroduce the element of motion to the otherwise static environment. Sculptures can act asaccents in courtyards. Sometimes the seats look like sculptures and sometimes the sculptureposes like a human. The materials used include stone, reinforced concrete, timber, alloys andsteel.

The universities have a policy of retainingand rehabilitating buildings of historicsignificance [Plate 19]. Historic buildingsadd architectural diversity to the campusand provide a tangible link to the past. Thereuse of buildings also reduces theenvironmental impact of demolition andnew construction. The historic buildingsare preserved for university use. Forexample, Epperson Hall at UMKC is

7.0 Landscaping

8.0 Traditional Architecture and

Conservation

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 12

Plate 18. Garden at the Stowers Institute for MedicalResearch, University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Plate 19. Robie House, University of Chicago, Chicago.

occupied by the Department of Architecture. The MIT School of Architecture is in amonumental classical building much like Widener Library at Harvard.

The Crown Hall at IIT which was declared a national monument is now being restored byseveral teams of specialists. It represents Mies van der Rohe’s concept of a building devoted toarchitectural education. Mies-style buildings are endlessly adaptable due to the simple skeletonstructure and open plans. Several architectural practices specialized in imitating this style.

Some buildings, like the Robie House at the University of Chicago, are now used for tourism.Originally owned by Frederic C. Robie, a businessman and inventor, Robie House has a long,low profile with linear white stones, nicely arranged red bricks and wide, nearly flat roof andoverhanging eaves. It is perhaps Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous prairie house.

The network of the roads in the universitiesis freely connected to the city network. It isin fact integrated into the city and linked byprimary roads and thus easily accessible.The physical separation between the townand the university is thus minimized. Thedesign of the inner network maintains aserene atmosphere while meeting thedemands of transportation. The planningof circulation roads is professional withgood views and beautiful vistas. Thepedestrian walkways are clearly defined.The universities provide ample parkingspaces for the large commuter population.Apart from surface parking, multi-storeygarages are strategically located allowing parking closer to the classrooms and other campusdestinations [Plate 20]. This also enhances the beauty of the environment. One such structureis accessible right from the primary road while the second is situated at the very center of theuniversity. In the first case the parking is designed as a continuation of the very sophisticatedStowers Institute for Medical Research. In the secondcase it closes up a large beautifully landscaped courtyard.The entrance to the complex is below the pedestrian linkwhich acts visually as a beautiful gate. Sometimes there isunderground parking like in case of the MIT Stata Centrewhich accommodates 700 cars. Parking is strictlyticketed with permits for the staff. There are many signsinstructing on the parking usage. The visitors parking ischarged through self-service metering. There is a strictpunitive system against parking in the undesignated areasand thus order is maintained. The tendency is to reducethe number of cars coming to the campus and there isoften free intra-campus transportation.

The distinct and elegant look of first generation Nigerianuniversities is associated with the flamboyant economyof the country of the seventies [Plate 21] and in the caseof the younger universities with the rational thinking of

9.0 Parking and Transportation

10.0 Comparison with African Universities

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 13

Plate 20. Multi-storey car park with bridge at the University ofMissouri, Kansas City.

Plate 21. Sculpture at Department of Fine Arts,Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

indigenous architects. The universities landmark buildings act as the image makers of theinstitutions. University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University are easily identified by theirSenate Buildings. Obafemi Awolowo University is identified by Oduduwa Hall and theDepartment of Architecture while University of Ibadan is identified by the University Bookshopand the administrative complex. Newer universities strive to create a good image by usingfashionable modern structures.

The hexagonal twin lecture theatre (FASSTheatre) by Niger Consultants is one of themost attractive structures on the campus.The building is surrounded by green areasand stands like a monument. The architectsutilized shadow effects on elevation well.This characteristic building is very populardespite some obvious functionalproblems. The Senate Building by Egborand Associates is the tallest building withinthe campus [Plate 22]. Looking at thebuilding from the outside one can hardlyexpect that there is a Senate Chamberhanging just on top of the entrance hall. Ontop of the Senate Chamber is a nice atrium.

The Senate Building by Ahime Associateshas a pleasant exterior and is in harmonywith the landscaped environment. TheCBN-FUTA Computer Resource Centre(2004) by the Authors is a unique buildingdesigned on a honeycomb grid with acharacteristic outline of the parapet walls[Plate 23]. The building is climate sensitiveand is well protected from rain and sunglare. It has an oblique courtyard whichalso acts as a passage hence there are twowell linked entrances. The Chancellor’s,Pro Chancellor’s and Vice Chancellor’s Lodges were designed by the Authors on the sameprinciple of a square plan with a concentric square courtyard. The diagonally positionedentrance porches give the buildings a unique appearance. The School of Mines and EarthSciences is a building very sensitive to the local conditions. It is designed on a sloping site and itsmartly incorporates the change of levels. The National Fellowship of Catholic Students (NFCS)Lodge looks like a cross in plan.

Oduduwa Hall by AMY is a very interesting building that stands out as a unique icon. It hasmany public ambiguous spaces while the air penetrates freely through the pierced walls withthe zoning and the visual aspect carefully considered. The building is well detailed and thechoice of colours makes it even more intriguing and dynamic. The open amphitheatre (nowcovered) and the well composed landscape enhance its beauty even further. The Departmentof Architecture previously Central Cafeteria (1976) was designed by Design Group of Nigeria.

10.1 Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

10.2 Federal University of Technology, Akure

10.3 Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 14

Plate 22. Senate Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Plate 23. CBN-FUTA Computer Resouce Centre, FederalUniversity of Technology, Akure.

There are four separate structures joinedwith a passage and void areas. The formarose from the need for having naturalventilation. The air reaches from the sideand escapes out from the roof. The timberfinishing of the roof structure adds to thepleasant environment within the building.The landmark Civil Engineering Complexby Niger Consultants has a formreminiscent of Egyptian architecture withthe slanting prism-like expression,magnified even further by the repeatedroof module [Plate 24]. The Faculty ofSocial Sciences with the aggressively projected roof slab and the repeated slanting columnsgives the expression of an inverted pyramid. The overhanging slab acts as a sunshading deviceproviding a lot of shadow for the elevation, thus demonstrating how pure modern architectureof simple basic forms can be adapted to the Nigerian climate.

The Conference Centre has a niceatmosphere created right from theentrance area. The big complex housesmany facilities including a conference hall,restaurant, and a hotel with a beautiful rockgarden. The entrance courtyard of theconference hall takes care of manyactivities. It links the smaller seminar roomsand leads to the main hall. The gardenatmosphere created here is very suitablefor the pre- and post-conference activities.The arrangement of the conference hall isbased on concentric squares.

The University Bookshop (1960’s) wasdesigned by Design Group Nigeria. This building is the most characteristic building of theInternational Style in Nigeria. It consists of a simple geometric form and exposed parapet wallwith typical curtain walls and perfect precision of detail [Plate 25]. The Department of Nursing(1967) by Design Group Nigeria creates a very peaceful atmosphere. The most pleasurable isthe small courtyard with a stone wall on one side and representative stairs. Traditional buildingmaterials such as wood and stones used for wall finishes and balustrades classify the building tothe regional trend. The design is well adapted to the weather. The wind penetrates through thebuilding across the open staircase and through the balcony which extends to form a kind ofwindow to the surrounding environment.

The Senate Building by James Cubitt and Partners consists of simple forms [Plate 26]. Thearchitects diversified the form by using different heights and by projecting a semi-cylindricalform from the approach elevation. The structural pillars are projected to the front of theelevation giving an illusion that they don’t carry the weight of the building. The beauty of thebuilding is further enhanced by the colour combination used on the elevation. The site of theScience Complex (1978) imposed a lot of challenges on the architects Godwin Hopwood

10.4 University of Ibadan, Ibadan

10.5 University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 15

Plate 24. Civil Engineering Complex (Spider Building), ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile Ife.

Plate 25. University Bookshop, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

Kuye. They used the sloping site in a waythat allows the penetration of the wind intoevery building achieving perfect crossventilation so much desired in this highlyhumid area. The Berger ConferenceCentre is a simple and elegant building thatdemonstrates the use of appropriatetechnology. Although fully air-conditioned,it is also adequately well ventilated andnaturally lit.

The majority of buildings in the Universitywere designed in the international style ofModern Architecture. The con-creteentrance gate, though sculptural is devoidof decoration. The whole university isbeautifully land-scaped, with breathtakingviews. The student’s hostels are welldetailed, with expansive courtyards andcovered walkways [Plate 27].

The Faculty of Environmental Studies(2004) at Covenant University is a LateModern building. It still uses a parapet wallbut the presence of the roof is obvious. Thebuilding is adorned by vertical strips ofwindows with reflective glass and a wellcelebrated entrance with a semi-transparent vault. John Hall (2002) is astudent hostel in the same style [Plate 28].The late modern style is also evident at theBenue State University, with new buildingsmore compatible with the climate [Plate29]. The University Library at the DeltaState University, Abraka is in theinternational style but the use oflandscaping including trees and theintroduction of a sculpture gardencontaining works by students give thebuilding character [Plate 30]. The sameapplies to the School of EnvironmentalStudies at the Ambrose Alli University,Ekpoma [Plate 31]. The buildings at themain campus of the Delta State Universityare mainly late-modern and postmodernbuildings, but with the influence of low-trop architecture still visible. A similar

10.6 Kwame Nkrumah University

of Science and Technology,

Kumasi, Ghana

10.7 Other Nigerian Universities

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 16

Plate 26. Senate Buiding, University of Lagos, Lagos.

Plate 27. Students’ Hostel, Kwame Nkrumah University of ScienceAnd Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Plate 28. John Hall, Covenant University, Sango Otta.

tendency can be found in new buildings atthe Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

The Senate Building of the Kogi StateUniversity, Akungba is an interestingbuilding [Plate 33]. This white building withimposing vertical elements contrastsbeautifully with the forest background.Other buildings in the university are in theinternational and low-trop styles, but manyhave been recently renovated withpostmodern elements added. Most of theoriginal buildings at the Federal Universityof Technology, Yola are in the internationalstyle of modern architecture, completewith flat roofs and parapet walls [Plate 34].The new additions however exhibit somec h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f p o s t m o d e r narchitecture, and are more responsive tothe climate. The numerous new buildingsat the main campus of the OlabisiOnabanjo University, Ago Iwoye showattempts at introducing postmodernelements into low-trop buildings [Plate 35].Similar example can be found in theshopping mall at the University of Benin[Plate 36]. The prevalence of low-troparchitecture in many universities has beenattributed to the high cost of erectingmodern buildings.

The importance of icon (landmark)buildings in characterizing universities isobvious. These buildings are in variousarchitectural styles including:

The International Style characterized by cubic order, strict rules of measurement andproportion, and perfect precision of details.

Babcock University is a famous privateuniversity [Plate 32].

11.0 Summary

�

Plate 29. New Buildings at the Benue State University, Makurdi.

Plate 30. University Library, Delta State University, Abraka.

Plate 31. School of Environmental Studies, Ambrose AlliUniversity, Ekpoma.

Plate 32. Entrance gate, Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, OgunState.

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 17

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The Late Modern trend obvious in manyNigerian Univers i t ies (Prucnal -Ogunsote, 2001).The Post-modern style includingdeconstructivism.

This paper has shown that universitycampuses have unique architecturalcharacter. This architectural character andurban design contribute immensely to thesuccess and popularity of universities.University buildings feature a blend of oldand new architectural styles, with historiclandmarks sharing the stage with modernfacilities. The landscape is highly valuedand the visual structure of interconnectedlandscaped areas often form passages,thus reinforcing the universities’ physicalidentity. Concentrating parking instrategically located structures frees up

land and provides convenient access tocampus facilities. In the planning aspectthe relationship with the town is veryessential and in a way the town is broughtto the campus. The universities try to be anintegral part of downtown. In the Nigeriancontext the Universities still remain inisolated spaces maintaining the old modelwhich needs to be reexamined.

Nigerian universities should invest in dynamic master plans to enhance architectural characterand encourage landmark buildings that popularize significant tendencies in architecture. Theyshould strive to engage renowned architects for the design of their most significant buildings.The environment contributes significantly to the formation of character. University buildingsshould always reflect the culture and the climate while university campuses should be betterintegrated with their host communities.

12.0 Conclusion

13.0 Recommendations

Plate 34. Multipurpose Hall, Federal University of Technology, Yola.

Plate 35. Postmodern elements in a low-trop building at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

Plate 33. Senate Building, Kogi State University, Akungba.

Plate 36. Shopping mall, University of Benin, Benin City.

Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 18

14.0 References

Acknowledgements

Illinois Institute of Technology (2004).Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2004). T .Ogunsote, O. O. (1991). Computer Assessment of Architectural Design.

, 15:4, 1-16, Pergamon Press, London.Ogunsote, O. O. (1993).

. Ahmadu Bello University Press, Zaria.Olaniyan, R. A. (1985).

KNP Group Ltd, Redditch and London.Prucnal-Ogunsote, B. (2001). Classification of Nigerian Architecture. . 1:6,

48-56, Akure.Prucnal-Ogunsote, B. (2002). The International Style in Nigeria: Technological and Cultural

Bridge - or Disaster? , 1:1, 102-114. School ofEnvironmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Prucnal-Ogunsote, B. (2005). Reflection of Culture and Climate in the Vernacular and ModernArchitecture of Akure. Proceedings of the International Conference on Science andTechnology, Federal University of Technology, Akure. 14-19 August.

Stang, A. and Hawthorne, C. (2005).Princeton Architectural Press.

Cleveland State University: http.www.csuohio.edu/campuses.Gund Hall: http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/admisions/visiting/ about_gund.html.Sackler Museum: http://www.artmuseums.harvard.edu /sackler.Universty of Chicago: http://www.uchicago.edu/docs/ buildings.html.

The authors sincerely appreciate the assistance received from Prof. Jimmy O. Adegoke, Dr.Ahmed Balogun and Miss Joan Steurer all of the University of Missouri, Kansas City. We arealso indebted to Mr. Eric Ronald Mortenson of Detroit and Miss Moran Elitsur of Boston.

The McCormick Tribune Campus Centre Brochure.he Stata Centre: A Self-Guided Tour

Habitat International:A Journal for the Study of Human Settlements

An Introduction to Building Climatology - A Basic Course forArchitecture Students

Ife University in Colour: A Panorama of Africa’s Most Beautiful Campus.

AARCHES Journal

Journal of Environmental Technology

The Green House: New Directions in SustainableArchitecture.

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Sustainable Campus Planning and Architecture 19