A

TERM PAPER ON

THE IMPACT OF HARD LANDSCAPING ON THE MICROCLIMATE OF A TYPICAL BUNGALOW IN JOS

BY

OLANREWAJU ‘DAMILARE AZEEZ

ARC/05/5632

SUBMITTED TO THE

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURESCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE.IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY (M-TECH) IN ARCHITECTURE

AUGUST 2011

1

ABSTRACT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES2.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS3.0 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE OF JOS NIGERIA

4.0 FORMS OF EXISTENCE OF LANDSCAPE4.1 LANDSCAPE PLANNING4.2 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE DESIGNS4.2.1SIMPLICITY4.2.2 BALANCE4.2.3 SCALE AND PROPORTION4.2.4 ACCENT4.2.5 COLOUR AND TEXTURE 4.2.6 LINE4.3 ELEMENT OF HARDLANDSCAPE

4.4 TYPES OF HARD LANDSCAPE ELEMENT

4.4.1 WALLS AND FENCES

4.4.2 STEPS AND PAVING

4.4.3 SLOPES AND BARRIERS

4.4.4 STONES AND BOULDERS

4.4.5 BRICKPATIOS AND SIDEWALKS

4.5 ADVANTAGES OF HARD LANDSCAPE

4.6 DISADVANTAGES OF HARD LANDSCAPE

5.0 RECCOMENDATION/CONSCLUSION

6.0 REFERENCES

2

ABSTRACT

The need for sustainable architecture through landscape for Nigeria cities is generally

acknowledged by major custodians of the environment in the country as a quick respond to

the challenges faces as a result of global warming and the reason to adapt to the need for

sustainable environment through design is more elucidated due to recent climate and

environmental hazards that occur in major part of the country example the recent flood in

Lagos and windstorm in Jos among others. However major stakeholders of the environment

are often loss when it comes to implementation of these ideals, more often create more

problem in the bid to resolve it. This report defines landscape and landscape element that can

be used to achieve sustainable environment, it further enlighten on the effect of hard

landscape element such as the use of hard landscape element, the advantages and

disadvantages of hard landscape element of the micro climate of Jos Nigeria.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Housing has been universally accepted as a basic essential human need that comes only after food and clothing. (Adedeji, Y. M. D, Aluko, O. O.), housing in all it entails is more than just shelter, it embrace all the collective needs and conveniences that make and environment a liveable space. On a general terms the level of comfort achieve within a house is proportional to the micro climate of where it is located, according to (Ogunsote 2002), The use of landscape design to moderate the microclimate is one of the tenets of design with climate. Equability of the microclimate through landscape design is one of the concepts of sustainable design on which the concept of the natural house rests (sustainable house). A sustainable house is a proposed model that maximises the use of natural and man-made material to ensure a sustainable environment for human habitation. The concept of sustainable design of any climate for architectural design is defined by boundaries where a change in the thermal comfort requirements should be reflected in building design and elements. According to (Ogunsote 2002) microclimate is one of four generally recognised categories of climate based on spatial and time scales, the categories mention include: the global climate, the regional macroclimate, the topoclimate and the

3

microclimate. The microclimate as define by (Ogunsote 2002) refers to a spatial scale of about 1 km horizontally and 100 m vertically. This is the space commonly refers to as a plot where most residential building are planted. The microclimate is affected according to (Ogunsote 2002) by trees, buildings and wind flow patterns.

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The paper aims to discuss a strategy for development for hard landscape element in a typical

residential housing and sustainable landscaping of residential areas in Jos and has the specific

objectives of creating ideal models for hard landscape element and sustainable landscaping in

Jos.

2.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

i. Remuneration;Reward, compensation Payment for services rendered (Dictionary.com)

ii. Hard landscape; is refer to as the part of a building's grounds consisting of structures, such as patios, retaining walls, and walkways, made with hard materials.

Hardscape, in the practice of landscaping, refers to the paved areas like streets & sidewalks, large business complexes &housing developments, and other industrial areas where the upper soil profile is no longer exposed to the actual surface of the Earth.

3.0 GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE OF JOS NIGERIA

4

Fig 1: map of Nigeria shown Jos, Source: http://bbcnews.comJos Nigeria as classified by Ogunsote is located on the highland zone of the country, it is located on latitude 9°56′N and longitude 8°53′E is a city in the Middle Belt of Nigeria (en.wikipedia.org). The city has a population of about 900,000 residents based on the 2006 census. it is the administrative capital of Plateau State. With an altitude of 4,062 feet (1,217 m) above sea level, it enjoys a more temperate climate than much of the rest of Nigeria (average monthly temperatures range from 21° to 25°C), from mid-November to late January, night time temperatures drop as low as 11 degrees Celsius resulting in chilly nights. According to Ogunsote the climatic require need for cross ventilation only during one month of the year though good ventilation is desirable during other months. Monthly rainfall of above 200 mm is only experience for three or more months in the year which necessitate the need for protection against heavy downpours. Thermal storage is needed for six to ten months in the year to dampen fluctuations in indoor temperatures.

4.0 FORMS OF EXISTENCE OF LANDSCAPE Landscapes have different forms of existence; they can exist as a

full scale physical reality, a portrayal, for example by means of pictures, maps, plans and descriptions, literature or music, or a perception or evocation in the mind and imagination or a self-generated image.

These different states of existence are interrelated; they can influence each other. However, in relation to landscapes of a physically real kind and at the broadest level of characterization, they can be described as being:

Uncultivated Landscapes (Natural and Semi-natural Landscapes).

Cultivated Rural Landscapes. Urbanized and Industrialized landscapes. Gardens, Parks and Designed Ornamental Landscapes.

5

4.1 LANDSCAPE PLANNING. The landscape planning of a site should be carefully done before

sitting the building structures or alongside the existing developments. In any of these situations, planning should begin with an evaluation of the present nature of the plot.

Fadamiro (1998) observed that the organization of various landscape elements into pleasing composition of spaces in different zones are based on the need, taste and lifestyle of the users and this is achieved through use of principles of landscape design, depending on the intended usual effects or aesthetic value.

The landscape planning should begin with an evaluation of the present nature of the site by studying and marking out the existing features of the site to determine the good features that should be removed. Thereafter, the impact of the landscape elements to be used should be determined through an adequate consideration of clients’ requirements and site factors such as climate, contours, water, soil conditions, site surroundings, and traffic control.

On site evaluation, the proposed views of the environment both internally and externally should however be put into consideration, using three main zones the public, the private, and the semi – public zones.

The public zone is usually in front of the structure and is usually designed to attract and adorn the street and not for activities. It usually accommodates functions as parking lots, walkways leading to the main entrance.

The private zone may be located at the back or sides of the structure and usually accommodates functions like garden, entertainment/games area, outdoor furniture. The semi-public zone is used as outdoor art, fountain e.tc. This is used to connect the different public and private zones in the environment.

6

According to Little wood (1986), the object assessment of landscape design could be based on the aspects, which are:

i. Function (the satisfying of requirements of use or purpose). ii. structure ( the physical available material, construction,

manufacture and skills as condition permits) andiii. appearance (obtaining satisfactory visual effects)

4.2 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

The basic principles of landscape show how the designer uses the elements of landscape design in creating a landscape solution. Since the primary objective of landscape is to restore physical orderliness and beauty to the outdoor spaces, he thus requires some guiding principles for the motive not to be forfeited.

Change in the landscape is never constant as the seasons come and go. How the designer successfully combines plants and other material component in the landscape planting plan involves paying careful attention to detail, a thorough knowledge of practical horticulture, and a good understanding of the basic principles and elements of design. The landscape spaces are however organized through the use of the following basic principles of design simplicity, balance, scale and proportion, accent colour and texture, and line.

4.2.1SIMPLICITY

Different enrichment items used to landscape an outdoor space must not be applied to create ambiguity. The design should be able to clearly express a sense of wholeness and simplicity. Plant structures varying in texture, form and colour should be avoided. When simplicity is achieved in a landscape design, it makes the entire design to appear as a single unit.

4.2.2BALANCE

7

This could be a formal or an informal landscape. It could also be a state of symmetrical or asymmetrical equilibrium. In a symmetrical equilibrium there is equal balance on each side of any imaginary axis by exact duplication of pant materials in line, form and colour. Asymmetrical equilibrium or occult balance is the dissimilar placement of unlike objects or masses on either side of any unstressed axis to create visual equilibrium.

4.2.3SCALE AND PROPORTION

These talk about the size relationship that exists between the plants or other enrichment items to the area when they are used. The scale of the object is usually established here by the introduction of anything that shows a person’s height, such as steps, seats etc. The designer must ensure that no part is extremely large or out of place in composition with the rest. No matter how simple and balance a design is, its proportionality or ability to fit properly into the commensurate size and shape of the site cannot be overemphasized.

4.2.4ACCENT

In every architectural design, emphasis is always given to some specific places that are focal point or centre of attraction. A place of emphasis if properly treated can be used to judge the success of the entire design. Accent can be obtained by the use of specimen plants, use of water bodies (e.g. fountain), and statues change etc.

4.2.5COLOUR AND TEXTURE

The texture expresses the state of coarseness and fineness of the design components. Plants that are thorny or harmful should be avoided unless if situation warrant its use. A variety texture in the landscape adds interest and reduces monotony. With respect to colour, green is always the predominant, however other colours can be introduced if they will not be contrasting.

4.2.6LINE

8

A landscape designer uses line to draw the attention of viewers to a focal point. It could be curvilinear, straight, or any other shapes that bring the dream of the designer into or reality translate his ideas into a language a layman understands. In most cases curved lines are naturally more pleasing, mind appealing and interesting than straight lines.

4.3 ELEMENT OF HARDLANDSCAPE

Typical small-scale hardscape examples include brick patios and sidewalks. Retaining walls

are often used to create boundaries between hardscapes and earth landscaping features, or soft

landscapes. From an urban planning perspective, hardscapes can include very large features,

such as paved roads. Most artificial water features are technically hardscapes because they

require a barrier to retain the water, instead of letting it drain into the surrounding soil.

From an aesthetic perspective, hardscape allows workers to erect landscaping features that

would otherwise be impossible due to soil erosion, or that compensate for large amounts of

human traffic that would cause wear on bare earth or grass. For example, sheer vertical

features are possible.

4.4 TYPES OF HARD LANDSCAPE ELEMENT

4.4.1 Walls and fences

Walls can be used to deflect the wind, it is often used to create privacy and comfort and it can

also be used to channel the wind. Walls are usually solid, while fences are made from stakes,

rails, wire, netting, et cetera. Retaining walls are often used to create boundaries between

hardscapes and earth landscaping features, or landscapes. Fences thus allow some wind to flow

through them, even when they have climbers.

9

Fig 2: Use of wall and fence in a typical residential building, source: field survey 2011

4.4.2 Steps and paving

The choice of the surface finishing, material and construction of steps and paving can play a

significant role in the reduction of ground temperature. The use of asphalt in parking lots without

any form of shade is a primary source of discomfort.

Fig 3: Step as hard landscape element at OAU Fig 4: Paving as hard landscape element

source: field survey 2011

4.4.3 Slopes and barriers

The use of slopes and barriers to direct airflow can be very effective on sites with significant

variations in the topography.

10

Fig 5: Hard landscape used as barriers at a typical residential house, source: field survey 2011

4.4.4 Stones and boulders

Stones and boulders can be arranged to direct airflow and to provide shade and for aesthetic.

Fig 6: Stone as hard landscape and as an aesthetic element at FUTA.

Source: field survey 2011

11

4.4.5 Brick patios and sidewalks

Fig 7: Sidewalks as hard landscape element at FUTA Fig 8: bricks as hard landscape element

Source: field survey 2011

4.5 ADVANTAGES OF HARD LANDSCAPE

As said by Adedeji 2007 and Ogunsote 2002, the advantages of hard landscape element

include:

1. It can be used to deflect the wind.

2. To create privacy and comfort.

3. It can be used to channel the wind.

4. To create boundaries between hardscapes and earth landscaping features.

5. Reduction of ground temperature.

6. Allow some wind to flow in the building.

4.6 DISADVANTAGES OF HARD LANDSCAPE

1. It often cause glare.

2. Reflection of sun rays.

3. It not made with good material it increase ground temperature.

4. It needs adequate maintenance.

12

5.0 RECOMMENDATION/CONCLUSION

The complementing effect of the combination of hard landscape elements with soft landscape

elements and the built environment cannot be underestimated. Hard landscape elements

provide a complementing rigid frame to the soft environmental lines provided by soft

landscape elements. In essence, hard landscape elements such as outdoor sitting, kerbs,

paving, steps, boulder, and fences, if properly integrated into residential landscape design

provides a conducive outdoor living environment.

However, there is need for consideration in terms of the choice of material so as to reduce the

effect of solar insolation, glare and to ensure the maintenance of thermal comfort at all times

of the day and year.

6.0 REFERENCES

Adedeji, Y. M. D., Aluko, O. O., Ogunsote, O. O. Sustainable landscaping and green housing in tropical climates: A Case Study of Akure, Nigeria.

Adejumo, S. A. (2009). ‘‘The behavioural impacts of landscape design in academic environments’’ an independent research project unpublished manuscript

Dr. Olu Ola Ogunsote and Dr. (Mrs.) Bogda Prucnal-Ogunsote (April 17 – May 10, 2002) ‘‘Control of Tropical Microclimates through Landscape Design: Concepts and Methods’’ Working paper presented at the National Workshop on Landscape Design for the Federal Capital Development Authority, Abuja

Fadamiro, J.A. (1998). Landscape Design and the Environment, Alfad Publications Limited, Akure.

Fadamiro, J.A., Ogunsemi D.R. (1996). Fundamentals of Building Design, Construction and Materials, Adeyemo Publishing House Akure.

Littlewood, M. (1986). Landscape Detailing 1 & 2, The Architectural Press, London.

Ogunsote O.O ‘‘Design in the zones’’ Arc 810 lecture note Federal University of Tech., Akure. Unpublished manuscript.

13

http://www.answers.com/topic/hardscape

http://www.answers.com/topic/hard-landscape-materials

http://www.denvergov.org/Parks/ForestryandTrees/LandscapePlanning/tabid/432239/

Default.asp

http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20704

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Nigeria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardscape

http://library.wur.nl/ojs/index.php/frontis/issue/view/210

14