ARCHITECTURE OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN NIGERIA

A residential building is a building with a postal number, all or at least half of the total area of which is intended for permanent residence, located on a plot of land within certain boundaries with all auxiliary buildings, structures, and landscaping elements located on it. Multifunctional building developments are also referred to as composite developments. The developments usually consist of large and deluxe commercial complex, shopping malls, car park, or resident clubhouses built underneath residential tower blocks. The arrangements have achieved two major objectives. Firstly, the composite developments are very welcomed, since it provides residents with necessary facilities and support for their daily life. Secondly, the rent generated from commercial facilities provides attractive returns on investments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the problems of Residential Environment and Multi-use or Multifunctional building in Nigeria with a view to proffer solution to this problem in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey method through internet surfing, observation and Questionnaires survey implemented by other researchers to buttress the findings of the literature review. The causal force is not far-fetched to include but not limited to Land Use Act and Documentation Process, Infrastructural Development, High Cost of Building Materials and Poor Quality of Buildings, among others were stated as the problem; and solution had been suggested architecturally to increase verticality to achieve more with less space especially in densely populated area of the country. This may outrightly not eradicate the problems of inadequate residential housing and multi-functional building but would be a start in the right direction in providing adequate housing for all and sundry.