Renovation and demolition, as tools for improving the built environment

¹ Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, Nigeria
² School of Engineering, Technology and Design, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK.
³ Department of Architecture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
⁴ School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.

^* Corresponding author: Emmachigozie.ezema@unn.edu.ng

Abstract

This study investigates the role of renovation and demolition in improving the built environment of Enugu, Nigeria, focusing on residential buildings. Using a qualitative research design with case studies and observational analysis, the research examined ten buildings representing different typologies and historical periods in Enugu North Local Government Area. Findings reveal the resilience of traditional construction methods, the multifaceted nature of renovation/demolition decision-making, and the potential for adaptive reuse in preserving architectural heritage while meeting modern needs. The research highlights the tension between conservation and modernization in rapidly urbanizing contexts, demonstrating that renovation often presents a more sustainable alternative to demolition. These insights contribute to the discourse on sustainable urban development in Global South cities, offering a nuanced understanding of the interplay between structural integrity, historical value, and adaptability in shaping urban renewal strategies. The study proposes a framework for case-by-case assessment of older buildings, integrating structural, cultural, and environmental considerations to inform policy and practice in urban regeneration.