FACULTY OF ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCE

The construction industry faces increasing challenges in achieving sustainable, ecofriendly practices while meeting the growing demand for housing. This research
project explores the viability of rammed earth as a substitute replacement for sandcrete and concrete in building construction in Ekosodin, Edo State, Nigeria. Rammed earth, an ancient construction material requiring special technique, offers significant potential for sustainable building due to its low environmental impact, availability of raw materials, and thermal mass properties. The research will encompass a comprehensive analysis of rammed earth's structural performance, thermal efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the context of Edo State's climate and local construction practices. By examining the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of rammed earth construction, this research aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for promoting its adoption as a sustainable building material in Edo State, ultimately contributing to the region's sustainable development goals.

Flooding generally is one of the major natural disasters anywhere around the globe. Theeffect of flood has led to major losses including human, property, infrastructureandeconomic losses. Due to climatic conditions, the impact of flood has greatly increasedoverthe years. Remote Sensing is a technique to observe the earth surface or the atmospherefromout of space using satellites (space borne) or from the air using aircrafts which are airborne. The satellite imagery of the project area was downloaded from United State Geological Survey (USGS). The imagery was screened and the data was extracted using the ARCGIS10.4 software in other to determine the land use features and some other factors responsiblefor flooding in the study area. Domain definition, colour composite, image classification, creation of sample set, post classification comparison’ and sub setting were carried out onthedownloaded imagery. The processed imagery was used to identify bare land, built upareas, rocks and vegetation. The digital elevation model showing the unique features of the studyarea was also produced from this procedure. The land use map, the flood map, and thefloodvulnerability map were also produced. Rainfall data were sourced geospatially from2012to2020, this is to provide the rainfall pattern in the study area. The result obtained from the study revealed that land use has changed significantlyinthestudy area in the last ten years. The result showed that bare lands and vegetationarefast giving way from residential, large scale industries, commercial estates andotherinfrastructural development. From this, over 80% of arable lands are either paved or surfacesimproved which is responsible for low water infiltration resulting in flooding. Withinthisperiod rainfall has also increased significantly from 2087mm in 2012 to 2674mmin2020. This makes large proportion of the area venerable to flooding as showed in the flood mapandvenerability map of the study area. Proper flooding measures have to be put in placetoprevent inundation of the study area.

Urban markets in Benin City function as vital economic spaces and cultural landmarks that reflect community identity, traditional practices and social interaction. Recent modernization efforts across Nigerian cities have focused heavily on physical redevelopment, often neglecting the cultural significance and spatial dynamics that shape these markets. This study examines the relationship between urban market revitalization and cultural sustainability in selected markets in Benin City—Oba Market, Uselu Market, Ekosodin Market, Orgie-Ode Market. Using a mixed- methods approach, data were collected from 100 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, field observations and photographs. Findings indicate major infrastructural and organizational challenges, including inadequate drainage, sanitation, security and spatial planning, which affect market efficiency and user
experience. Despite these issues, traders and users maintain strong cultural attachment to the markets, underscoring their historical and symbolic importance. The study concludes that revitalization strategies must integrate cultural preservation with infrastructural improvement to ensure sustainable and socially inclusive market renewal. Recommendations emphasize participatory planning, heritage-sensitive design and improved governance frameworks.

The current 300 level graphics design studio in the department of fine and applied arts, university of Benin, lacks the necessities required for an effective graphic design study and delivery. It is on the note that the 2020/2021 graduating students, decided to brand the studio to make it more conducive for effective learning. This was done by providing the studio with the required materials such as polished furniture, ceiling fans, projector, electrical fittings, chairs, repainting, etc. it is this researcher’s hope that when these materials are installed, they will inspire the present and future graphic design students in the Department to express as well as maximize their full artistic potentials.