FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

This study examines the use of visual communication tools for safe work practices in construction sites in Benin City. The research explored three objectives; Assessing the level of use of visual communication tools for safe work practices on construction sites, investigating the challenges affecting the use of visual communication tools for safe work practices and examining the effects of visual communication tools on safe work practices in Benin City, Edo State. All three objectives used the mean item score as the method of analysis. The target population for this research comprises stakeholders and participants directly involved in the construction industry within Benin City, Edo State. These include professionals such as architects, engineers, builders, health & safety officers and quantity surveyors. A total of 169 questionnaires were filled from an anticipated sample size of 300. The study revealed that the level of use of visual communication tools varies considerably across construction projects in Benin City. Among the tools assessed, Safety Signs and Symbols (MIS = 4.72) ranked the highest, followed by Colour-Coded Labels (MIS = 4.51) and Floor Markings (MIS = 4.40). The most significant challenge was Limited Budget (MIS = 4.52), followed by Management Indifference (MIS = 4.32) and Lack of Training (MIS = 4.20). The strongest effects of visual communication tools on safe work practices were, Improves Hazard Recognition (MIS = 4.67), Enhances Compliance with Safety Rules (MIS = 4.41), and Reduces Accident Frequency (MIS = 4.29). Generally, the study concludes that visual communication tools play a crucial role in promoting safety culture on construction sites, and their integration especially digital innovations should be strengthened through better funding, management commitment, and worker training.

Architectural facades play a vital role in shaping the identity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of buildings, particularly in urban environments. This research investigates the incorporation of architectural facades in buildings within Benin City, Edo State, focusing on their social, cultural, and environmental impacts. The study explores how façade design contributes to the character of the built environment, enhances user experience, promotes climate responsiveness, and reflects local identity. Despite their significance, many buildings in Benin City lack thoughtful façade integration due to limited awareness, economic constraints, and insufficient design regulation. Through field observations, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, this research examines existing façade applications and identifies best practices for context-appropriate designs. The findings reveal that well-designed facades improve urban aesthetics, increase building efficiency, and foster a stronger sense of place. The study concludes that a deliberate approach to façade integration considering climate, culture, and functionality are essential for sustainable urban development. Key recommendations include promoting design education, enforcing architectural standards, and encouraging innovation to support meaningful façade design in Benin City. This research offers practical insights for architects, developers, and policymakers committed to enhancing the urban fabric through facade-conscious architecture.

This study investigated the behavioural and psychological effects of hostel accommodation on students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to examine how hostel living conditions influence students’ behaviour, mental well-being, and academic experiences. Data were collected from 101 hostel residents through a structured questionnaire administered electronically, consisting of both quantitative and qualitative items. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while qualitative responses were analyzed through content analysis. The findings revealed that hostel accommodation contributes to positive behavioural outcomes such as increased independence, social interaction, and adaptability among students. However, challenges including noise, peer pressure, overcrowding, and poor facilities were found to negatively affect concentration and behaviour. Psychologically, many students reported experiencing stress, anxiety, and homesickness, largely due to inadequate maintenance, inconsistent water and electricity supply, limited privacy, and overcrowding. The study also found that improved facilities, regular maintenance, counselling services, and recreational spaces were widely perceived as effective strategies for enhancing students’ well- being and academic performance. The study concludes that hostel accommodation has a significant influence on both the behavioural and psychological well-being of UNIBEN students. It recommends improved hostel management, reduced overcrowding, enhanced facility maintenance, and the provision of student support services to create a more conducive and supportive living environment.

This study explores the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in 6 monitoring structural deformations affecting the Physics Department building at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. Structural deformation poses significant challenges to the integrity and safety of buildings, especially in regions where environmental and mechanical stressors are prevalent. As a building ages, undetected shifts or weaknesses in its foundational and support elements can lead to long-term damage or even collapse. By applying FEA, engineers can model how structures respond under various conditions, enabling a more data-driven and predictive approach to building assessment and rehabilitation. The research employs high-precision instruments such as the Tersus David
GNSS receiver and a NUWA-configured mobile application to collect geospatial data
with exceptional accuracy. Strategic GNSS receiver placement and real-time data
acquisition were crucial to capturing the building’s current geometric integrity. This
data was further processed, and key mechanical parameters such as displacement,
strain, and stiffness matrices were also computed. The finite element method enabled
segmentation of the structure into triangular meshes, which were individually analyzed to detect irregularities.

This research investigates the climate-responsive features embedded in traditional Benin
architecture and their relevance to sustainable design in contemporary practice. Benin City, located in southern Nigeria, experiences a hot-humid tropical climate characterized by high
temperatures, intense solar radiation, heavy rainfall, and elevated humidity. These climatic
conditions historically shaped the built environment, prompting indigenous builders to develop
architectural forms that enhanced thermal comfort and environmental adaptability. Traditional
features such as thick mud walls, steeply pitched thatched roofs with wide eaves, courtyards, verandahs, and strategic orientation were employed to regulate temperature, improve natural
ventilation, and protect against rainfall. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing on literature review, field observations, and climatic analysis to identify and analyze
these features. Findings highlight the cultural and environmental significance of traditional Benin
architecture, underscoring its potential to inform sustainable and climate-resilient building
practices in present-day Benin City

Urban development projects rely heavily on accurate and detailed mapping to ensure efficient planning and management of resources. This study focuses on producing a comprehensive digitized map of Iyekogba Housing Estate, situated in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim of this project is to create a detailed map that encompasses all essential features, landmarks, and amenities within the estate. Achieving this aim involves the use of advanced mapping techniques to generate precise spatial data that can support informed decision-making in urban planning and development initiatives. The methodology employed in this project involves the use of Oscar Tersus GNSS equipment to acquire survey data (X, Y, Z coordinates) of the entire estate. Subsequently, the collected data is processed using various software applications, including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Excel. These software tools enable the integration, analysis, and visualization of the survey data, leading to the creation of a detailed map that accurately represents the spatial characteristics of Iyekogba Housing Estate. The results of the project are presented in accordance with the specified objectives. Firstly, the detailed map reveals the well-organized layout of individual plots (buildings) within the estate, indicating a planned development approach. Also a perimeter plan was created using AutoCAD to accurately define the boundary of Iyekogba Housing Estate. According to the perimeter plan analysis, the estate occupies an area of 510,538.983 square meters with a perimeter of 3,083.53 meters. Furthermore, a contour map was generated using ArcGIS to visualize the topographical characteristics of the study area. The contour map illustrates the elevation variations across the estate. In conclusion, this project successfully achieves its aim of producing a detailed map.

This project presents the findings of a perimeter and detailed survey conducted at the Chevron Main Office (TOPCON) Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State. The primary aim was to produce a comprehensive report on the property's boundaries and the features present within the area. This was to facilitate adequate planning and guide future development initiatives for the company's yard. The survey was essential for understanding the current level of structures and
developments, thereby identifying how remaining space could be managed or utilized for new construction projects.

The methodology involved several key stages, including office planning, field reconnaissance, and rigoroustesting of the survey equipment, a South NTS 362R Total Station, to ensure data accuracy. Fieldwork consisted of perimeter line cutting, traversing to establish control points, and a detailed survey to capture all natural and man-made features. Notable features mapped include administrative buildings, a helipad, warehouses, car parks, a basketball court, and the concrete wall fence defining the property boundary. Data processing involved computing coordinates, checking linear and angular accuracy, and calculating the total area. The results yielded a detailed digital plan of the site, produced using AutoCAD 2007 software at
a scale of 1:2,500. The survey achieved a high linear accuracy of 1:37,000 and determined the total area of the property to be 9.006 hectares. Analysis revealed that a significant portion of the land remains developed, indicating ample space for future projects. The final plan and report serve as a reliable base map and a functional database for the various land use types, fulfilling the project's objectives and providing a vital tool for the company's infrastructural planning and decision- making.

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes significantly influence urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable development. This study examines LULC dynamics in Delta State, Nigeria, over multiple years using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. As one of Nigeria’s rapidly urbanizing regions, Delta State has witnessed extensive land cover transformations, driven by urban expansion, infrastructure growth, and economic activities.
Utilizing Sentinel-2 images from 2018, 2021, and 2024, alongside a projected land-cover model for 2030, this study employs supervised classification techniques to analyze land-cover transitions over time. Findings reveal that built-up areas increased by approximately 29% from 2018 to 2024, largely driven by urban expansion and infrastructural development. Conversely, dense vegetation cover declined by about 10.6%, primarily due to deforestation and land conversion for agricultural and residential purposes. Cropland expanded significantly by 27.8%, reflecting the ongoing transformation of vegetated areas into farmland, while bare land rose by 43%, associated with vegetation degradation and construction activities. Water bodies exhibited a moderate increase of 33.6%, likely influenced by expanded reservoirs and hydrological variations. Future projections for 2030 suggest that built-up areas will continue expanding at an accelerated rate, with a potential 31.7% increase from 2024, further intensifying pressure on natural ecosystems. Dense vegetation is expected to decline slightly, while cropland continues to expand, underscoring
growing agricultural demands. Bare land may decrease as some areas transition to built-up or reclaimed zones, and water bodies are projected to increase marginally. These trends, if sustained, could exacerbate environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, flooding, and urban heat island effects, emphasizing the need for sustainable land-use planning and effective conservation
measures

This research critically examines five contemporary sculptural artworks located on Ekehuan Campus, Benin City, focusing on their form, expression, and communicative potential. The study addresses the skepticism surrounding the ability of sculptural pieces to convey universal, non-verbal communication, independent of linguistic or idiomatic interpretations. This skepticism raises questions about the accessibility of the sculptural language to diverse audiences and its effectiveness in transcending cultural and contextual barriers. The research aims to explore how these sculptures communicate ideas, emotions, and narratives through their forms and expressions. By analyzing the selected artworks, the study seeks to uncover the extent to which they fulfill their communicative roles and resonate with both informed and lay audiences. Using a qualitative methodology, the research involves on-site observations, photographic documentation, and critical analysis of the sculptures’ aesthetic, thematic, and symbolic dimensions. Interviews with the artists and viewers provide further insights into the intent behind the artworks and their perceived impact. The findings reveal that while sculptural artworks on Ekehuan Campus exhibit remarkable creativity and thematic depth, their ability to communicate universally varies. Factors such as cultural symbolism, abstraction levels, and viewer familiarity significantly influence interpretation. The study concludes that effective non-verbal communication in sculpture requires a careful balance between universal themes and contextual nuances. This research contributes to art history and criticism by highlighting the dynamic interplay between form, expression, and audience perception in sculptural art, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public art creation and interpretation.

Architecture plays a crucial role in shaping how people experience, perceive, and interact with their environment. In university settings, the design of buildings and open spaces influences learning, behavior, comfort, emotional well-being, and overall campus life. This study examines the influence of architectural design on human experience within the University of Benin, focusing on how spatial qualities—such as layout, circulation, lighting, landscape, building orientation, materiality, and environmental comfort—affect students, staff, and visitors. The research explores key human-centered design factors, including accessibility, safety, wayfinding, social interaction, thermal comfort, and the emotional responses elicited by campus spaces. Data was gathered through on-site observations, user surveys, behavioral mapping, and photographic documentation across selected facilities such as classrooms, walkways, hostels, administrative blocks, and public outdoor spaces. Findings reveal that architectural design significantly shapes user experience by influencing ease of movement, social engagement, sense of belonging, and overall satisfaction with the campus environment. The study concludes that enhancing human experience requires conscious integration of user-friendly design principles in future development and renovation within the University of Benin.