FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

This study was conducted at the university of Benin block of flat to evaluate the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of both surveying methods in terrain mapping. The research aimed to improve the reliability of topographic data acquisition and to recommend appropriate techniques for modern surveying practices. It focused on determining how both instruments perform under similar field conditions and how their outputs can be effectively compared and integrated. Field data were acquired using both Total Station and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instruments. Four temporary benchmarks were established using GNSS, which served as reference points for Total Station observations. The collected data were processed using Autodesk Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and Surfer software to generate contour maps, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and 3D surface models representing the terrain. These outputs provided a clear visualization of the area’s elevation pattern and slope behavior. The results revealed that the elevation within the study area ranged from 85. meters to 93.5 meters, indicating a gently sloping terrain with drainage flowing from north to south. Both datasets showed consistent terrain patterns, with the Total Station producing more detailed elevation variations and the GNSS providing faster and broader coverage. The study concludes that while the Total Station offers higher precision for detailed surveys, the GNSS method enhances efficiency and ease of data collection. Integrating both techniques is therefore recommended for achieving optimal accuracy and productivity in modern surveying and mapping projects.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of design changes on various elements of building on project cost in Benin City by identifying the common causes of such changes, analyzing how they influence specific building elements including substructure, superstructure, finishes and various services assessing their contribution to cost overruns. 714 target population were identified with 159 responses received. The study identifies client-driven revisions and inadequate project scoping as the chief catalysts for increased costs, necessitating expensive rework, demolition, and administrative overhead. The research specifically analyzes how these design changes impact elemental costs, particularly those affecting major structural components. Through factor analysis, the cost influences are grouped into three main clusters: primary structures framework, enclosed & internal partition, interior finishes & components, and services & Site-Related operations. To counter these issues, the study advocates for mitigation strategies focused on creating a clear and detailed scope of work early on, concluding that establishing a realistic contingency budget and ensuring strong leadership are vital for maintaining financial stability and minimizing the negative effects of design changes. Furthermore, the implementation of a rigorous Change Control Protocol is advised to clearly quantify both direct and indirect costs such as schedule penalties and administrative time associated with every deviation. Finally, the research advocates for strengthening project leadership by empowering Project Managers to exercise abstract reasoning and act as financial stewards. By conducting regular budget adherence meetings and utilizing cost-to-complete forecasts, leaders can better manage client expectations and act as a deterrent to non-essential scope creep, ultimately safeguarding the project's financial stability

Land reform remains a critical issue of great relevance in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study therefore examined the impact of land reform in Benin City; a comparative study of Obagie and Ogheghe community. The study used secondary dataobtained from physical observation and respondents in the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Rural Development. It was found that there is a spatial distribution and arrangement of different types of land uses within the study area. The study tends to show the implications of the land reform policy on land use pattern within the study area.

Flooding remains one of the most persistent environmental challenges confronting urban centers, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study investigates the application of urban drainage systems in flood reduction along Central Road, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, with emphasis on assessing existing drainage efficiency and developing sustainable solutions for stormwater management. The research integrates field observations, hydrological analysis, and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial modeling to identify flood-prone zones, evaluate drainage capacities, and analyze runoff behavior within the study area. Findings reveal that the recurrence of flooding is largely attributed to inadequate drainage capacity, poor maintenance practices, and rapid urbanization, which increase surface runoff and hinder effective flow conveyance. Based on the hydrological and spatial analysis, the study proposes practical interventions including drainage channel redesign, desilting programs, installation of retention structures, and the integration of nature-based solutions to improve stormwater conveyance and enhance urban resilience. Community involvement and public awareness were also identified as critical components for long-term flood management. This research contributes to sustainable urban planning and flood mitigation efforts by demonstrating how GIS supported hydrological analysis can inform the design and optimization of urban drainage systems. The findings provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners seeking to reduce flood vulnerability in similar urban environments.

Sustainability in housing is a phrase that has become a norm in the mouths of not just members of the building industry but also of all individuals with a sense of prudence and comfort. The tendency to beg the question “can housing really be sustainable?” Given that a
lot of environmentally unfriendly processes are embarked on to produce the necessary elements used in construction and housing, a lot of work has to be done during the years of the structure
to refund the ecological make up that was lost to create it in the first place. This leads to the need to create residential buildings that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also protect the core for which sustainability stands The growing global concern for environmental sustainability and the increasing strain on natural resources have placed the built environment at the forefront of conversations
surrounding climate resilience, energy efficiency, and responsible envelopment. In Nigeria and many other developing economies, the challenge of creating housing that is environmentally sustainable while remaining economically accessible and socially inclusive has become increasingly urgent. At the same time, advances in digital technology and intelligent building automation are reshaping the possibilities within residential design by offering new mechanisms for improving energy performance, operational efficiency, and occupant comfort. This study explores the intersection between sustainable housing and automated residential systems, critically examining whether automation serves as an innovative tool that enhances sustainability or whether it introduces complexities that threaten affordability, equity, and longterm resilience in the Nigerian context. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires administered digitally via Google Forms with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with architects, engineers, residential developers, and automation technology practitioners. This methodology provided a comprehensive
understanding of both user experiences and professional perspectives regarding automation and sustainability in the residential sector. The findings reveal that while awareness of sustainable housing principles is growing, adoption is still largely limited due to economic constraints and infrastructural challenges.
Passive environmental design strategies such as natural ventilation, shading, and solar integration are widely recognized as realistic and impactful within the Nigerian climatic and economic context. Conversely, automated systems such as intelligent lighting, energy
monitoring, and adaptive cooling are acknowledged as valuable improvements capable of providing 10–30% performance efficiency; however, they remain accessible primarily to higher-income households due to high installation costs, maintenance requirements, unreliable power supply, and limited technical expertise. The research, therefore, identifies significant barriers to widespread automation adoption and highlights the risk that automation may deepen existing social inequalities if implemented without structural support. Nevertheless, respondents and professionals agree that the most promising pathway forward is a hybrid model that integrates robust passive design principles as the foundation of sustainability, while incorporating selective automation where feasible to optimise performance and long-term building adaptability. The study concludes by recommending policy reform, professional capacity development, public awareness initiatives, and incremental integration frameworks that enable responsible adoption of automated systems without compromising affordability or resilience. The proposed conceptual framework demonstrates how balanced integration can support Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable, resilient, and future-ready residential environments, contributing to academic discourse and offering practical guidance for architects,
policymakers, and housing developers.

The problem of inadequate, inconvenient and uncomfortable Workstation and the absence of an ideal working atmosphere has been a recurring issue in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Benin. Which is worrisome in the Textile unit of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Benin? It is based on this observation and the quest to solve the aforementioned that necessitated the need for a construction of an ideal work station in Textile studio in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Benin. The method applied in solving this problem is a direct-labor approach in constructing a workstation with technical support from a professional Carpenter and Electrician. The study that emanated from this project research is that when this workstation is completed, the prolonged issue of inadequate space and equipment in Textile unit and as well provide a conducive working environment to showcase artistic prowess and talent without inhibition.