BUILT ENVIRONMENT

This project proposes the creation and implementation of an Integrated Alumni Networking and Departmental Associations Management System. The platform will allow alumni to connect with students for mentorship and career advice. It will also serve as a hub for departmental associations to share news, plan events, and collaborate on projects, while providing students with access to job and internship opportunities. The system will include user role management (students, alumni, administrators), profile creation, association hubs, event and job postings, and a basic messaging system. The project will employ a modular software engineering approach, integrating backend development, database management, and a user-friendly interface. By using modern web technologies, the system will be scalable, accessible, and easy to maintain. The expected outcome is a functioning platform that enhances alumni-student relationships, facilitates departmental associations, and fosters career development at the university. Beyond its immediate use, the project may also serve as a model for alumni engagement and student support systems in other universities.

Colour is an inextricable element of the world we are in, and its influence on how people perceive their surroundings is irrefutable. Colour is considered as an integral element of our environment, natural and constructed. The psychological effects of color mean that color’s impact on each and every individual are vast, however, people rarely have a clue of how these effects are even occurring. Psychologically certain feelings or reactions can be induced by colour, the same applies in architecture colour impacts how the users of the building feels. Even though most of people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the effects of color in their homes, the color and design in our home should reflect the people who live inside, the designers and homeowners should use colors wisely to create the intended atmosphere in each space. This study highlights the important role of colour in residential designs. It is an undertaken study comprising of a survey of interviewed people from different walks of life in Benin City to assess their perception and colour preference in the use of colors in residential buildings and concluded that people expressed color as an important factor in their homes. They also believe that color affects health, mood & emotions of the person.

The age-less interaction between man and his built environment has always had positive and negative impacts on the two. Environmental disaster of varying origin from man-made to natural is one of the most negative effects of the built environment on man. An assessment of the magnitude of these disasters and an evaluation of the existing capacities to prevent, mitigate or
prepare for them are necessary tools to provide future safe living for man in his built environment. Building collapse established to be caused by many factors is one of such disasters wielding its great impact of loss of lives and properties on man .This study evaluated the causes of building collapse in Edo State by identifying the major causes of collapse, assessing its effect, and also assessing the roles of government and construction professionals in mitigating the occurrence of building collapse in Edo State.
The method use to carry out this study involves materials harvested from the different building collapse sites, structural analysis of the collapse building and distribution of questionnaires to gather information relevant to the study. Findings from the study show that building failure and collapse in Edo State arise mainly from a combination of technical weaknesses and human negligence. Poor structural design emerged as a major cause, followed closely by flooding, which weakens foundations, reduces soil
stability, and accelerates material deterioration. Low compressive strength of blocks, inadequate supervision, and the use of inexperienced or unqualified personnel also contributed significantly to building failures. Other notable factors include ignorance of construction standards, deliberate avoidance of building regulations, and weak enforcement of quality control measures on construction sites and in the building materials market.

Building defects have become a critical issue in the Nigerian construction industry, contributing to structural failures, safety risks, economic losses, and increased incidence of building collapses. This study investigates the perceptions of built environment professionals regarding the causes, frequency, and prevention strategies for building defects in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research approach was adopted involving administering structured questionnaire to 114 professionals comprising Engineers, Architects, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, and Estate Surveyors. Data were analyzed using Mean Item Score and the
Mann-Whitney U test. Findings revealed that cracks in walls/foundations, poor drainage, and roof leaks are the most prevalent defects across both public and private buildings in Benin City. The findings show no significant difference in the occurrence of defects between public and private sectors, highlighting industry-wide challenges such as poor workmanship, inadequate maintenance, and the use of substandard materials. A critical finding of the study is the lack of regular maintenance culture and insufficient professional oversight, which significantly contributed to the defects of building and facilities. The study recommends stricter enforcement of building codes, improved quality control, regular maintenance, and enhancedprofessional training to mitigate building defects. The study further recommends that policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders should aimed at improving building performance, safety, and durability within the rapidly growing urban environment of Benin City. Furthermore, the research highlights the need for a more integrated and collaborative approach among stakeholders, including government regulatory bodies, construction professionals, and property developers. The study also emphasized that while both public and private buildings face similar defect challenges, systemic issues such as corruption, budgetary constraints, and poor policy implementation exacerbate the situation in the public sector. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by presenting a contextual analysis of building defects specific to Benin City, offering both empirical data and practical recommendations. The adoption of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), improved regulatory compliance, and investment in capacity building for construction professionals are proposed as sustainable strategies. Ultimately, thisresearch underscores the importance of proactive maintenance planning, quality assurance, and stakeholder education in fostering a
safer, more resilient built environment in Nigeria