G.E.O. IFADA

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 quality of students’ halls of residence plays a significant role in shaping comfort, wellbeing, and academic productivity within the university environment. This study focused on the architectural evaluation of students’ halls of residence at the University of Benin, using Hall 4 (Male Hostel) as a case study, with the aim of assessing its spatial layout, environmental performance, facilities, and students’ level of satisfaction. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire to 295 residents of Hall 4, alongside direct physical observation and photographic documentation of the hostel environment. The data obtained were presented in tables and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive interpretation. Findings from the study revealed that although the hall remains functional as a residential facility, several challenges exist, particularly in the areas of poor natural ventilation, inadequate sanitary facilities, insufficient maintenance, limited room space, and low overall student satisfaction. Physical observation further confirmed visible signs of poor maintenance, aging furniture, stained wall finishes, and poorly maintained washrooms and toilets. The study concluded that the architectural performance of Hall 4 does not fully support a comfortable and conducive living environment for students. Based on the findings, the study recommended improved ventilation strategies, renovation of sanitary facilities, better maintenance culture, upgrading of communal spaces, and periodic post-occupancy evaluation to enhance the quality of student residential facilities within the University of Benin.

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.