ABSTRACT
An exploration of eclecticism for the design of film academy in Kano was set out to identify how architecture could contribute towards promotion of self consciousness, crosscultural understanding and tolerance and an aptitude for social transformation in an ever multi-cultural Kano. The architecture of a multi-cultural society like Kano should give more emphasis to ideologies that will poster the spirit of the "unity in diversity" especially when it comes to public buildings. The study has attempted to identify the nature of the concept of eclecticism, the extent to which eclecticism is reflected in film academy in Nigeria and the best approaches to be used in achieving eclecticism in the design of a film academy in Kano. Two different methods of data collection were used in the research: case study approach and visual preference survey interview. Two case studies were identified and they were taken from Jos and Lagos respectively. The instruments for data collection were visual survey and checklist. Visual survey employed the use of sketches and photographs, as checklist was also used to identify the features of eclecticism that were used in the facilities. In the case of visual preference survey interview, 50 film practitioners in Kano were purposively sampled. Unstructured interview format was used as instrument for data collection. The interview was such that pictures of different public buildings were shown to respondents and they were asked to choose two buildings that best visually appeal to them by ticking against them. Descriptive statistics using plates, tables and figures were used in the data analysis. The research findings have shown that eclecticism of taste was used in all the cases studied. However, findings from the film practitioners found in Kano have highlighted that they preferred the combination of Hausa traditional style and the features of the post- modern style. Conclusion drawn has proffered that elements of Hausa traditional architecture should be inter- mixed with other foreign architectural styles in order to achieve a befitting design of a film academy in Kano. Recommendations offered have it that government at all levels and the professionals in the Nigerian built environment, should ensure the inclusion of features of the Nigerian architecture, alongside other 'imported styles', in the design of public buildings such as film schools, museums, cultural centres and resorts, in our cities in order to promote crosscultural understanding that we eagerly yearn for, and for so long.