ABSTRACT
The current high cost of building materials, limited technology as well as the weak economy have necessitated the development, of other ways of design and construction yet to be fully exploited. This is especially with a view towards promoting self expression through our very rich cultural heritage, using design and construction themes and methods. With a good understanding of our cultural values traditions and ideas, it is possible to achieve this through the use of newer methods and improved materials. Technological advancements and discoveries in contemporary architectural practice have made this possible. To adequately achieve these goals, we must identify the potentials and limitations of our indigenous materials and methods of construction to see where contemporary methods can make the difference. A lot has already been done in this regard. What largely remains undone, is the application and use of these ideas. The use of social and symbolic values to control the use of spaces both within and outside the building and the power of expression of improved traditional materials and construction methods alongside contemporary one,s to create the desired impressions is the main goal of this design. It should therefore be a challenge to the architect to be able to bring together both improved traditional and contemporary materials in an interesting design. The writer is not in any way advocating a national architecture for Nigeria, but for a highly imaginative as well as analytical design and construction orientation in contemporary, Nigerian architecture that perhaps could if possible eventually evolve into a multiregional architectural identity for Nigeria. The thesis posits that a very important way of celebrating and expressing the potentials of our abundant indigenous building materials and methods is through their use and application in tourism and recreational facilities. We may not be able to boast of a sizeable European settler population or altitudinal and moderated temperatures or even rich scenic and wild life resources as can be found in East Africa, neither can we compete with the high technologies of tomorrow's world of theWalt Disney Fame, but we can boast of our indigenous materials. Why can't we flaunt these? Why can't we express them through our contemporary practice? If we succeed these tourist/recreational centres would become major tourist attraction in themselves with all the attendant benefits.