Sustainable approach to ecotourism for cultural heritage conservation in Kano, Nigeria
By Eda Özsoy and Munira Umar Jibrilla
This paper examines the use of ecotourism as a sustainable conservation practice of cultural heritage in Kano, Nigeria. Being a city with a history dating back to ancient West African times, Kano presents an abundance of historical, cultural, and architectural values. Its ancient city wall, traditional nature compounds, the Emir’s Palace, Gidan Makama Museum, and Kurmi Market are all riches of the immense cultural heritage produced under Hausa and Islamic culture. However, rapid urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate policy implementation, and a lack of people’s participation have left these heritage resources vulnerable to abandonment, deterioration, and loss.
This research describes how ecotourism can secure development and conservation linkage, improve environmental sustainability, reconstruct cultural identity, and economic prospects. The methodology used is primarily qualitative, combining literature review, field studies by site visits, photograph documentation, interviews of stakeholders (e.g. the government, local communities, tourists, and cultural experts), and community consultation meetings. Information collected helps gauge perception of Kano’s heritage value, current conservation status, and the viability of integrating eco-tourism in its development plan.
At the international scale, ecotourism is a means of sustainable tourism which not only decreases environmental footprints but also ensures the benefit to host communities as well as to the preservation of natural and cultural resources. Its development began during the 1980s when it appeared in response to the undesirable effects of mass tourism. Presently, it is one of the finest measures for reconciling tourism development and heritage, as well as environmental preservation. Countries like Costa Rica, Bhutan, and the Southeast Asian nations have effectively implemented ecotourism practices for promoting biodiversity protection, cultural consciousness, and community economic development. These international best practices teach us some lessons that deserve to be emulated by developing countries like Nigeria, where heritage sites are typically neglected in mainstream planning.
The article observes that Kano possesses enormous potential to become an ecotourism hub but is faced with very serious challenges of improper maintenance of historic monuments, inadequate funds, absence of integrated policies of tourism, and limited coordination among stakeholders. For instance, even though the Kano old city wall is a national monument, it is yet to be appropriately preserved and is still eroding, being encroached upon, and subject to unregulated development activities. In the same way, traditional architecture and historic buildings have been replaced or modified because of population pressure and ignorance. Additionally, community members, although they show respect for their heritage, are excluded from decision-making regarding site conservation and tourism development.
The study identifies international ecotourism examples, like Petra in Jordan, the Hadrian’s wall in England, and Badaling wall in China, to understand how sustainable tourism models have been used successfully elsewhere in the world. These international examples are studied not to emulate but to identify lessons that can be applied to design a contextual plan that can be used for Kano. Lessons learnt are the necessity of clear policy guidelines, the integration of cultural education into tourists’ experiences, and heritage-conscious infrastructure investment and environmental integrity.
To ensure that this vision becomes a reality, the paper offers several key recommendations. First, it suggests a participatory planning process between architects, urban planners, cultural managers, policymakers, and locals. Second, documentation and inventorying of heritage sites are emphasised for effective intervention. Third, capacity building along with mass awareness programs must be established to foster appreciation towards conservation by tourists as well as residents. And finally, the institutional machinery must be strengthened from the perspective of providing legal coverage, ensuring proper allocation of resources, and periodic monitoring of the operations of sustainable tourism interventions.
The article ends by observing that ecotourism, if well applied, can be a revolutionary force in Kano. Not only can it save architectural and cultural heritage, but it also contributes to socio-economic development, generation of employment, urban rejuvenation, and environmental consciousness. If effective strategies are adopted, Kano can become a model for sustainable heritage tourism in West Africa, maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and modern sensibilities while being true to its past.
Innovative method for designing architectural plans and constructing prefabricated structural components using digital design solutions
By Farnaz Rahimifard
This study introduces a novel and comprehensive computational methodology for designing architectural floor plans and constructing prefabricated structural components through digital design solutions. The research is specifically focused on the application of this methodology to modular high-rise residential buildings, which represent a critical area of need in contemporary urban development. Amidst the growing complexity of urban housing and increasing construction demands, the proposed approach addresses inefficiencies in traditional workflows by integrating algorithmic design, adjacency validation, and evolutionary optimisation into a unified system.
The methodology begins with a thorough critical review of modular construction practices to identify systemic limitations and opportunities for innovation. It then employs parametric modelling to define modular spatial units and uses algorithmic tools to generate and filter diverse layout alternatives. The core of the system is a multi-objective optimisation algorithm (SPEA-2), implemented through the Octopus plugin in the Grasshopper environment, which evaluates spatial efficiency, adjacency relationships, and compactness to determine optimal configurations.
Unlike catalogue-based approaches, the system allows for dynamic, rule-based layout generation, enabling designers to customise spaces based on user preferences, functional requirements, site conditions, and environmental constraints. The system’s compatibility with BIM platforms such as Autodesk Revit (via Dynamo) further enhances its adaptability and potential integration into real-world architectural workflows.
Additionally, the methodology facilitates material savings and construction efficiency through reduced plan footprint and early identification of viable configurations. Case studies—including Nakagin Capsule Tower, Penda Tower, and Howe’s modular prototype—inform the algorithm’s development by demonstrating both precedents and limitations of prior modular approaches. The framework was further validated by applying it to a prototype modular tower project, where it proved capable of producing optimised floor plan layouts within seconds per iteration.
Beyond performance gains, the proposed system promotes design flexibility, scalability across building types, and responsiveness to evolving urban conditions. By embedding intelligence and adaptability into the early design phase, this research contributes to a new paradigm in computational architecture—one that bridges the gap between conceptual digital modelling and practical, prefabricated construction.
This study further explores the integration of advanced computational strategies to enhance architectural design and prefabrication processes, emphasising the need for innovative solutions in the rapidly evolving construction industry. It highlights the increasing demand for efficient, sustainable, and adaptable design frameworks capable of addressing complex spatial, functional, and environmental challenges in urban settings. Recognising the limitations of conventional modular construction methods—often constrained by rigid catalogues and lack of customisation—this research introduces a flexible, data-driven system that leverages parametric and algorithmic design tools to optimise building layouts dynamically.
The proposed methodology employs a systematic approach, starting with a comprehensive analysis of existing modular construction techniques, identifying bottlenecks related to spatial inefficiency, limited adaptability, and lack of integration between design and fabrication stages. This diagnostic phase informs the development of an algorithmic model that uses spatial adjacency matrices, performance criteria, and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms to generate optimal floor plans. The use of the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA-2) allows for balancing competing design goals such as maximising usable floor area, ensuring functional adjacency, and minimising construction complexity.
A distinctive feature of this approach is its capacity to produce design alternatives that are not only technically optimised but also highly customisable according to contextual parameters such as site constraints, user requirements, and environmental conditions. This adaptability is achieved through parametric inputs that can be adjusted in real-time, fostering a participatory design process where stakeholders can interact with and influence the outcomes. Integration with BIM software platforms further streamlines the transition from digital design to physical production, facilitating automated data exchange and reducing the potential for errors during fabrication.
The research also addresses potential challenges related to implementation, including computational complexity, data management, and user interface design, acknowledging these issues as critical factors influencing the system’s applicability in professional workflows and long-term adoption. By embedding this computational framework into the architectural design process, the study envisions a future in which architectural creativity is shaped and enhanced through algorithmic precision and automation, contributing to the development of higher-quality, cost-effective, and responsive built environments.
In summary, this study presents a transformative computational design methodology that bridges conceptual design and prefabricated construction. It combines critical analysis, parametric modelling, evolutionary optimisation, and BIM integration to produce modular building solutions that are efficient, flexible, and sustainable. This contribution paves the way for more intelligent, adaptive architectural systems that meet the demands of modern urban living while promoting innovation in construction technology and practice.
Selected examples of integrating contemporary architecture into an ancient context
By Fatima Mazouz and Amine Behilil
Integrating contemporary architecture into an ancient context is no easy task. The Venice Charter, which is the benchmark for the conservation of historic monuments and sites, in particular the provisions of Article 6, mentioned the possibility of integrating contemporary architecture, while leaving the question open: “No new construction, demolition or modification which would alter the relations of mass and colour must be allowed”. The other international heritage protection charters that followed it specified that the contemporary architecture needs to interact with ancient buildings while helping to protect and enhance the heritage. However, the reality in the field is ambiguous. An examination of contemporary buildings in an ancient context shows the rivalry between several divergent trends in such integration. This distinction in practices for integrating contemporary architecture into an ancient context is a thought-provoking issue. We pose the following question: why this distinction in the integration practices of contemporary architecture? This article is intended as an attempt to reflect on these issues. It questions the practices of integrating contemporary architecture into ancient urban contexts, which has been and still is a major challenge. It also shows the tangible discrepancy between the provisions of heritage protection legislation relating to the integration of contemporary architecture in an old context and the reality on the field. In terms of methodology, we compiled a diverse corpus of data, consisting of written documents (books, published research articles and theses) and legal documents (texts of international charters for the protection of heritage). Analysis of all these documents has enabled us to identify the power relationship between the legal texts relating to the integration of contemporary architecture in an ancient urban context and the reality in the field. To illustrate our text, we have used a number of images available on the internet, in addition to our own images. Today, there is a real arm wrestle between the legal texts relating to heritage protection, in particular the integration of contemporary architecture into ancient urban contexts, and the reality in the field. The recommendations of international charters, as meant by the Venice Charter before other charters originated, stipulate that ancient and contemporary buildings must not be antinomic, so as not to hinder the coherent development of the ancient urban context. However, in reality, the recommendations of international charters are put to a severe test. The current era remains a threat to ancient urban contexts. Ancient built frameworks need to be renewed by contemporary constructions required by the evolution of life. The ancient urban context must not be consumed by private profit, because it is a whole that must not be fragmented. What is more, the ancient urban context would have a history for each of its inhabitants that must remain legible. The traditional setting must be preserved and any new construction likely to alter its volume relationships must be avoided. High-quality contemporary architecture that resonates with its context is part of the heritage approach, its dynamism and its durability. The historic environment can, in fact, accommodate a rich variety of interpretations and expressions. There is no standard solution for successfully integrating contemporary architecture into an ancient context, but there are solutions that are adapted to each context. In the same ancient urban context, although the basic intention is the same, two architects would not achieve the same result or the same design, because their experiences, education, knowledge and cultures are not similar, hence the diversity of our landscape, the identity of our neighbourhoods and the richness of our heritage. The postmodernism has the merit of having given importance to history in contemporary creation. For its followers, in their view, for defining the contemporary identity of an architectural intervention in an ancient urban context, it was necessary to have recourse to history, to which, by definition, the heritage belongs, and it is precisely in this context that postmodern architectural identity has hesitated between the affirmation of its own existence and the literal or metaphorical exploration of historical referents. Sustainable design is also a contemporary concern. It is now a major responsibility for architects. In this context, it would be interesting to refer to certain fundamental principles of sustainability. One of these is to think in terms of using local materials. Knowing, understanding and appreciating the pre-existing heritage are prerequisites for a successful new project. The architect’s role in new projects is to encourage interaction between the existing urban fabric and new buildings, and to enhance the identity of ancient urban contexts, but with innovation and creation. However, the contemporary architecture and the preservation of the ancient urban context should avoid all forms of pseudo-historical design, insofar as they constitute a rejection of the historical and contemporary aspects. The development of contemporary architecture in an ancient urban context should complement its values and in no way compromise its historic character.
Evaluating the activities of urban blues and their correlation with spatial structure
By Mohammad Tanvir Hasan and Tanjima Siddika Chandni
Water has played a crucial role in the development of human settlements across different historical periods. The patterns of water consumption have significantly influenced human behaviour, especially in terms of social and cultural perspectives. The arrangement of urban areas was significantly influenced by the existence and administration of water systems. The concept of “Urban Blue” encompasses a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, pools, ponds, and similar water bodies. Ponds generally range in size from 1 square metre to more than 5 hectares, whereas a Dighi (a large pond) is defined as a water reservoir that exceeds 750 square metres. These can be either man-made or naturally occurring shallow water bodies that serve as reservoirs for water, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. Domestic ponds represent a prevalent form of freshwater habitat across South Asian nations, particularly in Bangladesh. Historically, these ponds were established to supply homestead soil during the monsoon season or formed organically near residences, creating small-scale freshwater ecosystems. Ponds function as a shared environment where people participate in water-related activities, encompassing household chores, celebrations, and spiritual rituals. Moreover, evaluating the urban blue landscape is crucial due to its significant contributions to the urban ecology. Ponds facilitate a wide array of social, cultural, and recreational activities. Additionally, ponds offer various intangible benefits for society, such as tranquilly, spirituality, a sense of comfort, a feeling of ownership, and further climatic advantages. In recent years, studies have increasingly adopted mixed methods to explore how people interact with urban blue infrastructure. Many researchers utilised observational techniques and geospatial data to analyse blue-green spaces and employed spatial mapping and user interviews to correlate blue infrastructure with social activity.
Currently, unlawful encroachments pose a significant risk to water bodies, driven by escalating urbanisation and the limited availability of land for human settlement. Over the last twenty years, urban expansion has increasingly impacted the pond located in Sylhet City, a significant divisional city in Bangladesh. Sylhet is undergoing significant growth and urbanisation. The 2001 population census reveals that Sylhet City ranks as the sixth most urbanised city in Bangladesh. A growing population indicates a greater need for water, placing considerable pressure on water resources. The notable Dighis of the city include Chara Dighi, Ramer Dighi, Lala Dighi, Sagar Dighi, Majumdar Dighi, and Dhopa Dighi. All bodies of water, except for Lala Dighi, have either been filled in or have disappeared entirely due to a range of factors. Insufficient water management policies, inferior development practices, and restricted public awareness have led to unregulated growth, negatively impacting water-related activities adjacent to the ponds. Research on blue landscape mostly examines biological and environmental aspects. However, there is a notable lack of research on how physical development affects water activities in cities. The aim of the research is to explore the various social, recreational, environmental, and cultural activities associated with water. Secondly, an investigation into the possible impact of the city’s physical characteristics on water-related activities will be conducted.
The investigation examined nine distinct ponds located throughout the urban area to collect data. The study documented the activity rates, frequency, and spatial organisation of the pond side area. To gather data, field surveys and observations were employed, followed by statistical analysis. Several water-based activities are counted from observation survey and documentation analysis. On the other hand, mapping analysis and physical survey is conducted to spatial structure data around urban pond.
This study holds significance as it explores the essential characteristics of urban blue spaces, including ponds and Dighis, and examines their relationship with the surrounding environment. The examination uncovered significant differences in the occurrence and spread of activity between urbanised and less urbanised regions. The layout significantly influences the variety of available activities. The increased frontage and improved access to these areas have led to greater engagement among water users, indicating that community activities require local space and can be optimised through the effective utilisation of urban blue spaces. Nonetheless, the expansion of land use and the erection of larger structures have negatively affected the connections between ponds and nearby communities, due to the considerable yet often overlooked pressure exerted by urban development. For future research, this study will help to develop 1) a comprehensive analysis of the sociocultural factors affecting the acceptability of urban ponds and 2) an assessment of the potential risks for residents posed by various species in these ponds in a tropical climate, including safety concerns for children. The study advocates for enhanced measures to protect these aquatic ecosystems and the incorporation of effective planning strategies.
From object to process: New paradigms of interactive art in public space
By Paulína Ebringerová
The article “From object to process: New paradigms of interactive art in public space” by Paulína Ebringerová explores contemporary forms of artistic creation realised in real time in the presence of the audience, using digital and interactive technologies, primarily in the context of public space. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach that combines digital art with posthumanist thought, examining how algorithmic systems, sensor networks, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality enable the emergence of ephemeral, processual, and participatory works. These works radically redefine the relationship between artist, audience, and environment—transforming art into an open, mutable, and living system.
According to the author, the idea of art as a process is rooted in the 20th-century avant-garde traditions, which gain new dimensions in the digital age. Central to this is the transformation of the artwork from a static object into a live act of creation, where technology functions not merely as a tool but as a co-author. The article analyses specific case studies from the ISEA festival, focusing on two contrasting realizations: Cooperation Process, which uses collective live coding, and Dung Dkar Cloak, an interactive textile installation that responds to the viewer’s touch. Both works represent different modalities of live creation—one reveals the inner logic of digital processes, while the other requires the viewer’s physical presence.
The author pays special attention to corporeality, technological co-agency, and the situated nature of artistic interventions. Within the posthumanist perspective, the human is no longer the exclusive subject of creation—the act of creation is distributed across the human body, sensors, code, data, and the environment.
Public space, in this context, becomes not just the location of the artwork but the medium of artistic unfolding itself. Art does not emerge as a fixed object but as a temporally and contextually conditioned process, dependent on environmental input, viewer activity, or urban dynamics. The ephemeral nature of these works poses a challenge—traditional forms of documentation (photography, video) fail to capture their complexity, interactivity, and temporality. This calls for new curatorial approaches, organisational strategies, and collaborations between artists, technologists, city institutions, and communities.
In conclusion, the author argues that digital and process-based art transforms our understanding of artistic creation, public space, and the role of technology. Art shifts from object to relationship—between people, technologies, and environments. The viewer becomes a co-creator rather than a passive observer. This type of art is not primarily about form, but about interaction, temporality, and presence. In an increasingly digitalised world, it offers the potential for new forms of communication, identity, and social cohesion. It is not only about the future of art but also about our capacity to feel, think, and act in a world that is ever more interconnected and dynamic.