An architectural technologist and real estate development professional, Oluwabusuyi Fakanlu, has urged architects, property developers and policymakers across West Africa to embrace climate-responsive building designs that reflect the region’s environmental, cultural and infrastructural realities.

Fakanlu warned that adopting foreign architectural styles without adapting them to local conditions could increase construction costs, energy consumption and maintenance challenges for homeowners.

He made the call in an article examining the future of contemporary architecture in West Africa, where he argued that modern residential buildings should prioritise functionality, environmental sustainability and cultural relevance rather than aesthetics and global architectural trends alone.

He observed that contemporary designs featuring expansive glass walls, flat concrete roofs and minimalist structures were becoming increasingly popular in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Accra and Abidjan.

However, he noted that many of these designs were not adequately suited to the region’s tropical climate, characterised by high temperatures and intense sunlight, resulting in uncomfortable indoor conditions and increased dependence on artificial cooling systems.

According to him, large glass façades and limited roof overhangs could trap excessive heat indoors, forcing homeowners to rely heavily on air conditioners.

He said the challenge was particularly pronounced in Nigeria, where unreliable electricity supply often compelled residents to invest in generators, inverters, batteries and solar systems to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Fakanlu also identified the rising cost of imported construction materials, specialised glazing systems, luxury finishes and smart home technologies as factors driving up residential development costs.

He explained that foreign exchange fluctuations and increasing import costs had made construction more expensive, while reliance on imported fittings often created maintenance difficulties because of the high cost and limited availability of replacement parts.

The architectural professional called for renewed attention to indigenous building techniques, noting that traditional West African architecture had evolved practical solutions to the region’s climatic conditions over generations.

He identified deep verandas, shaded courtyards, extended roof projections, thick walls and naturally ventilated spaces as traditional features that could improve indoor comfort and reduce dependence on electricity.

He regretted that these principles, which are increasingly recognised as important elements of sustainable architecture, remained underutilised in many contemporary residential developments across the region.

On environmental resilience, Fakanlu raised concerns about the vulnerability of modern developments to flooding, particularly in rapidly urbanising cities where inadequate drainage and increasingly intense rainfall pose significant challenges.

He urged developers to incorporate proper site grading, effective drainage systems and rainwater harvesting facilities into building plans to minimise flood damage and improve resilience.

He also called for security considerations to be incorporated into architectural designs from the planning stage rather than left for homeowners to address after construction.

According to him, some residential designs featuring expansive glass walls and open layouts may require additional security provisions, including perimeter fencing, reinforced gates and surveillance systems.

Fakanlu further stressed the need for residential buildings to accommodate changing household needs and family structures across West Africa.

He noted that extended family arrangements, domestic staff accommodation, home-based businesses and future household expansion remained important considerations in many communities.

He therefore advocated flexible living spaces capable of accommodating different family structures and changing residential requirements over time.

Beyond individual buildings, he identified poor urban infrastructure as another major challenge affecting the quality and sustainability of residential developments in Nigerian cities.

He listed inadequate roads, unreliable electricity and water supply, poor waste management and weak urban planning among the issues requiring coordinated attention from governments and other stakeholders.

Fakanlu also called for stronger enforcement of building regulations to address structural failures, poor workmanship and the use of substandard construction materials.

He said improved regulatory oversight would strengthen public confidence in the construction industry and promote safer and more durable buildings.

He urged architects and developers to embrace contemporary designs that combine modern functionality with locally appropriate materials, natural ventilation, renewable energy solutions and indigenous architectural concepts.

He added that policymakers must strengthen building standards, invest in resilient infrastructure and encourage sustainable construction practices.

Fakanlu maintained that the success of modern architecture in West Africa should not be measured by how closely buildings resemble those in foreign cities, but by their ability to respond to local climatic conditions, cultural values and the everyday needs of residents.

He stressed that buildings should offer more than visual appeal, noting that they must provide comfort, remain affordable to maintain and serve occupants effectively over generations.

He called for an architectural approach that combines innovation with indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable urban development and improve living conditions across Nigeria and other West African countries.

Fakanlu is an architectural technologist and real estate development professional with interests in sustainable design, construction innovation and the future of the built environment in West Africa.