DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR A STUDENTS’ SOCIAL CENTRE, WITH EMPHASIS ON TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE AND MATERIALS

ABSTRACT This research explores the design of a Students’ Social Centre with a strong emphasis on tradi-tional architecture and indigenous building materials. As contemporary campuses evolve, the need for multifunctional social spaces that foster interaction, cultural identity, and community belonging becomes increasingly important. Traditional architecture offers sustainable, climate-responsive, and culturally grounded solutions that can enhance user experience while reducing environmental impact. The study reviews the concepts of traditional African architecture, local building materials, cultural symbolism, and vernacular construction techniques. It also analyses the role of social centers in promoting student interaction, recreation, learning, and general well-being within the campus environment. Research methodologies adopted include literature review, site analysis, case studies, and observation of existing facilities. Findings show that integrating traditional architecture into modern academic facilities can improve natural ventilation, thermal comfort, sustainability, cultural identity, and user connection to place. The outcome of this research is a design proposal that incorporates local materials such as laterite, timber, stone, bamboo, and thatch-inspired modern roofing; as well as courtyard planning, shaded outdoor spaces, cultural motifs, and climate-responsive façade treatments. The final design aligns with ecological principles, cultural relevance, and functional requirements of a contemporary students’ social Center.