SHIFTS IN BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF THEIR INFLUENCE ON LAGOS MAINLAND’S ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of building materials and construction techniques and their profound influence on the architectural landscape of Lagos Mainland, Nigeria. Through a narrative literature review of 56 literature, the research traces four key historical periods: the pre-colonial era (dominated by locally sourced mud, thatch, and bamboo), post-independence (characterized by burnt bricks, concrete blocks, and asbestos roofing), the structural adjustment period (marked by sandcrete blocks and galvanized iron sheets), and the contemporary era (defined by reinforced concrete, glass curtain walls, and composite cladding). The analysis highlights how socio-economic, environmental, and technological factors shaped material choices and construction practices. Findings reveal a transition from vernacular techniques to modern innovations, reflecting trends in urbanization, economic shifts, and global sustainability movements. Persistent challenges include the formal-informal architectural divide and uneven adoption of green building practices. By synthesizing existing scholarship, this paper elucidates the interplay between materiality, architectural form, and urban identity, offering recommendations for policy reform, capacity building, and sustainable urban development. The study positions Lagos Mainland as a critical case for understanding post-colonial urban transformation in Africa.