INTEGRATION OF LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS IN THE DESIGN OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MINNA NIGER STATE

Abstract

Landscaping is an integral part of our culture and plays an essential role in the quality of our environment, economic wellbeing of the people, as well as their physical and psychological health. Landscape is one of the most cost-effective tools for improving and sustaining the quality of the environment whether in the school environment, the city, the suburbs or the country. The function of landscape at schools are not just to beautify the surrounding and to provide shade but it should also assist the students’ learning process and to encourage them to love and appreciate the environment. This project aims to assess the provision of landscape elements in public secondary schools as a means to facilitate students learning and improve overall well-being. The main objectives of this study are to investigate the contribution of landscape elements in the design of secondary school in Minna, Niger State, and to examine the specific functions of landscape in assisting the learning process and improving students’ wellbeing.  In this project, we examined a set of secondary schools in Minna, Niger State chosen randomly. Primary data was gathered by using questionnaires, conducting case studies, and making personal observations. Secondary data was also gathered from existing literature. The findings of the study showed that a majority of the public secondary schools in the study area lack proper landscaping, which negatively impacts the students' learning experience by depriving them of a conducive environment, connection with nature, and aesthetic appeal. Therefore, the researcher suggests that school administrators should prioritize the implementation of high-quality landscaping in public schools. This would not only improve the learning process but also contribute to the students' overall health and well-being. Additionally, it would foster an appreciation for the beauty of nature from an early age.