Open spaces such as parks, gardens and public squares play an important role in city life. They offer places where people can relax, meet others, and take part in community activities. They are key to building strong and sustainable communities in growing urban areas.
As cities expand and global landscape design styles become more common, however, the bond between people and their everyday environments is weakening.
In Nigeria, the design of contemporary public open spaces has often put visual appeal ahead of the socio-cultural values that give meaning to community life. Landscapes tend to follow western garden aesthetics, marked by uniform lawns, ornamental plants and formal layouts. While these spaces may look attractive, they often fail to capture the energy and meaning behind everyday Nigerian life.
