Faculty of Environmental Sciences

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2 PALACE OF THE ATTAH IGALA: A Study of Architectural Identity and Symbolism Department of Environmental Studies Faculty of Environmental Sciences Nwamarah Uche Digitally Signed by: Contentt manager s Name DN : CN = Weabmaster s name O= University of Nigeria, Nsukka OU = Innovation Centre ii

3 TITLE PAGE PALACE OF THE ATTAH IGALA A Study of Architectural Identity and Symbolism CERTIFICATION iii

4 This thesis report: Palace of the AttahIgala (A Study of Architectural Symbolismand Identity) is an original research work carried out by Emusa Henry, a postgraduate student of the Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus with Reg. No: PG/MSC/09/ It is submitted as part of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture. Certified and Signed by: EMUSA HENRY Date PG/MSC/09/53713 (AUTHOR) ARC. C.O. ODUM Date Project Supervisor ARC. F.C. OSEFOH Date Head of Department iv

5 DEDICATION This work is dedicated to the HOLY TRINITY. v

6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I reverence God Almighty for his boundless love. My unalloyed gratitude goes to my beloved Father Deacon Joel Emusa and loving Mother Deaconess PaulynEmusaand my entire family; for their love, continuous support and encouragement during the period of my studies. I am also particularly grateful to my supervisor Arc.C.O Odum for his relentless guidance through seeing to the implementation of this work consequently bringing out the best in me. A special thanks to all the lecturers and staff of the department of Architecture, University of Nigeriaespecially the head of the Department Arc. F. C. Osefoh. I say a big thank you to all who aided me with the logistics of this thesis: ObiefunaAmala,OnyeulorIjeoma Vivian,Emmanuel Edime, Ugwah Anthony, Odoh Peter, Anama Andrew,Utsu Martins-Joshua Leewho, Adejo Noel Usman, IkyeghTerkula and all the authors whose works aided in this research. I also appreciate mylovely friend Uchegbu Elizabethwho stood firm by me through thin and thick of my studies. Finally, I thank all my course mates and friends for their continuous and valuable support especially Michael Ikpekhia and OnyekweluNkechi who both passed on during this period. I miss you both.may your gentle souls rest in peace. There is so much to say thank you for, but when words can t express, the heart really understands, to you reading this, thank you! vi

7 ABSTRACT Humans have an intuitive inclination to symbolize. Symbolism and Identity is viewed in thispaper as the art of depicting and what to be depicted respectively. The research digs deepto buried meanings of symbols while paying attention to cultural identity and bringing focusto the heritage of Igala people. A study of symbolic buildings from different countries inthe world is however carried out so as to bring to light an architectural application of identity.the deep rooted cultural heritage of the Igala people of Kogi State of Nigeria is unravelled and aligned with various architectural theories such as; Afrocentric Architecture and Sacred Geometry in a poise to create an architectural symbol that represents the people. vii

8 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page i Certification ii Dedication iii Acknowledgement iv Abstract v Tableof Contents vi List of Figures x List of Plates xiv List of Tables xv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction Background of Study Statement of Architectural Problem Aim of Study Objectives of the Study Significance of the Project Scope of the Project Motivation of the Study Research Limitations Research Methodology viii

9 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Literature Review Symbolism in History Types of Symbolism Symbolism in Architecture Historical Background of Identity Aspects of Identity Web of Identity Identity and Culture Elements of Culture Identity in Architecture Evolution of Symbolism in Architecture Historical Background of the Igala People Origin of the Igala People A Brief History of the Igala Kingdom The Different Traditions that Link the Igala Kingship to the Yoruba, Nupe, Benin and Jukun The Igala Culture The Igala Masquerade The IgalaIndigenous Architecture Theoretical Framework Architecture as a symbol of Identity Semiology Afrocentric Architecture Sacred Geometry ix

10 2.5.5 Iconography CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDIES 3.0 Case Studies Case 1: A Study of the Identity of France: The Eiffel Tower Case 2: A Study of Symbolism in the Sydney Opera House, Australia Case 3: A Study of Symbolism in the Guggenheim Museum, New York Case 4: A Study of Symbolism and Identity in Lagos State House, Abuja Case 5: A Study of the Symbolism and Identity in the Palace of the AttahIgala, IdahKogi State CHAPTER 4: GENERAL PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES 4.0 General Planning Principlesand Design Guidelines Planning Principles for Palace Design Administrative Complex Accommodation Facilities Ancillary Facilities Considerations in Site Planning Land Use Considerations Site Design Parking Circulation General Planning Principles for Administrative/Office Buildings in a Palace x

11 4.3.1 Energy Efficiency Building Attributes Technical Connectivity Lighting Functional/Operational Flexibility Urban Planning Productivity Office Space Allocation Office Design Guidelines Design Considerations for Special Residential Buildings Sustainability Individual Flats CHAPTER 5: SITE LOCATION AND ANALYSIS 5.0 Site Location and Analysis Location Analysis and Physical Features Location of Idah Local Government Area Physical Considerations Climatic Considerations The Project Site Site Analysis Land Use Analysis of the Immediate Surrounding of the Site Analysis of Traffic Pattern around the Site and Access Routes into Site Analysis of Physical and Environmental Features xi

12 5.3.4 Analysis of Site Drainage and Available Infrastructure Analysis of Sources of Pollution CHAPTER 6: THE DESIGN 6.0 The Design Design Philosophy Design Concept and Concept Derivation Igala Traditional Symbols Inikpi Ekwe Ejub ejuailo The Elephant (Adagba) The Leopard (Eje) Evolved Design Concept Application of Concept in Design Design Synthesis Design Contribution Recommendations and Conclusion References LIST OF FIGURES Fig 2.1The Christian Cross Fig 2.2 David s Star Fig 2.3Mathematical Symbols and their Meanings Fig 2.4The Canadian Flag xii

13 Fig 2.5The American National Colours Fig 2.6The Dragon Fig 2.7The Eiffel Tower Fig 2.8Circle Symbolism in Pysanky Fig 2.9Swastika Symbolism in Pysanky Fig 2.10Dots Symbolism Fig 2.11Triangle Symbolism Fig 2.12Straight Line Symbolism Fig 2.13Web of Identity Fig 2.14An Asian House Form Fig 2.15TheFive Main Lines of Cultural Evolution Fig 2.16Map of Nigeria showing Kogi State Fig 2.17Map of KogiState showingigala Territory in Magenta Fig 2.18 Traditional IgalaHomested Fig 2.19TheoreticalDesign -Abstraction of African Game Board (Uganda) for High Rise Building in Context, by Kent State University Third Year Architecture Student, December Fig 2.20Ba-lla Settlement Fig 2.21Ba-lla Settlement Pattern with Seed Shape Fig 2.22Flower oflife Fig 2.23All Seeing Eye: Isis, Iris, Pupil, Rods and Cones, Masonic Symbolism Fig 2.24Gordian Knot Fig 2.25Metatron's Cube Fig 2.26Alchemy of Consciousness in Time Fig 2.27DogonNommo xiii

14 Fig 2.28Sea Shell Fig 2.29Golden Spiral Fig 2.30Layout of Pyramids at Giza Plateau Fig 3.1Dimensions of Parking Fig 3.2Different Circulation Patterns as used in Different Facilities Fig 3.3Meeting Room - 4 to 5 people, m2 (120 ft2) Fig 3.4Meeting Room - 6 to 7 people, 13.9 m2 (150 ft2) Fig 3.5Workstation Space Type D - Open, 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) Fig 3.6Work Station Type Fig 4.1Isometric View of the Eiffel Tower Drawings Fig 4.2The Plan of the Eiffel Tower, Paris Fig 4.3Elevation of the Eiffel Tower, Paris Fig 4.4Details of the Eiffel Tower, Paris Fig 4.5A view of The Tower from The Seine Fig 4.6A view of The Tower from The Seine Fig 4.7Topographical Map of Sydney Harbour showing the site in red -128 Fig 4.8Site Plan Fig 4.9Ground Floor Plan Fig 4.10 First Floor Plan Fig 4.11 Elevations Fig 4.12 Elevations Fig 4.13 Sections Fig 4.14An early drawing of the Guggenheim Museum, New York Fig 4.15 Ground Floor Plan of the Guggenheim Museum, New York Fig 4.16 First Floor Plan of the Guggenheim Museum, New York xiv

15 Fig 4.17Elevation of the Guggenheim Museum, New York Fig 4.18 Section of the Guggenheim Museum, New York Fig 4.19A 3d Model of Lagos State House, Abuja Fig 4.20Lagos State House Abuja, replica of two Eyo Masquerades Fig 4.21Floor Plan of one of the Office Buildings of the Administrative Unit158 Fig 4.22Floor Plan of the Royal Council Office Fig 4.23Ground Floor Plan of one of the Guest Houses Fig 5.1 Map of Nigeria showing the Location of Kogi State Fig 5.2 Map of Kogi State showing the Local Government Areas Fig 5.3Idah Local Government Area Provisional Map showing the site in a red box Fig 5.4 A Map showing Idah and the Neighbouring Towns Fig 5.5 Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature Fig 5.6 Mean Monthly Values of Daily Rainfall (mm) Fig 5.7 A Map showing the Site Fig 5.8 Immediate Surrounding of the Site Fig 5.9 Traffic Pattern and Access Route Analysis Fig 5.10 Sun Path, Wind Direction Fig: 6.1TheEjub ejuailo Fig: 6.2 A Royal Crown Fig: 6.3 The Igala Mask Ejub ejuailo (face of fear) Fig; 6.4The Combination of the Royal Crown and Igala Mask Fig: 6.5The Façadeabstraction in the Design of the Palace of AttahIgala Fig 6.6 The Ground Floor plan abstraction in the Design of the Palace of AttahIgala xv

16 Fig 6.7 The Model abstraction in the Design of the Palace of AttahIgala LIST OF PLATES Plate 2.1A Typical Igala Masquerade Plate 2.2 Photo of the Traditional IgalaAtakpa Plate 2.3Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Plate 2.4Swiss Re headquarters, London Plate 4.1The Eiffel Tower, Paris Plate 4.2The Tower in Perspective Plate 4.3A View of The Tower from the Street Plate 4.4 The Sydney Opera House, Australia Plate 4.5Mayan Temple Plate 4.6The Recently Refurbished Utzon Room, Plate 4.7The Glass Walls Plate 4.8 Perspective at Night Plate 4.9 Perspective at Daytime Plate 4.10 Interior Perspective of one of the Concert Halls Plate 4.11: The Solomon Guggenheim Museum, New York Plate 4.12: An early drawing of the Guggenheim Museum, New York Plate 4.13The Spiral Ramp Plate 4.14The Dome showing the six spokes Plate 4.15: Site plan of the Guggenheim Museum, New York Plate 4.16 Interior Perspective of Restaurant Plate 4.17Lagos State House, Abuja Plate 4.18Eyo Masquerades Display xvi

17 Plate 4.19Two Eyo Masquerades at a Ceremony Plate 4.20Photo of the Approach View of Attah s Palace Plate 4.21 Photo of the Side View of Attah s Residence Plate 4.22:Photo of the approach view of one of the guest houses Plate 4.23:Photo of part of the administrative building Plate 4.24:Photo of the old Attah s court Plate 6.1 Photo of Inikpi Plate 6.2 Photo of Ekwe Plate 6.3 Photo of an Elephant Plate 6.4 Logo of Igala Kingdom Plate 6.5 Photo of the Entrance ofattah s Palace Plate 6.6 Photo of a Leopard Plate 6.7 Photo of the AttahIgala LIST OF TABLES Table 5.1Mean Monthly Maximum and Minimum Temperature Table 5.2Monthly Mean Relative Humidity Table 5.3Mean Monthly Values of the Daily Rainfall xvii