EKO RESILIENCE – (RE)DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES THAT ARE RESILIENT FOR THE URBAN POOR IN LAGOS, THE COASTAL CITY.

Abstract

This thesis addresses the urgent need for resilient community housing solutions in Lagos, where there is a growing deficit of well-designed, affordable, and accessible homes, particularly for the low-income population. The research recognizes the challenges of urban decay, transportation issues, and flooding, disproportionately affecting the poor. In Lagos, the complex interdependence of rich and poor social networks is evident, with low-income individuals often residing in slums near high-income neighborhoods or facing long commutes. The thesis aims to go beyond providing shelter and explores how affordable housing can contribute to overall urban resilience. Emphasizing four critical criteria, the research aims to show how affordable housing can support social and economic structures, reduce vulnerability to environmental risks, enhance personal security, and empower communities for self-governance. The thesis adopts a comprehensive approach, considering the broader social, economic, ecological, and political dynamics in the quest for resilient housing solutions.