LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR

SURVIVAL
IN SELECTED RESIDENTIAL AREA IN LOTTO, MOWE,
OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Group 4
GROUP 4
Adekola Ifeoluwa Blessing 239051029
Adeniyi kayode B 239051052
Adeyemi-Adejolu Samuel A. 170501008
Aghraghra Stephanie 239051033
Afolabi-Sanni Fatima O 239051012
Arubi Asifo Omasan 239051011
Ayoade Kolade 239051036
Borisade Benedict 170501015
Emuan Vanessa 239051058
Jimoh Teslim 170501001
Ndudim chienye 170501014
Ogunsetan Abdullah 180501505
Okoroanyanwu Kennedy 239051062
Uba Chinenye 180501511
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
 Background of
Study:
● Mowe, a small town in Ogun State, Nigeria, has
experienced significant growth and urbanisation due to its
strategic location along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and
the housing cost crisis in Lagos.

● This has led to a diverse mix of commercial, industrial,

and residential developments.

● However, this rapid urbanisation has resulted in the

encroachment on agricultural lands and depletion of
natural resources, impacting the economic livelihoods of
the original residents and threatening the town's natural
landscapes.

● This presents a complex challenge that needs to be

addressed.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk
Statement of
Research Problem
Small towns like Mowe are grappling with the
challenges of rapid urbanization, leading to
significant growth in the built environment, thus
subsequent impacts on natural landscapes and
resident well-being.

To address this issue effectively, there is a need

to propose strategies to enhance the natural
environment to support socio-economic survival
and facilitate adaptation among residents
 Research Questions:
1. What is the socio-economic status of the residents in Mowe?
2. What does survival mean to the residents?
3. In what way can landscape design be related to the survival of
residents?
4. What is the level of awareness of the use of landscape design
for survival?
5. Are they limitations in the use of landscape design for survival
in the selected residential area?

Objectives of Research:
1. To fill the research gap on the availability of information about
designing for survival within residential landscapes in Mowe,
Ogun State, Nigeria.
2. To understand the current landscapes of the residents of Mowe.
3. To propose design strategies that will make landscapes in
Mowe, Nigeria more resilient and self sufficient, ensuring the
survival of its residents.
Justification of the Study:
● The proposed study is intended to explore how landscapes can be utilized for
human survival to enhance self-sufficiency and adapt to the changing urban
climes.
● Despite the growing importance of landscape design for urban resilience,
there is a lack of research specifically addressing survival-oriented design in
residential areas, particularly in the context of Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria.
● Hence, evaluating the data gotten from our research on the locale will provide
more valuable insights about this topic and guide our design decisions.

Scope of the Study:

● Based on location: This study is limited to Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria..
● Based on specifics: This study focuses on designing landscapes for survival in
residential areas.
● Based on intellection: This study investigates the potential for incorporating
edible landscaping, community gardens, or urban farms into residential
landscapes.
● Based on Perception: The research primarily depends on data analysis to
identify how landscape design can serve as a tool of survival in residential
areas.
 Limitations Of the Study
The study faced several limitations, including:

● Administering the questionnaire: There were challenges due to the

lukewarm response from local residents.
● Power supply: Erratic power supply and high cost of fuel during the
research period posed difficulties.
● Access to data: There were difficulties in accessing relevant data or
information on the topic.
● Case studies: Accessing case studies and getting relevant information
about the project was challenging.
● Library resources: The resources on the topic in the library were outdated
and insufficient. These limitations could have potentially impacted the
depth and breadth of the research findings
CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW
Residential Landscapes
Design:
● Art and science of planning outdoor spaces for harmony and function.
● Affects overall well-being of residents.

Historical Perspective
● Dates back to ancient civilizations for practical and artistic purposes.
● Example: Elizabethan cottage gardens for food and herbs.

Evolution in Nigeria
Pre-colonial:
● Yoruba: Open courtyards with trees.
● Igbo: Individually fenced compounds.
● North: Islamic influence led to courtyards for privacy.
● Colonial: European influence with a focus on practicality.
● Post-colonial: Retained British design with landmarks and gardens.

Functions Beyond Aesthetics:

● Recreation
● Privacy
● Cultural significance
● Social interaction
Survival

● What are the essential elements humans need for

physical survival on Earth? Multiple articles mention
fundamental human needs like food, shelter, water, air,
and sleep as necessary for human existence

● Maslow's theory expands on this concept by introducing

additional need categories, such as safety and security.
This goes beyond merely survival and on to “thriving”.

● From this research perspective, the focus will be on the

lower two levels- physiological and safety needs- which
address core survival needs.
How Landscape can Aid
Survival in Residential Areas
● What are the essential elements humans need for physical
survival on Earth? Multiple articles mention fundamental
human needs like food, shelter, water, air, and sleep as
necessary for human existence

● Maslow's theory expands on this concept by introducing

additional need categories, such as safety and security. This
goes beyond merely survival and on to “thriving”.

● From this research perspective, the focus will be on the

lower two levels- physiological and safety needs- which
address core survival needs.
CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHODOLOG

13
Research Design Integration of Findings
● The study used questionnaires and oral interviews ● The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining
to collect data on March 3, 2024, focusing on how qualitative and quantitative research methods, to
climate and specific needs influence landscape understand the role of design in enhancing landscape
design and crop cultivation in Mowe’s Lotto architecture in a community centre in Lotto, Mowe.
community. ● Primary data was collected through field studies, semi-
● Ten houses were randomly selected from 20 in the structured oral interviews, questionnaire surveys, and
community, with an equal number of male and participant and holistic observations.
female respondents. ● Oral interviews were conducted with a random sample of
● Any adult aged 18 and above was eligible to community members aged 18 and up.
participate. Due to the disorganized housing ● Observations were made to gather data on the physical
structure, respondents were also randomly features of the residential areas.
selected from non-patterned housing sections. ● Secondary data was collected from the internet,
● Ethical considerations, including confidentiality, including relevant literature, scholarly articles, and books
informed consent, and the right to discontinue related to residential area, landscape design edible
participation, were upheld throughout the study. landscape and survival.

Data Collection and Analysis

● Triangulate qualitative and quantitative findings to
provide a comprehensive understanding of landscape
design challenges, opportunities, and implications for
rural resilience in Nigeria.

14
HAPTER FOUR:
ESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Research Design
Integration of Findings
● The study used questionnaires and oral interviews ● The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining
to collect data on March 3, 2024, focusing on how qualitative and quantitative research methods, to
climate and specific needs influence landscape understand the role of design in enhancing landscape
design and crop cultivation in Mowe’s Lotto architecture in a community centre in Lotto, Mowe.
community. ● Primary data was collected through field studies, semi-
● Ten houses were randomly selected from 20 in the structured oral interviews, questionnaire surveys, and
community, with an equal number of male and participant and holistic observations.
female respondents. ● Oral interviews were conducted with a random sample of
● Any adult aged 18 and above was eligible to community members aged 18 and up.
participate. Due to the disorganized housing ● Observations were made to gather data on the physical
structure, respondents were also randomly features of the residential areas.
selected from non-patterned housing sections. ● Secondary data was collected from the internet,
● Ethical considerations, including confidentiality, including relevant literature, scholarly articles, and books
informed consent, and the right to discontinue related to residential area, landscape design edible
participation, were upheld throughout the study. landscape and survival.

Data Collection and Analysis

● Triangulate qualitative and quantitative findings to
provide a comprehensive understanding of landscape
design challenges, opportunities, and implications for
rural resilience in Nigeria.

16
HAPTER SIX:
ESIGN
Little Dartmouth Farm by
Dan Pearson
South Devon Coast, Dartmouth, England

This farm is connected to a family home located on the

South Devon Coast, Dartmouth, in England. The region is
a coastal region characterised by strong winds and high
cliffs.

Prioritizing sustainability, the owners of this little garden

integrated features such as rainwater harvesting, a
wood-chip boiler, and compost heaps. Emphasizing
biodiversity, the project incorporated a diverse species
mix in both the garden and wider landscape, including
native hedging, trees, perennials, and companion
plantings, alongside fruit, vegetables, and herbs.

One of their major goals was to blend the garden with the
surrounding landscape.

Because of the coastal location, many decisions were

based around the unpredictable weather situation giving
the homeowners ‘best of multiple worlds’.

House location aerial view

 Major features of the farm
Wide variety of plant species:
It is evident that the homeowners prioritized creating a home garden that
incorporated a diverse species mix in both the garden and wider landscape, including
native hedging, trees, perennials, and companion plantings, alongside fruit,
vegetables, and herbs. Most of the plants are edible as the owners also prioritized self
sufficiency. Few outdoor plants include:

Rhubarb
Cabbages

Fern Foliage
Lavender
Water Lettuce

Many plants were chosen for their resistance to the
winds prevalent there, with others like magnolias that
are suited to winter season. Some were considered solely
because of color – like lavender and dahlias
Various plant species arranged and sorted
by raised vegetable beds and curved
pathways
The vegetable, herb and cutting gardens, showing where organic
produce is grown alongside colourful dahlias and swathes of vibrant
lavender
 Major features of the farm

2. Presence of an indoor greenhouse:

The outdoor garden is designed to thrive in its natural conditions.
Elsewhere in the garden, plant selection prioritized resilience to coastal weather,
reflecting the project's focus on survival-oriented design.

Pepper plant planted inside greenhouse using Close up image of pepper plant
indoor potted vases

The greenhouse had a

unique microclimate
allowing it to grow series of
edible plants – like grapes
and artichoke.

Close up of grapefruit in
greenhouse
Major features of the farm 3. Winding pathways:
The farm showed some level of formality with winding pathways provided to
organize the garden space by providing clear circulation routes and delineating different
areas or zones. The owners chose to plant a herbaceous border filled with perennials for these
pathways to create a fuller, country garden outlook for their farm. The site is also divided by a
stone wall with a narrow gap, known as a snicket, to allow people to cross from cultivated
garden to wild landscape.

Local stone pathway separating flowerbeds

Local stone pathway separating flowerbeds Winding pathway within farm covered with low cut grass
Major Features of the home garden
Series of light structures on the site
There were multiple vases, small ponds, fountains that tied the entire house farmsite together. This
showed that even with self sustenance, aesthetics were also a great incorporation.

Water trough to harvest rainwater to provide a

reliable source of water for the vegetation.

Potted plants for separate planting

Major Features of the home garden

Presence of a compost bin

The home also had a compost heap bin where waste from dead plants are kept to
decompose and be used as mulch to feed the dead plants.

Compost bin located separate from the farm on the site

Calculation reference for the design of a wooden compost heap
Other observed features

Raised vegetative beds made with natural stone

Raised vegetable beds showing rhubarbs growing Modern pavers incorporated into natural landscape
The residence showing orchard with apples
 SWOT Analysis
Strengths Opportunities

1.Features such as rainwater harvesting, composting,

1.The unique coastal setting and sustainable design
and native plantings demonstrate a commitment to
features could attract visitors interested in
environmental conservation and resilience.
ecotourism, providing economic opportunities for the
2.The garden promotes biodiversity through the
local community.
varied types of plants.
2.the garden can serve as a hub for promoting local
food security and sustainable agriculture practices
within the community.
Weaknesses

1.Features such as a swimming pool and terraced Threats

vegetable gardens may require significant resources
for construction, maintenance, and operation.
2.The coastal location makes the garden susceptible
to unpredictable weather.
1.Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and
other climate change-related factors pose long-term
threats to the stability and resilience of the coastal
garden ecosystem.
 Gardenia bush
Proposed Crops
Red flowers Mango

Orange Pawpaw

Oleander Flower
B
plantain

Hibiscus Flower
A
Moringa

Lemon grass

Yam
Miracle leaf

C Cassava

Neem

E Sweet potatoes

Bitter leaf
D
LEGEND
Ewedu leaf A- ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
B- EDIBLE CROPS
C- MEDICINAL PLANTS
D- VEGETABLE CROPS
Waterleaf E-TUBER CROPS
● The selection of trees were based
on the plants that are already grown
on site, Plants like Mango, Plantain,
pawpaw, lime were selected
● The main path is a meandering
cobblestone path that is lined with
ornamental shrubs
● The path also divides the site into
various sections for growing
different kinds of crops
● sacks for growing yams and othe
tuber plants
● These trellises for growing climbing
plants like tomatoes, peppers,
cucumbers etc
● small trees like limes and lemons in
old tires in this section
● raised bed made of brick for
planting bitter leaf, ewedu etc
● The arrangement of trees on site
was based largely on solar
orientation.
● The large trees were located
north of the site to minimize the
shadows cast on the rest of the
plants.
● They were also placed around
the house to provide shade and
some thermal comfort.
● Inspired by the english cottage
style
REFERENCES
● “The Modern Cottage Garden: A Fresh Approach to a Classic Style” by Greg Loades
● Scott-James, Anne; Osbert Lancaster (2004). The Pleasure Garden: An Illustrated
History of British Gardening
● Clarke, E. (1994). The English Cottage Garden. Australian Garden History, 5(5), 5–9.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/44178404
● Masset, C. (2020). Cottage Gardens: A Celebration of Britain’s Most Beautiful
Cottage Gardens, with Advice on Making Your Own. Rizzoli.
● Thonger, Charles., & Thonger, C. (1909). The book of the cottage garden (pp. 1–160).
https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.84852