Lagos central market precinct

Abstract

Majority of Nigerians in the urban areas are involved in trading. Markets therefore form a very important nucleus in the urban life in Nigeria. Due to the realization of the importance of market as a sure and sincere means of success the migration into the existing markets has increased. This rate of migration has however not been met by the same rate in the expansion of facilities. As such these markets are characterized by congestion, absence of adequate services and generally a very unhealthy environment. My proposed new market has therefore been designed with these problems in mind and to be able to take the shock of these impacts. It is as well to carter for the different categories of traders, hawkers, roadside squatters, stall owners, shopkeepers, etc. It is a two level market which is co-ordinated for easy transition between these levels. Shops, stalls, hawking stands have been arranged to benefit from each other in the generation of customer traffic.The site is sandwiched between two major roads in ABSTRACT? Lagos Island - Nnamdi Azikiwe Street and Martin Street. It is generally a flat site and Lagos is on a hydromorphic soil. Presently there is no vehicular traffic through the site and this has been maintained in the design, though a service road goes from Breadfruit street to the semi basement delivery space which is served by delivery vans. Lagos is generally hot and humid resulting in the limiting of the depth of buildings and t~e use of courtyard system of design. Sea breezes from the Atlantic oceans will help improve the ventilation and the use of local fans will be made in the stalls. The shops however have forced mechanical ventilation. Generation of customer traffic through business areas has been very important. The trading activities have thus been enveloped by traffic generating activities' Pedestrian traffic across the highways - Nnamdi Azikiwe street and Martin street have been directed to the upper level of shops and market; a pedestrian deck connection to the multi storey car park through the departmental store and market provides a short cut to offices and an inducement to shopping. Spaces have as well been provided for impromptu entertainments, The structure is a reinforced concrete frame construction on raft foundation the columns being the main dividing elements for the stalls. The market is a social welfare rather than a money making investment where rent age will be heavily subsidized. Cost however has not hindered the provision of essential facilities. Movements of goods within Nigerian markets have been by human labor carrying these goods on the head and using hand carts. This is a very big trade for the unskilled Nigerian and a first stage in self employment for the urban migrant. This has been maintained in my new market. As this forms an essential part of the market activity, it has not been segregated in my design. It has been taken into consideration in the provision for pedestrian circulation.