INTERGRATING GRAPHIC ART FOR A SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN ABEOKUTA: THE ROLE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
Paul S. Seyi-Gbangbayau and Olorunnifemi S. Seyi-Gbangbayau, Volume 7 Issue 1, 2025 Pages 88-94, Published: 2025-10-27
Abstract
Urban areas in Nigeria, such as Abeokuta North and South, continue to grapple with environmental, aesthetic, and infrastructural deficiencies stemming from uncoordinated development and the absence of inclusive planning frameworks. A critical gap lies in the neglect of visual and cultural elements that embody local identity, resulting in urban environments that are neither sustainable nor engaging. This study investigates how interdisciplinary collaboration can contribute to a more sustainable and culturally resonant built environment in Abeokuta through the strategic application of Environmental Graphic Art (EGA). Emphasizing key public spaces—including markets, transport terminals, schools, and tourist sites—the research examines how EGA can transform these locations into visually dynamic and contextually meaningful environments. Adopting qualitative methodologies such as field observation, stakeholder interviews, and visual analysis, the study draws on both primary and secondary sources. Findings revealed that integrating EGA will significantly enhance the visual quality, usability, and cultural relevance of urban spaces while fostering environmental consciousness and community identity. The paper recommends the institutionalization of interdisciplinary approaches in urban planning, the integration of EGA in academic curricula, and the promotion of public art initiatives as sustainable strategies for urban regeneration in Abeokuta and similar Nigerian cities.