Place Making: A Study Of ‘Oja – Oba’ Open Space Design In Yoruba Urbanism

ABSTRACT

Values inherent in city spaces may be biophysical, social, cultural, religious, economic and

political. These values give meaning and determine the level of user’s attachment. When urban

space generates meanings to city people, the bond is stronger and ‘space’ at that point transforms

to ‘place’. While some city open spaces succeed others failed to meet designed goals. This

research investigated the inherent ‘place making’ attributes of Oja - Oba open space (King’s

market) in Yoruba urbanism.

The study is underpinned by overlapping theories of sense of place, geosophic planning, mimesis

and architectural interpretation. The research is influenced by interpretive principles and a

philosophical orientation in social constructionism. Research works on ‘place making’ is

phenomenological and qualitative. Attempts to unravel the concepts behind open space design in

Yoruba urbanism demanded the comprehension of the value system that established them.

Grounded theory methodology was used. Data collection through seven scoped reviewed

literature on Yoruba urbanism; semi structured interviews from seven Ifa sages on Yoruba

urbanism and Oja - Oba; semi structured interviews of ten Oyo sages on Akesan market; and

personal observation of Akesan market were undertaken. Concepts generated from the grounded

analytical procedure were used to theorize Yoruba urbanism and Oja Oba as premier public

space. Akesan open space at Oyo town was studied to verify derived hypothetical propositions.

The research revealed that Yoruba urbanism and its open space design is influenced by her

Cosmological World View. The cosmological world view is manifested in 16 sided polygonal

cosmogram with 4 prominent radiating streets along the cardinal points. The research observed

that there is a relationship between Yoruba cosmological world view and institutional framework

that sustain Oja-Oba place making. Further revelation shows that Oja-Oba ‘place making’

theoretical propositions were influenced by cosmological world view especially congregation of

people for various activities. These activities were identified as ‘eight place’ themes that carry

Oja Oba open space design values. They collectively define Oja - Oba open space as Yoruba city

symbol. The effectiveness of these themes is enhanced by Yoruba geosophical knowledge in site planning. The study evolved a ‘place making’ conceptual framework that grafted the ‘place

themes’ on cardinal orientation influenced by the four Yoruba principal gods.

Design works that create Yoruba atmosphere must reflect the influence of the cosmogram on the

‘place themes’ to enhance congregation at public places. This mimetic design and biomorphic

planning philosophy is relevant for the spatial branding of Yoruba built environment in this

season of cultural globalization threat on nations outside western hemisphere.

Based on the findings and conclusion the study recommended the use of ‘architectural

numerology’ in open space ‘sense of place’ determination; establishment of dynamic people

driven institutional framework for the planning, development and management of public open

spaces; redefinition of public spaces policies based on value driven activities for the sum total

development of 21st century Yoruba city people; incorporation of identified eight ‘place themes’

in open space policies with the goal of creating Yoruba atmosphere in the design, construction

and management of city spaces; and conceptualisation of public spaces as part of urban

symbolic economic development. These recommendations are to be seen as ‘meaning’

generating policies that will enhance architecture of public ‘place’ in Yoruba urbanism.