Socio-cultural Utilization of Open Spaces in the Traditional Residential Neighborhood of Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study explores the socio-cultural uses of open spaces within and around buildings in the traditional residential neighborhood of Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This is with a view to provide information that could guide open space planning and management in traditional residential environments. The data for this study were obtained through a questionnaire survey, direct observation, measurement of open spaces, and photographic recordings. It is established that open spaces played a number of crucial roles in the socio-cultural life of residents: they served as areas for social ceremonies, burying the dead, ancestral worship/rituals, family meetings, and reception of visitors. The important determinants of the uses of open spaces were traditions and cultural practices, the need for social interactions among neighbors and climatic condition. The study concluded that open spaces are settings where residents connect socially, culturally and spiritually in the traditional environment. It is therefore recommended that physical planners should endeavor to appreciate the socio-cultural values and needs of urban residents in open space planning, design, and management.