INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES IN THE DESIGN OF
CONVENTION CENTERS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
OLADELE Victor Olayinka & ADEDEJI Afolabi Idowu
Department of Architecture,
Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo-State
Corresponding author: victoroladele48@gmail.com
Abstract
Convention centers are large public spaces that consume significant amounts of power and water, generate substantial waste, and have a considerable ecological footprint. This document examines the importance of adopting sustainable architectural practices to reduce these impacts, particularly in relation to facility design and operation. The research uses a mixed methodology, including a review of extensive prior studies and an in-depth analysis of five notable global examples: the Las Vegas Convention Center in the USA, the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada, the Qatar National Convention Centre in Qatar, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the USA, and the Eko Hotel Convention Center in Nigeria. The evaluation focuses on four main themes: Sustainable Site Layout, Water Conservation and Management, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact, and Material and Resource Conservation. The findings indicate that leading exhibition venues utilize strategies such as passive solar design, advanced construction materials, stormwater capture, water recycling systems, renewable energy sources, and locally sourced materials that have minimal ecological impact. The study shows that integrating these strategies early in the planning phase and adopting a holistic approach is not only feasible but also essential for mitigating the environmental damage caused by convention facilities. It provides a practical guide for designers, builders, and stakeholders to ensure that the construction of vital economic centers aligns with global sustainability goals, particularly relevant for upcoming developments in places like Ibadan, Nigeria. This initiative aims to spark a broader conversation about creating environmentally conscious convention centers in developing countries.
Keywords: Convention centers, sustainable design, passive design, energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials.