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Paper short abstract

This project investigates the intersection of adaptive reuse of cultural landscapes and urban resilience in Lagos. It explores how repurposing historic sites and heritage spaces can contribute to the city's ability to withstand environmental, social, and economic stresses.

Paper long abstract

This project investigates the relationship between heritage conservation and urban development in Lagos (Nigeria) through the specific lens of adaptive reuse and city resilience. It posits that the city's cultural landscapes, including historic districts, markets, waterfronts, and colonial-era structures, are not merely relics of the past but vital, untapped assets for a sustainable future. The core inquiry explores how strategically repurposing these cultural assets can strengthen Lagos's capacity to withstand and adapt to acute shocks (like flooding and economic crises) and chronic stresses (including housing deficits, infrastructure overload, and social fragmentation). The methodology involves "mapping the nexus" employing spatial analysis, case studies, and stakeholder engagement to document and analyse existing and potential adaptive reuse projects. This mapping seeks to reveal the multi-functional benefits of such interventions: preserved heritage can enhance social cohesion and identity; retrofitted buildings can improve environmental performance and reduce material waste; and reactivated public spaces can stimulate inclusive local economies. Ultimately, the project argues that adaptive reuse presents a pragmatic third path, moving beyond the binary choice of preservation versus development. By synthesizing cultural heritage management with urban resilience theory, the study produced a framework of actionable strategies to demonstrate how Lagos, and similar rapidly growing cities in the Global South, can leverage their unique historical fabric to build adaptive capacity, foster equitable development, and create a more liveable and resilient urban environment for all its inhabitants.