The Influence of Rainfall on Hausa Traditional Architecture

Abstract: The present-day traditional architecture of a place usually results from solutions to climatic problems through reasoning, countless experiments, experiences and accidents as well. This usually takes the efforts and perseverance of generations of builders who make use of whatever works for them while discarding what did not. The purpose of this study is to discuss the influence of climate, particularly rainfall, on Hausa Traditional Architecture. The objective is to bring out how the nature of rainfall has influenced the choice of building and roofing material and the architectural design of building in traditional Hausa society. The study examined the extent of the Hausa states in Nigeria and the location of Zaria. This is followed by a discussion on the climatic conditions in Zaria; the influences of rainfall on mud construction of foundations, walls and roofs. The study concludes with an overview of the resultant effect of this element of climate on the future of Hausa Traditional Architecture, with recommendations aimed at salvaging the situation