Housing Habitability: Theoretical Review and Empirical Findings in a Developing Nigerian City

Abstract

This paper adopts the observational-theoretical approach in addressing the challenge of housing habitability. Aside from attempting a broad theoretical review of habitability concept, effort has been made to invoke empirical knowledge gained from field observation to test the underlying housing habitability assumptions thereby bridging the gap between conceptual discourse and empiricism in habitability studies. More importantly, empirical knowledge gained from the study raises grave concern of significant departure of habitability status of sampled housing from theoretical expectation and established standards thereby recharging the calls for reconstruction, reinforcement and revitalization of housing standards and relevant planning laws in cities of emerging economies.

Keywords: Housing Habitability; Observation-theoretical approach; Empirical; Town planning laws; Nigerian city; Theoretical review.