Architectural Interventions for Enhancing Urban Resilience and Reducing Flood Vulnerability in African Cities

• Author(s): Mike Ikemefuna Nwafor; Gil-Ozoudeh Ifechukwu Desmond Stephen; Daniel Obokhai Uduokhai; Adepeju Nafisat Aransi
• Paper ID: 1712238
• Page: 321-334
• Published Date: 28-02-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 2 Issue 8 February-2019

Abstract

Urban flooding has emerged as a critical challenge in African cities, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, informal settlements, and the increasing intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change. This study investigates architectural interventions as strategic mechanisms to enhance urban resilience and reduce flood vulnerability, focusing on context-specific solutions adaptable to the socio-economic and environmental realities of African urban centers. Employing a systematic literature review combined with case study analyses across diverse African cities, the research identifies patterns in building design, spatial planning, and infrastructural adaptation that mitigate flood impacts. Key interventions explored include elevated structures, permeable surfaces, adaptive drainage integration, green roofs, and multifunctional public spaces that serve both ecological and social functions. The study emphasizes the interplay between built form, land use planning, and community participation, highlighting the necessity of embedding flood risk considerations into architectural and urban design processes. Findings reveal that while technical measures such as elevated foundations and rainwater harvesting significantly reduce direct flood damage, their effectiveness is maximized when combined with participatory urban planning, policy support, and locally informed design standards. The research also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, urban planners, engineers, and policymakers to create resilient urban ecosystems capable of withstanding hydrological shocks. By synthesizing lessons from both formal and informal settlements, the study proposes a framework for scalable, cost-effective, and contextually sensitive architectural strategies. Ultimately, this research advances knowledge on sustainable urban design in Africa, providing actionable insights for enhancing resilience, safeguarding livelihoods, and promoting adaptive capacity in flood-prone cities. The study contributes to broader discourse on climate-responsive architecture, emphasizing the role of proactive design interventions in shaping equitable and resilient urban futures across the continent.

Keywords

Urban Resilience, Flood Vulnerability, Architectural Interventions, African Cities, Adaptive Design, Sustainable Urban Planning, Climate Change Adaptation, Participatory Planning

Citations

IRE Journals:
Mike Ikemefuna Nwafor, Gil-Ozoudeh Ifechukwu Desmond Stephen, Daniel Obokhai Uduokhai, Adepeju Nafisat Aransi "Architectural Interventions for Enhancing Urban Resilience and Reducing Flood Vulnerability in African Cities" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 8 2019 Page 321-334

IEEE:
Mike Ikemefuna Nwafor, Gil-Ozoudeh Ifechukwu Desmond Stephen, Daniel Obokhai Uduokhai, Adepeju Nafisat Aransi "Architectural Interventions for Enhancing Urban Resilience and Reducing Flood Vulnerability in African Cities" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(8)