Designing with Fabric Intelligence: An Interdisciplinary Architecture–Textile Framework for Low-Carbon and Inclusive Housing Delivery in Nigeria

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@article{1717308,
      author = {Tajudeen O. Ajayi, Tope S. Ayodele, Tolulope F. Omotoso},
      title = {Designing with Fabric Intelligence: An Interdisciplinary Architecture–Textile Framework for Low-Carbon and Inclusive Housing Delivery in Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {11},
      pages = {358-373},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717308.pdf},
      abstract = {Rapid urbanisation, escalating construction costs, and environmental pressures continue to constrain the delivery of affordable housing in Nigeria, necessitating innovative, low-carbon, and context-responsive solutions. This study investigates how “fabric intelligence,” derived from textile systems, can inform sustainable housing by integrating architectural design and textile entrepreneurship. A PRISMA-informed systematic review of Scopus and Web of Science databases identified 528 records (2016–2026), of which 58 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. The methodology combines qualitative thematic synthesis with quantitative, correlation, and regression analyses to evaluate relationships among material innovation, textile-informed design, and system integration. Findings indicate that textile-informed strategies achieve embodied-carbon reductions of 18–50% (mean ≈34%) and thermal-comfort improvements averaging 3.1°C, while enhancing modularity, adaptability, and construction efficiency. The integration of indigenous textile systems further strengthens cultural relevance and supports inclusive economic participation through localised value chains. However, adoption remains constrained by regulatory limitations, technological gaps, and weak institutional coordination. The study advances an interdisciplinary Architecture–Textile Framework that positions fabric intelligence as an integrative mechanism linking environmental performance, adaptive design, and socio-economic systems. It concludes that textile-informed housing provides a scalable pathway for low-carbon, culturally responsive, and economically inclusive housing delivery in Nigeria and comparable developing contexts.},
      keywords = {Fabric intelligence; Textile-informed architecture; Sustainable housing; Affordable housing systems; Nigeria},
      month = {May},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717308}
  }