Inclusive Urbanism from Nigeria to the UK: What Incremental Community Planning Can Teach British Cities

Introduction:

Urban design discussions in the Uk tend to focus on European or North American models for planning. However, cities in the Global South are increasingly offering important lessons on inclusivity, adaptability and participation. This entry focuses on a valuable Nigerian urban design technique called incremental urbanism. This is a community led process where neighbourhoods develop through flexible housing, mixed used spaces and residential participation. Incremental urbanism shows how cities can develop based on social and economic needs of the community. Many cities in the UK have now adopted this practice or similar principles. This is clearly shown in regeneration and community-led housing initiatives.

Rise of Incremental Urbanism:

This technique emerged in response to the rapid urbanisation, weak planning systems and housing shortages. Instead of waiting for government intervention the residents took matters into their own hands through phased construction, adaptive street networks and social spaces. Settlements in Abuja have shown signs of this through the process of “add, alter and remove” (Kamalipour and Iranmanesh, 2021). This created a flexible urban form that can respond to the changing community needs. This combats rigid masterplans which allows residents to remain active participants in shaping their environment (Ogbazi, 2013).

Traditional Compound Housing in Nigeria

Implementing Incremental Urbanism in Nigeria:

Incremental urbanism is inclusive because it prioritises accessibility and social interaction. Nigerian compound housing and mixed used support strong community networks and multi-generational living. The public spaces are not separated from everyday life, in fact it is integrated within the streets with local markets and courtyards (Iranmanesh and Kamalipour, 2023). Scholars have challenged the idea that this form of urbanism should be seen as a flexible and adaptive system which challenges the western planning assumptions (Kamalipour and Iranmanesh, 2021).

Mixed-Used space in Lagos, Nigeria

Incorporating this into the UK:

These elements have been increasingly visible in the UK. Although, they done replicate these informal techniques, many urban regeneration strategies use parts of it such as participation and community ownership (Zapata, 2013). An example of this of this co-housing projects use participation planning frameworks. In cities such as Manchester and London allow community led housing schemes allow residents to shaped shared community spaces which creates a more socially responsive environment.

Although, the adoption of this form on urbanism is limited due to the planning regulations in the UK, research has shown that the consultation process of planning can become more symbolic than democratic (Echendu, 2023).  UK developments may selectively adopt the aesthetic language of participation without redistributing real decision-making power to communities.

Co-housing Development in the UK

Conclusion:

Nigeria’s incremental urbanism offers an alternative perspective for urban designers. It shows how inclusivity is not only about public spaces and infrastructure but also who has the power to shape these urban environments. Uk cities continue to face Housing inequality and displacement. Lessons from Nigerian urbanism present that flexibility, community adaptation and participation are key to creating inclusive cities.