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INTRODUCTION:

A STUDY OF THE CALABAR CULTURAL CENTER IN CALABAR provides an opportunity to experience the study of an architectural edifice located in the heart of Calabar which was established by the Cross Rivers States Government to promote and celebrate the states diverse cultural heritage through theatrical performances. The venue is multi-purposed to serve as art exhibitions, conferences hall, theatre and an institute for training manpower to manage and develop Nigeria’s cultural landscape. The planning and design of the cultural centre utilized the theory of determinism to express it’s style of architecture ..

HISTORY:

The Calabar cultural centre was initiated at a time in the 70’s when cultural infrastructure was prioritized by Col. U. J. Esuene and the Cross Rivers State early recognition of cultural importance of arts fueled the vision for the centre. This centre initially conceived as a space to promote and celebrate rich cultural heritage of the state was designed in the 70’s by Tom Sabo after which an agreement was reached for its construction. Due to logistic and procedural delays, it construction took a longer time and the project was completed in the 80’s and ready for commissioning. Ever since then ,renovation work have been carried out on the centre by some team of professional Architects: Messer, Notch consultant Architects & Planners, and Reynolds  to modernize the centre’s facilities  While preserving it’s  Identity, It therefore, remains a vibrant space for cultural activities and tourism. Utilizing its 1,500 people seating capacity, the centre has hosted significant events like the Calabar International Art exhibitions, symposias, conferences, community based cultural engagements, film festivals, dance, musics, choral works, dramas etc. for both local and international observers. The calabar cultural centre  which was initiated in 1974 by col. U. J Esuene, then first military administrator of the then south eastern state was finnaly completed and commissioned for its first performance in July 23, 1983.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:External_plan_of_calabar_cultural_center.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plan_floor1.jpg

DESIGN ANALYSIS:

DESIGN:

Year of construction: The Calabar cultural centre was designed by Tom Sabo Architects in 1972 and constructed from that year till July 23, 1983 when it was commissioned.

Architect or ConstructionFirm: Architect Tom Sabo and Partners, Reynolds Construction Co. Ltd.

Location and Environmental Weather Consideration: The Calabar cultural centre is located in the heart of calabar town which is relatively coastal plain ground with mild climate and weather conditions.

Analysis of Spatial Design using

Parlance: The spatial arrangement of the design in terms of value, style and characteristics is that of self -expression.(talking architecture}. There's self expression it's architectural design as seen in it's form and aesthetic view.

Semantics: The signs and symbols used in the design is speaking contemporary architecture embedded in culture.( revivalist architecture}.Traditionally, there's embellishment of relic in it's artisic hall used for holding seminars and forums.

Pattern Language: The pattern language is post-modernist architecture which holds philosophy of aesthetics as a change..

Another interesting feature is the vehicular and human traffic within the center. There is absolutely no conflict even with a well spaced drop-off at the entrance of the center. Also the multi-layed well spaced stair way is interesting because it gives flexibility to the public users and can accommodate quite a no. of guest without felling of over-crowding..It is also a symbol of royalty to behold such view by first-time visitors and interact with the environmental features through a glazed glass after they seated inside.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Side_view_of_calabar_cultural_center.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Another_view_of_calabar_cultural_center.jpg

ANALYSIS:

I appreciate the use of glazed glass to give good sight-out to the users. Artistic materials found in the center used in exhibitions are also good and of public interest.

The Calabar cultural centre has a blend of aesthetics and contemporary designs which balances the sematics and patlance content of its designs. The design has elementary units of vibrant spaces created by the architect which serves the following purposes;

A 1,500 seat Auditorium, An Exhibition hall, Conference Rooms, Administrative units, A theatre, Display units and shops, clear and un-impeded vehicular access to the entrance foyer, conflict-free Car parks.

The form and functional expression of style displayed by the architect in his design is explicit and pronounced. There is fusion in style used to communicate the purpose of the centre to first time visitors. The centre’s design incorporates traditional motifs and contemporary architectural elements to create a unique visual identity.

Within the context of Nigerian Architecture and urban development and applying the right vehicle of appreciation, the Calabar cultural centre can be categorized as a post-modern architecture because of its aesthetically playful, shapes and traditional or symbolic motifs. Elements used in such expression includes;

1.    The special arrangement of form as seen on the plan

2.    The Inter-wovenesss and playful nature of the form to achieve a functional design that is aesthetically pleasing.

3.    There is a strong connection between the ground, first floor in terms of building that communicates its meaning (semantics) through forms.

4.    Flexibility in vehicular and human circulationhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:External_view_of_calabar_cultural_center.jpg

THE THEORY OF EXPRESSION:

The theory of expression applied by the architect in his design is mainly theory of determinism where by a built environment shapes human cognitive reasoning and social interactions. These can be seen in the following;

1)   The Calabar cultural centre serves as a melting point for cultural and social activities housing incredible cultural related pieces for theatre events.

2)   A semi- circular entrance with well crafted boundaries wall that represent the art of the calabar people.

3)   The glazing façade that welcomes any visitor in it’s reflection and sensitivity to capture the eye of the perceiver of the building as well as the environment.

4)   Large eaves which  shades the building interiors from direct solar radiation of the sun.

5)   Well-spaced entrance stair cases elevated from the ground level to give a feeling of an art centre in perspective and ambience.

Traditionally, the well-spaced multi-level stair case elevated from the ground is a symbol of royalty for cultural distinction. Some element of constructivism is used as a pattern language to integrate the structural elements with social, requirement. Such balance is achieved in the roof pattern and functional space distribution and forms.

INTERESTING FEATURES:

Some of the features of the calabar cultural centre which I find very interesting is the relationship between one space and another.

Special arrangement and the forms, the circulation spaces like the arrangement of the performance stage of the auditorium. There is no conflict in arrangement.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:External_plan_of_calabar_cultural_center.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Preformance_stage_of_calabar_cultural_center.jpg

EVENTS AROUND THE STRUCTURES

The Calabar cultural centre have hosted so many local and international exhibitions, music festivals, conferences, arts, dramas among whom is international Jazz festival, Cross River State cultural festival, cross rivers state symposias, cinema festivals, film hostings etc. to mention but a few.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shop_view.jpg

The cultural center has stood as a cultural and artistic  center since the past three decades with immense tourist attraction .

REFERENCES

1.    Research findings.

2.    Authors field survey 2016.

3.    University of Uyo journal of cultural research.

4.    University of Calabar Journal 2018

5.   Online Research.

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