URBAN LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENTAL-QUALITY PREFERENCES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA - AN EXPLORATION

Landscape preference studies have concentrated attention on Western European and North American environments, and very little is known about the preferences and values of Third World people for various landscape types. This paper analyses the distinctive qualities and features that underlie high- and low-preference landscapes in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. Simple preference evaluation of typical urban scenes by two major resident groups, together with values expressed for localities, are analysed based on numerous judgements made on 15 surrogate stimuli photographs. Results of the study demonstrate that inhabitants show high preference for suburban landscapes with modernistic planned features, which contrast with the unregulated old buildings of core inner city landscapes. It is concluded that more aesthetically pleasing landscapes and high quality environments may be achieved if attempts are made to incorporate the "tastes" of people into new environmental creations and programmes of community residential renovation/improvements. © 1990.