IFRA-Nigeria is organizing a masterclass tailored for Master’s students and PhD candidates in Ibadan with a keen interest in architectural and cultural research between 13 and 16 April. This workshop will concentrate on the essentials of conducting rigorous research and will offer hands-on training in the exploration of Nigerian vernacular architecture.
Download the call here or read it below
The deadline was extended to 13 March 2026.
Vernacular architecture is widely regarded as the architectural expression of the local populace. It is characterized by the use of indigenous building materials and construction techniques that reflect the social, cultural, and environmental contexts of a region. In this case, these structures represent an immovable cultural heritage asset of Nigeria. Vernacular architecture encompasses various dimensions, including socio-cultural, anthropological, and material-physical aspects. However, due to the pressures of globalization and global networks, our understanding of the “local” has evolved, leading to shifts in the spatial constructs of culture. As a result, the concept of vernacular architecture has become increasingly problematic and is often misunderstood.
The workshop aims to provide participants with the conceptual foundations, methodological skills, and practical tools essential for researching and questioning Nigerian vernacular architecture. By exploring “local” building practices and documenting lived spaces, participants will learn how to formulate research questions, conduct fieldwork, and analyze findings within broader cultural and historical contexts. Through this research, attendees will gain insight into the ethics of academic inquiry in architecture and cultural heritage discourse. They will be equipped to frame research questions and select appropriate methodologies, while also developing practical skills in field documentation, including sketching, mapping, photography, and collecting oral histories.
The workshop will feature facilitators who are researchers and professionals in various fields, including architecture, anthropology, history, geography, and urban planning. They will guide students in utilizing innovative tools for conducting, reporting, and publishing research on Nigerian Vernacular architecture. The workshop will be structured into a series of interconnected sessions, some of which will focus on theoretical presentations as well as practical training related to vernacular architecture, encompassing residential buildings, religious structures, marketplaces, and family compound settings. On the final day of the workshop, participants will collectively present their work, which could also culminate in a potential joint exhibition showcasing the outcomes of their efforts throughout the workshop.
The selected candidates will be asked to review two or three papers prior to the start of the workshop.
Criteria of eligibility:
- Being a student in Social Science and Humanities. Preference will be given to students in Anthropology, Geography, Architecture, History or Sociology based in Ibadan.
- Ongoing second year of Master degree or PhD.
- Commit to attending all four days of the workshop. Attendance at each session is compulsory.
To apply:
Send the following documents to
- CV (2 pages max.)
- A cover letter (2 pages max.) describing how the workshop relates to the candidate's background and research interests. Use the template provided.
Deadline for application (extended): 13 March, 2026
Additional information: IFRA-Nigeria will offer lunch, but transportation and accommodation are not covered.