Physical Planning Policies on Lagos Island and Their Effects on Urban Morphology

Abstract

Physical planning is perhaps the strongest tool in the development of the urban form. It is the visible limb of the state that is used to direct and control development. In Lagos State, physical planning is used more in 'development control" rather than "development planning". It also comes into use in the many instances of urban renewal. The rapid urbanization witnessed by Lagos State brought about a sprawl on the whole of Lagos Island. The combination of rapid urbanization, physical planning policies and the cultural heritage of the area have evolved a cocktail of highly diverse styles in the buildings and metropolitan form within the same continuum. This research examines the physical planning policies on Lagos Island over a twenty-year period (1995-2015) and their direct effects on the evolution of the city while trying to control development. The research is qualitative and assessment is based on literature, government records, field interviews, digital photographs and satellite images of the city. The study concluded that the physical planning policies were contingent, responding to issues within successive prompts in time. No holistic policies were put in place to address far reaching issues like a sustainable urban design model to be pursued over time. There is no blueprint for the development of the city. The policies only addressed "growth and development" without prescribed limits. It a classic case of organic development with ineffective controls. The end result is chaotic and needs to be addressed.

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