Enhancing Green Plot Ratio In Residential Building Plots In Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

As urbanisation accelerates, there is a consequential loss of greenery in cities as spaces that were once vegetative have become hard surfaces in forms of roofs and pavements. The need to accommodate the rising population results in the creation of more dwelling units in the form of residential buildings. The loss of greenery in residential areas has become a critical concern, leading to reduced biodiversity, increased urban heat island effects and diminished well-being for urban dwellers. The concept of Green Plot Ratio (GPR) offers a quantifiable solution to integrate and compensate for the loss of greenery by the creation of residential buildings on previously vegetative sites. This research explores strategies for enhancing GPR by incorporating vertical gardens and rooftop greenery. This research is domiciled in Jos, an urban city in Nigeria. It examines case studies of two residential buildings (a bungalow and duplex) that successfully incorporated greenery to offset ecological losses and achieve sustainable urban living. It focuses on quantifying the vegetation of the plots of the case studies which were previously grasslands before construction, and were altered after construction to accommodate residential units. Afterwards, the results are looked at to see if the GPR was reduced from what it was naturally, if it had been maintained or even enhanced. Thus, the quantitative research methodology was adopted for this research. By analysing these implementations, the study identifies key parameters influencing GPR, such as vegetation density and plant selection. Findings reveal the possibilities of the greenery in a vegetative land being maintained and enhanced through GPR, though the creation of a residential unit tampered with the natural vegetation. Ultimately, the study advocates for the integration of GPR as a component in urban planning to create environmentally resilient and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.