INTEGRATION OF GREEN STRATEGIES IN THE DESIGN OF TECH INNOVATION HUB IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

ABSTRACT

The growing use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and related technology has led to the emergence of a more innovative workspaces. With changes in the  manner  in  which  people  work,  think  and  adopt  the  use  of  technology,  new workspace models have arisen. As work continues to change, the organisational structures  in  which  it  is  carried  out  is  also  changing.  Accordingly,  the  energy requirement needed to run these hubs continues to reflect these changes amongst which is its contribution to the increasing level of atmospheric carbon emissions. The aim of this research is to integrate green strategies in the design of a tech innovation hub in Minna, Niger State.   A descriptive research method was adopted for this study, both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained through reviewing of literature, the use of observation schedule, questionnaires, and interviews.   A total of seven tech hubs were selected purposively, consisting of five local and two foreign case studies in order to compare and contrast what is obtainable locally and internationally. The questionnaires made up of open-end questions were administered to respondents within the local case studies. They comprised of professionals (architects and cost surveyors), facility managers (staff and janitors). The data collected was analysed using SPSS and the results were further presented in tables and charts. It was observed that 100% of the buildings rely on the use of non-renewable sources of power as an alternative to the national grid. Furthermore, that 100% of the buildings made use of vertical sun shading devices, while 50% of the buildings use horizontal sun shading devices. Green spaces outdoor  were  mostly courtyards  40%,  by  gardens  25%  and  covered  porches  25%, however sit-outs had the lowest 10% of green spaces that were integrated in the design. The study concludes that across the five local case studies, there was a low-level of integration of green strategies in the buildings and the impact of these strategies do not reflect in the energy requirement of the tech innovation hubs. It is recommended that the government should enact policies that will encourage the adoption of green strategies in tech hubs in line with what is obtainable in developed countries. More also, the professionals within the built environment need to be sensitized on the benefits of adopting green strategies from design stage and construction stage to achieve rationalization of energy consumption in buildings.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Modern workspaces, their space requirements and function have changed over the past few decades. This can be attributed to economic, social and technological changes in the corporate world. The growing use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and related technology has led to the emergence of a more innovative workspace (Njeri, 2010). With changes in the manner in which people work, think and adopt the use of technology, new workspace models have arisen. Technological advancements continue to be a catalyst in shaping our physical work setting (Stallworth and Kleiner, 1996). Teamwork and collaboration are now of increasing importance, leading to changes in the definition, size, functionality and social significance of workspaces. Today, many young people are becoming entrepreneurs in large numbers by applying their creative energies to different fields. The information technology revolution is doggedly gaining momentum and is revolutionizing all sectors of the  economy by creating new opportunities for starting businesses (Coward, 2014). There are a lot of changes occurring, such as the nature of work, the structural systems of workspaces, the nature of employees and the methods used to carry out activities, we see that the open structure and shared spaces method is gradually changing the method of architectural design. (Chen et al., 2007).

Accordingly, De-Bastion (2013), defines a tech innovation hub as a nexus point for start-ups providing public or private spaces that are often equipped with Modern technology focused at advancing product and idea development. Hubs are usually made for definite clusters (such as robotics or pharmaceuticals) and are utilized by varying factions  (students,   companies,  start-ups).   Hubs  often  integrate  other  spaces  of innovation   such   as   accelerators   communities,   academia,   investors,   technology companies and other sectors of the private nature. It can be a set of buildings or a specific building where start-ups can rent spaces and corroborate ideas and share facilities.  These  hubs  aid  in  active  knowledge  diffusion  between  researchers  and business experts. It can also serve as a meeting ground between industry, government and representatives of academia and tech entrepreneurs. Spaces of innovation are indicators of physical economic, demographic, and cultural forces. The ever- metamorphosing nature of scientific innovation also metamorphoses workspaces into flexible and open spaces that enable varying professions and disciplines to interact seamlessly (Friederici, 2014).

The challenges arising from the impact of climate change has increased the need to stimulate a more sustainable approach in the development of the non-green industries (Bribian et al., 2011). This vital issue has resulted in major stakeholders proffering possible solution on how to restore and protect the ecological system. More also, as world population continues to increase, and economies grow bigger, apparently so is the strain on the available natural resources. Yudelson (2009), asserted that worldwide, the building industry accounts for the consumption of approximately 60% of the earth‟s raw materials. The consumption of this non-renewable mineral resources is detrimental to the environment, subsequently causing degradation (Wadel, 2009).

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Tech  innovation  hubs  often  have large  carbon  footprints  due to  their huge  energy requirement which contributes to the increasing level of atmospheric carbon emissions (Gil-Mastalerczyk, 2016). Consequently, there is a general consensus towards halting the rise in greenhouse gas emissions especially in urban centres. Furthermore, the world population is forecasted to reach 5 billion by 2030 according to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA, 2013). A lot of this urbanization will happen in Asia and Africa, causing large economic, environmental, and social changes. Hence the need to adopt a more sustainable approach by incorporating green strategies in tech hubs so as to proffer lasting solutions to greenhouse gas emissions which in the long run will not only endanger our planet but also its habitant.

1.3       Aim of the Study

The aim of the research is to integrate green strategies in the design of a tech innovation hub in Minna, Niger state.

1.4       Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study are to:

i.      Assess the evolution of local and international tech innovation hubs

ii.      Identify the existing green strategies that have been integrated in tech innovation hubs.

iii.      Design  a  tech  innovation  hub  that  is  focused  on  sustainability  within  the frameworks of environment, social and economic impact.

1.5       Justification for the Study

With significant growth over the years in the creative economy and information technology  in  Nigeria,  private  individuals  and  even  the  government  are  investing heavily in the development of tech innovation hubs. There has also been an increase in the design of co-working spaces globally, which embody creative values and support innovation. This calls for a need to understand how these workspaces operate, their impact on the environment and the users of this workspace. Consequently, integrating green strategies in the design of a tech innovation hub will not only help to reduce the negative impact of carbon emissions these hubs have on the environment, but also help to proffer future designers with pathways on how to adopt these green strategies.

1.6       Scope of the Study

This thesis will focus on making provisions for the facilities required in a proposed tech innovation hub. The facilities provided will be integrated with green design elements in order to promote sustainability and reduce the negative impact on the environment. The facilities to be provided include auditorium, boardrooms, collaboration and innovation spaces, research and development labs, fabrication labs, data centres.

1.7       Study Area

The city of Minna is situated in Nigeria in the middle belt region, it is the capital city of Niger state and has 3 major ethnic groups: Gwari, Hausa and Nupe. Additionally, it has a population of over 300,000 people as of 2007, the city can be seen in Figure 1.1. It is linked to the nearby states and cities by road and the popular river Niger. It is connected to Abuja by a major federal highway that spans about 150km and also uses the rail lines to stay connected to neighbouring cities like both Ibadan and Lagos in the south and Kano in the north.

It is home to several learning centres such as:  Niger state school of health, The Federal University of Technology, Niger state university of Education and others. It also has several secondary schools such as Police secondary school, FEMA Schools, Hilltop Model School, Zarumai model school, Mypa schools, Kowa Schools, Himma international school and many more. Therefore it is a suitable location for a Tech hub as it has not only the land for the structure but a close proximity to the Nation‟s capital and an industrious youth population.

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