Abstract

The paper links to the theme ‘disciplines of design’ through seeking sustainability from the cultural aspects of the built environment. The function of architecture in the built environment is one of the most important elements to the existence of a community. It is also evident that our communities are facing crisis that the existing intellectual claims struggles to tackle. This paper argues that the fusion or the installation of culture as relevant entity in the framework of knowledge guiding the built environment is the key to the community’s sustainability. The influence of culture will also reflect on the untapped knowledge and potentials that can be generated in a whole body of effort made by the people to survive in housing related crisis. In relation to the urban housing crisis the Lagos Nigeria situation is explored. Urban housing is used as strategic vehicle for investigating the evolution of ideas and different approaches to the informal processes involved in the issues relating to the general liveability of a community. The paper highlights the strategies developed from the existing informal settlement that can influence decisions that relates to the built environment.