Analyzing a site next to Unilorin Market and adjacent to Pepsi Village is the main objective of this

report. The goal is to fully understand the site's characteristics, topography, vegetation, and any
obstacles while suggesting ways to improve both its use and visual appeal.

Location of the Site

Due to its location along a major road, the site is quite accessible and is next to Pepsi Village,
next to Unilorin Market. Pedestrians regularly cross this area as they go from the market to other
locations. The existence of unofficial walkways indicates that the location receives steady foot
traffic, indicating its function as an entryway for commuters and market visitors.

Site Features
Key features on the site include:

• Utility Infrastructure: Multiple electric poles and overhead power lines run through
the site, providing essential services to nearby areas
• Informal Pathways: Various footpaths crisscross the site, formed by pedestrians
seeking the shortest routes. These unplanned trails lead to soil compaction and erosion, as well
as a disruption of natural vegetation growth.
• Tree Stumps and Root Remnants: Evidence of previous tree cutting, such as stumps
and exposed roots, indicates that some of the larger trees were removed, potentially to clear
space.
• Existing Shade Trees: There are several mature, perennial trees that provide shade
and serve as natural focal points within the landscape. These trees, which can live for multiple
years, are valuable for their resilience and ecological contributions.
• Low Vegetation and Ground Cover: In addition to trees, there is a mix of grasses,
shrubs, and weeds, which add to the biodiversity.

Terrain
The site's terrain is primarily flat with a small amount of ripples, creating a gradual slope that
makes drainage easier. Some areas of the earth seem hard and uneven, most likely as a result of
foot traffic and neglect. Areas with high foot traffic are more vulnerable to erosion, particularly
during the rainy season, even though the mild slope helps with water runoff. Though the terrain
seems navigable, it would be better to level it and create official pathways to better allow for
human traffic and preserve the plants.

Vegetation
The vegetation on the site includes a diverse mix of plant types:

• Perennial Trees: The site is home to a number of mature, perennial trees, which
are long-lived and contribute significantly to the ecosystem. These trees provide shade, improve
air quality, and offer habitats for birds and insects. Examples of perennial trees that might be
present include varieties of native hardwoods, which are well-suited to the climate and can
thrive for decades.
• Shrubs and Bushes: In addition to the large trees, there are clusters of shrubs
and bushes that supply mid-level vegetation. These plants add layers to the landscape and can
serve as natural barriers, guiding foot traffic or providing privacy.
• Ground Cover and Grasses: The site has patches of grass and low-growing
ground cover. However, these areas are patchy and uneven due to the impact of foot traffic,
which has compacted the soil and hindered healthy grass growth.
• Weeds and Invasive Species: The presence of weeds, especially along informal
paths, is prominent. These fast-growing plants thrive in disturbed soil and can out compete other
vegetation, leading to a lack of biodiversity and an unkempt appearance.
 • Insect Activity: The varied plant life on the site attracts insects, which contribute
to the natural ecosystem. However, certain types of insects, if unmanaged, may affect the
usability of the area for human activity.

Site Conditions
The site’s proximity to a major road and Unilorin Market makes it a high-traffic area. Accessibility
is a major benefit, as pedestrians frequently pass through to access market facilities and nearby
amenities. However, the heavy foot traffic also results in soil compaction and contributes to the
formation of multiple pathways, which disrupt the vegetation and cause unsightly patches of
bare ground.

Habitability
The site has considerable potential to be a habitable space, given its location and natural
features. Once specific challenges are addressed, it can become a comfortable and functional
environment for users. Factors supporting habitability include:

• Natural Shade and Cooling: The presence of mature, perennial trees provides
ample shade, which helps reduce heat and creates a pleasant, cool environment during the day.
This makes it ideal for people to rest, socialize, or shop comfortably nearby.
• Accessible Location: Situated beside a major road and adjacent to the Unilorin
Market, the site is highly accessible to pedestrians and visitors, ensuring it has regular foot
traffic. This prime location makes it convenient and easily reachable, increasing its potential as a
social or gathering space.
• Opportunity for Amenities: The site’s layout allows for the addition of
essential amenities like benches, shaded structures, and pathways. Incorporating these features
would improve comfort, encourage longer stays, and make the site more attractive for use as a
small community space.

Proposed Solutions

To improve the landscape and increase its functionality, the following solutions are suggested:

1.Defined Pathways: Installing gravel or stone-paved pathways would formalize the existing foot
traffic routes, helping to protect the surrounding vegetation from erosion and soil compaction.
By directing movement along these paths, the impact on grass and ground cover can be
minimized.
2.Addition of Seating and Shade Structures: Introducing benches or small shaded seating areas
beneath the perennial trees would create comfortable spots for visitors to rest, making the site
more habitable. This would be particularly beneficial for shoppers or pedestrians looking for a
break.
3. Strategic Planting and Landscaping: By removing invasive weeds and planting low-
maintenance, native ground cover, the landscape could be visually unified. Adding flowering
shrubs and seasonal plants would introduce color and interest to the site while encouraging
biodiversity.
4.Erosion Control Measures: To prevent further soil erosion, soil stabilization techniques could be
applied in high-traffic areas. Options include planting erosion-resistant ground cover or installing
low barriers along pathways to direct water flow and prevent soil washout.

In conclusion

Though it now serves mainly as a transitional zone with limited habitability, the Unilorin Market
area next to Pepsi Village has potential as a landscaped public space. This space might be made
into a more hospitable and useful landscape by tackling the problems of weed growth, irregular
walkways, and a lack of seating. This property may be a useful recreational space for commuters,
market-goers, and the local community with the right planting, upgraded paths, and additional
amenities, increasing its ecological value and usability.
 UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

GROUP MEMBERS: OLABODE OPEYEMI I.(21/31QD039)

ADEBISI HAMAD (21/31QD008)

COURSE: ARC 313 (LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE)

LECTURER: ARC. SALIHU ABDULAZEEZ

“ANALYZING THE SITE NEXT TO

UNILORIN MARKET AND ADJACENT
PEPSI VILLAGE”