Architects Perceptions and Challenges in Embracing Modular Construction in Lagos’ Growing Urban Landscape

The rapid urbanization of Lagos, Nigeria, has created a pressing need for innovative and efficient construction methods to meet the city's growing demand for housing and infrastructure. Modular construction, which involves the prefabrication of building components off-site for on-site assembly, presents promising solutions to reduce construction time, enhance quality control, and promote environmental sustainability. However, the adoption of this method in Lagos remains limited due to various contextual challenges. This study investigates architects' perceptions of modular construction in the context of Lagos's expanding urban landscape, focusing on the potential benefits and obstacles to its implementation. A mixedmethod approach was used, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from open-ended responses. Key findings indicate that architects see modular construction as a viable solution to Lagos's housing crisis and urban sprawl, highlighting advantages such as lower labor costs, efficient land use, and sustainability. Nonetheless, significant challenges persist, including high initial costs, limited availability of materials, regulatory hurdles, cultural resistance, and logistical difficulties related to transportation. The study emphasizes the necessity for supportive policies, improved infrastructure, local supply chain development, and training programs to enhance the acceptance and adoption of modular construction. Recommendations are provided to address these challenges, aiming to facilitate a smoother integration of modular construction into Lagos’s urban development strategies. By offering a comprehensive understanding of architects’ perspectives, this research provides valuable insights into the potential role of modular construction in shaping the future of Lagos’s built environment.