Abstract:

The domestic architecture of a place describes the people culture, religion and beliefs while the meaning of domestic space reveals the spirit of domestic architectural. Consequently, the difference in houses size, height and ornamentation across Benin City is dependent on some dynamics. Benin domestic architecture across the entire city showing modifications along timeline/periods, as houses were identified cross sectionally from 40BC – 2100A.D. The paper examined meaning of domestic spaces in Benin house-types collected across the city. The study used triangulation method (i.e. questionnaire, space syntax and interview guide) to describe meaning of spaces. The finding was discussed along activities spaces (like cooking and eating, household storage, sleeping arrangement, personal hygiene, outdoor, receiving guest, worship socialization, ceremonies and festival). The research result revealed that meaning of domestic spaces in domestic architecture can explain the spirit of the space, the people’s culture and social ideology.

Keywords:

Spirit, Benin Architecture, Domestic Architecture, Benin Domestic Architecture, Meaning and Spirit of Space.