ANARTS AND CRAFTS CENTRE FOR LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN, AJAH, LAGOS: PROMOTING CULTURAL HERITAGE THOUGH ARCHITECTURE.

Abstract

From time immemorial, Africa has been in possession of dual qualities of being both symbolic and poetic in nature. In effect, Mother Africa is determined to let generations unborn know all about what is, what was and never t forget about their black heritage. Nigeria as the country of focus and Lags State as the site for this thesis design have played a great part in the promotion f the cultural heritage of the blacks. Generally, in Nigeria crafts such as the stafffOranmiyan at Ile-Ife, the bronze head made at Benin, the terra-cotta heads at Ife, all contribute to the preservation of Africa's cultural heritage. The preservation of the Yoruba's cultural heritage to be precise goes further in terms of the choice of materials, architectural styles and construction technology. Thus, cultural dances, verbal and oral arts, sculptural and art-works are also part of cultural heritage Orphans, abandoned and motherless children being part of our society are part of the le~ers' of tomorrow so education is more paramount for them in the sense that it will enable them fend for themselves in their world of partial dependence on the society. Thus, an arts and craft centre for less privileged children Lagos will consciously develop their artistic skills in an environment rich in cultural heritage. This invariably will make them self-employed thus useful to themselves and their society at large.