PERCEPTION OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND HERITAGE STREETSCAPES PRESERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF JOS AND KADUNA URBAN CENTRES

Identity question is key to the essence of man existence, his socio-cultural perception, placement status and future destiny. The urban architecture in historic districts of Nigerian city centres requires particular study and contextualization given the current urbanization trend. The paper is a heritage study of selected cities landscapes and their identified historic districts' architectural features along dominant streets of Ahmadu Bello in Jos and Kaduna urban centres. This study undertook an analysis of professionals and inhabitants' perception of some historic buildings along the chosen inner-city streetscape as well as its relevance and value as heritage feature including the preservation exigencies, which are considered most apt for the different traditional value. The methodology adopted critical literature review, observations and documentation through case studies of selected heritage buildings within the two cities significant streets. The study sort professionals opinion in the building industry, including the general public views using a questionnaire.  Selected historic buildings and identified respondents were through the use of purposive sampling. The analysis was both descriptive and statistical; using mean values and correlation analysis of the data. The findings affirmed the perceptual value of key streets cityscape in Kaduna and Jos for adaptive preservation of their urban architecture. Furthermore, such preserved features could serve as a medium for tourism adventures and the mark of city-place identity for intergenerational use.