Abstract

Heritage buildings form a critical part of the cultural heritage of any people or group, recognized by the United Nations with several international charters formed to promote, protect, and preserve them. This study assessed the physical and functional state of heritage buildings within Lagos State and determined their preferred state. The study was conducted through questionnaires and case study/observation method. The data collected through the questionnaire were processed and analyzed using SPSS (statistical programming for social sciences) software and Microsoft excel. Descriptive analysis and Relative Importance Index (RII) were used for the analysis, such as the measure of central tendency for some parts of the questionnaires. Case study/observation method was also used to assess the heritage buildings. The research findings show that the heritage buildings should be in good physical, functional, and socioeconomic states but they are not. The study recommends that all heritage buildings should have an active management board that oversees their physical, functional, and socio-economic state. A partnership model between the management board and external consultants/ contractors should be in place to ensure optimum maintenance levels.

Key words: Heritage buildings, conservation, cultural heritage, maintenance management, preservation.