This book is an edited collection of seven chapters on the theme of 'people and space interactions in different settings'. Using a variety of problems, it showcases a rich set of solutions to the global challenges of functional, sustainable and responsive habitats in both urban and rural environments. The book deals with cultural landscapes, sustainable housing settings, the environment and human response, spatial epidemiology, neighbourhood and health, and the subjectivity-objectivity continuum in man-environment research. The studies apply a variety of social research methods and strategies relevant to the study of human interaction with its environment. Collectively they serve as templates for direction in modern social science research methodology built on evidence-based scientific inquiry of the built environment. It can guide both young and seasoned researchers in considering appropriate responses to various social research problems, including assessing various options in research process innovation. A recurrent lesson from the individual studies, and significant contribution of the volume, is that each research endeavor needs to be based on a firm philosophical grounding as this goes a long way in determining the type of data to be collected, and the ways that they are analysed and interpreted. Taking a cross-disciplinary perspective, this edited collection should be of interest to scholars of geography, anthropology, sociology, epidemiology, urban planning, architecture, and above all environment-behaviour studies.
Isa Bala Muhammad obtained his PhD in Architecture from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and was a recipient of the best graduating PhD student Award in the Department of Architecture in 2015 in the same institution. He obtained his Master's Degree as well as Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 2000 and 2002 respectively from Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. He joined the services of the Niger State government as an architect in 2003 where he designed and supervised several projects and rose to the position of Senior Architect. He later joined the Federal University of Technology Minna as a lecturer in 2007 and has lectured and supervised both undergraduate and post-graduate students. He has written several research articles and a book in his area of research interest. His research interests are Ethnography, Cultural landscapes, Ecosystem Services & Human Behaviour, and Environment. Isa Bala Muhammad is a reviewer in several journals including Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology, Universiti of Putra Malaysia; Archi-Culture Journal of the University of Jos Nigeria and Nigerian Journal of Technological Research of the Federal University of Technology Minna. He is also an Editorial member of Environmental Technology and Science Journal of the Federal University of Technology Minna. Additionally, he is a registered member of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
Abubakar Danladi Isah was awarded a PhD in Architecture by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He earlier obtained a bachelor honours degree in Architecture and a Master degree in the same discipline from Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. He is a registered Architect and has practiced for several years engaging in housing and institutional buildings' design and construction with vast experience in both teaching and practice. He also lectures with several years of teaching and administrative experiences. He authored the book Urban Public Housing in Northern Nigeria: The search for indiginiety and cultural practices in design. He has written extensively related subject matters. He has attended intensive train-the-trainer courses and experience in human ethics and peaceful co-existence. His verse experience in leadership, participation in public presentations earned him the experience of interaction and understanding of people and their environment. He provides services to other universities as a visiting lecturer and facilitates research inputs. His expertise includes Space Use and Human Behaviour, Building and Culture, Sustainable Housing, Research methods, Ethics and Moral reformation. He has regularly reviews for several local and international journals, conferences and an Editorial member of Archi-Culture Journal of the University of Jos, Nigeria.
