Design evolution in the construction sector is reshaping the way Nigerians experience urban living. One space increasingly affected by these changes is the balcony, the elevated platform that extends from a building’s walls, bridging the interior with the outdoors. In some urban residential and commercial projects, such spaces are becoming underutilised by occupants,
VICTOR GBONEGUN reports.

Once considered a prized extension of the home, balconies are increasingly becoming underused or purely symbolic features in modern Nigerian buildings. Emerging architectural designs, influenced by cost pressures, urban density, and changing lifestyles, have reduced balconies from functional spaces to narrow ledges or decorative façade elements.

In older residential blocks, balconies often served as mini-living rooms where families gathered, neighbours interacted, or fresh air offered respite from indoor heat. Today, however, many new high-rises and gated estates present balconies that are either too shallow to hold furniture, sealed off with glass, or relegated to storage and laundry drying areas.

The shift is also driven by economics. Rising land values and the pressure to maximise rentable space have shrunk balcony depths, sometimes to less than a metre. Safety concerns in high-rise living, noise and pollution in dense urban areas, and lifestyle changes where residents prefer air-conditioned interiors also limit balcony use.

However, city planners said that the priority in homes and commercial premises, which do not incorporate balconies, could be linked to the increasing need to keep out intruders first and foremost, rather than being a space for comfort and to escape indoor heat. Specifically, some occupiers consider balconies as points of vulnerability in modern architecture, while changing lifestyles among families are also contributing to the underutilisation and the fading out.

The advent of cladding design in projects, as a modern approach in the construction sector, has led to the fading out of balconies in residential and corporate buildings. Cladding has become a worthy alternative to painting buildings as it gives up to 40 to over 50 years of building facade face-lift.

Divergent views on balcony relevance
Despite these trends, opinions on the relevance of balconies in contemporary homes remain divided. Some experts insist that balconies remain essential for livability and comfort, while others argue that urban realities have rendered them largely ornamental.

In some cases, balcony spaces have been repurposed for kitchens, workshops, or even storage. Experts point to vertical living, glass façades, and indoor space maximisation as contributing factors. Daily life pressures in major urban centres like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt also limit opportunities to utilise these spaces.

The Guardian observed that in some of the city locations, when a block of flats with balconies is done up with cladding, the balconies are always either boxed in or just cut off and replaced with windows. In some developed nations like India, particularly the city of Mumbai, property owners now prefer flats with courtyards, and to live in houses with their own gardens rather than having balconies structurally fitted.

Industry experts say the original reason for incorporating balcony in building design is almost turning out to be a waste, as evident among current dispensation of occupants in the use of balcony in certain locations. According to them, what is being witnessed these days is that many buildings that have balconies don’t make use of them anymore, based on their principal purpose of balconies in buildings, as most people and families don’t fancy going to sit at balconies to advertise their presence, maybe for security and privacy.

In most reported cases, balconies in buildings had served as an entrance and escape route for burglars in recent times to access buildings. In replacement of balconies, some property owners now prioritise the use of grille or burglary-proof over balcony for further security and protection for children who might come there to play in such spaces.

A professor of Urban Planning at the University of Lagos, Leke Oduwaye, confirmed that most balconies in residential buildings are underutilised, attributing this largely to occupants’ desire for privacy. “People don’t want their neighbours to know they are around,” he said. “In some buildings, residents rarely think of using their balconies. Many leave for work early and return late. Children come back from school and often stay indoors under the care of relatives. For safety, balcony doors are frequently locked. Simply put, there isn’t enough time to make use of these spaces.”

Oduwaye also highlighted economic considerations in modern development, noting that rising construction costs influence space utilisation. “People prioritise areas they can actively live in,” he explained. He added that evolving housing trends allow clients to select designs and outdoor spaces that suit their lifestyles. While some regard balconies as a luxury, others repurpose them, for instance, as storage rooms, tailoring workshops divided with plywood, or clothes-drying areas, transforming the entire block into a cluttered and untidy space, which defeats the original purpose of elevated outdoors.

“In terms of maintenance, high-rise residential buildings with cladding are easier to manage if they have no balconies,” Oduwaye continued. “Cleaning the façade can be done with machines or even drones. Architects subconsciously consider this when designing modern towers, such as those in Eko-Atlantic, where balconies are often omitted, and residents are effectively boxed in.”

He further observed that as high-rise living becomes more prevalent globally, balcony-related accidents are increasing in both number and severity. “With buildings rising to 10, 20, or 30 floors, security becomes a concern, children playing unsupervised, or individuals attempting suicide. Designers consider these extremes, which contribute to the fading out of balconies,” Oduwaye said. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that balconies add visual appeal and prevent buildings from appearing too foreign or box-like.

Managing Partner of Sowunmi Williams and Associates, an architectural firm, Mr Sowunmi Williams, argued that balconies remain important despite evolving design trends. “The higher the building, the greater the impact of wind due to fewer obstructions. Wind pressure increases in high-rises and can have serious effects. This doesn’t mean balconies should be eliminated,” he said.

Williams explained that if balconies are clad, the surrounding panels should be openable to allow residents to experience the outdoors. “Fixed glass panels absorb heat from solar radiation, making the space uncomfortable and essentially useless. Properly designed panels allow air and light in, making the balcony functional,” he noted.

He added that even with excellent interior design, occupants need spaces to step out and relax. “Upper-floor residents often enjoy outdoor experiences only through balconies. In many urban buildings, balconies are misused for hanging clothes or installing satellite dishes, which undermines their original purpose. However, with proper design, such as dedicated laundry areas, a balcony can still accommodate these activities without becoming chaotic, like we see in Victoria Island and other locations,” Williams explained.

He also emphasised that while fire codes require high-rise buildings to have dedicated escape routes via staircases, balconies can serve as alternative escape options in some developed countries. Without them, emergency evacuation routes may be limited.

Security, privacy, and design evolution

SECURITY concerns remain a primary reason balconies are neglected or removed. Some property owners replace balconies with burglar-proof grilles to protect occupants, especially children, from potential falls or intruders. In ground-floor and lower-level flats, balconies can serve as entry points for burglars, making them liabilities rather than assets.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Chapter, Biodun Fatuyi, agreed that balconies remain relevant but acknowledged that architectural designs are evolving. He suggested that the era of expansive balconies might be giving way to smaller or reduced versions. “Many people see balconies as seldom-used spaces and question the cost of including them,” he said. “They can also compromise security, especially on ground or second-floor units, where intruders may gain access via ladders.”

Fatuyi added that residents often prefer niches for hiding AC units and prioritise large windows for daylight and ventilation over balconies. “If windows provide sufficient sunlight and airflow, balconies may seem redundant. Many people simply decide it’s best to design without them,” he concluded.
Balconies in the future of architecture
AS Nigerian cities continue to densify, the future of balconies will likely reflect a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and safety. While some residents view balconies as a luxury or unnecessary, others still recognise their potential for outdoor enjoyment, ventilation, and emergency use.

Oduwaye summarised the dilemma: “Balconies are underutilised today, but they remain important for privacy, comfort, and aesthetics. Architects must design them thoughtfully, considering lifestyle, security, and climate. If well-executed, balconies can continue to enhance urban living rather than fade into irrelevance.”
Williams echoed this perspective: “High-rise occupants need outdoor experiences, and architects must integrate these spaces intelligently. Proper balcony design ensures that residents enjoy both functional and aesthetic benefits without compromising safety.”

Fatuyi concluded that as architecture evolves, balconies will likely become smaller or more integrated with other building elements. “Their role may diminish in size, but not in importance. It’s about intelligent design that balances security, cost, and livability.”