ABSTRACT
Urban renewal is the redevelopment/revitalization of blighted property of areas in a city. It's an issue currently faced by both developing and developed countries. The urban problem posed by the destroyed Central market Jos is one such example. Effectively carrying out the task of urban renewal like any other challenge requires team effort largely from professionals in the building industry. Thus, the architects' involvement and extent of architectural contribution needed for a successful scheme is a big part of any renewal scheme. Unfortunately, the situation presently obtainable with regards to urban renewal is one where the architects' input has not been well recognised or appreciated and the depth of influence of an architectural contribution to urban renewal has not been explored. An extensive study of the urban renewal process with the view of ascertaining the role and extent of contribution of the architect will be carried out. Also, through case studies of typical marketplaces in other urban areas and their operations, the major architectural factors relevant to the successful operation of the marketplace as well as the urban environment it influences will be highlighted. At the end of the work, it is hoped that the findings will show that the architect is indeed a decision maker in the process of a renewal scheme and beyond that is a major influence through his/her designs on renewal. The findings will show that through the design (or in this instance, redesign) of a strategically located/significant architectural edifice, renewal of its urban environment can be achieved.