Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to define the cultural values that inspire the formation of traditional market spatial patterns. This study dealt with traditional market spatial pattern, hidden cultural values in the form of the morphology, and the factors that cause change. This study takes place in Sapon market in Egba-Oke-Ona in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. This study adopted qualitative naturalistic approach. This research used descriptive qualitative method with multi-layer mapping technique and interview. The results of this study indicate that the formation of Sapon market on a city scale is one of the three pillars of palace power: radical, economic and cultural. Outline measure of the market morphology is a transformation of the conception of the spatial value of traditional Egba-Oke-Ona space that places the function of the clarity zones. From the creation of the market, there are some morphological changes on both the scale of the city and the scale of the market site, especially with regard to the placement of the palace square. The main influences causing the change is cultural value of Egba-Oke-Ona people. Findings showed that the cultural values underlying the formation of market morphology are the astral civil values set in the traditional Yoruba architecture spatial by placing power of palace as the main determinant. The values maintained until now are divisions of sacred and profane layout transformed primarily in market morphology and stalls and modern shopping complexes spatial pattern. Keywords: traditional markets, spatial morphology, cultural values, spatial planning
