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Tag: architecture

  • Landscape architecture: Solution to unplanned cities, says Williams

    Landscape architecture: Solution to unplanned cities, says Williams

    •    How UNILAG keyed into it
    •      Why the field is highly sought after

    Landscape architecture is a developing field in Nigeria that focuses on integrating human development with nature to address environmental issues like flooding, erosion, and urban heat. Education in the field is growing, as the University of Lagos is set to admit its first set of students into the newly created Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design in 2026. In this engagement with ASSISTANT EDITOR EMMANUEL BADEJO, Dr. Fadera Williams, a lecturer, first home-grown landscape architect, and Vice President, Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN), speaks on sustainable design and the place of landscape architecture in human wellbeing and the built environment.

    Can you share the story of how you became Nigeria’s first home-grown landscape architect?

    In Nigeria, the landscape architecture program started at the University of Lagos and the Ahmadu Bello University around the same time. The way I ended up being the first homegrown landscape architect was interesting. In the class of four students in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, by the end of the study session in the 2010/2011 session since 2008/2009 session when we were admitted, I was the only one ready to graduate among my classmates, and the then Head of the Department, Prof. Mike Adebamowo, categorically stated that I must not be held back but allowed to proceed to graduate because I represented 25 percent of the class.

    This was how I emerged as the first homegrown landscape architect at the University of Lagos and consequently in the whole of Nigeria (ABU graduated their first set later) and by extension West Africa, to my knowledge. Other landscape architects in Nigeria, before me, were trained internationally in universities in Western countries.

    What inspired you to choose landscape architecture at a time when the field was almost unknown in Nigeria?

    I was a botany graduate from the University of Ibadan, and at that time, I had developed an interest in a combination of botanical or plant science interests and a concern for the urban environment — climate change, city greening, and practical environmental solutions. In fact, I was practicing as a garden designer, and I then learned of a course known as landscape design from the internet. When I further researched it, I discovered that there was also landscape architecture, and this would help me to have a competitive advantage because I would be able to work with architectural and construction firms.

    After all, since I already had a robust knowledge of plants and garden design, this would now help me to actually be able to interpret construction drawings, offer landscape site plans, and design services.  I also saw landscape architecture as a way to connect science (plants, ecosystems) to cities and people — and to use design to reduce environmental problems like erosion and carbon emissions. However, since I discovered that the course was offered at the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, I was overjoyed and I enrolled in it.

    Looking back, what has been the most fulfilling aspect of being the first home-grown landscape architect in Nigeria?

    For me, it has been the opportunity to inspire the ones coming after me that it is possible to be successful as a landscape architect, and also the platform for teaching and mentoring. I have served and continue to serve as an associate lecturer in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos as well as being involved with community environmental program activities such as the EkoGreenDream Initiative as well as several tree-planting, climate ambassadors programs and several other community projects, and being able to influence policy and public awareness — for example serving as an environment ambassador and leading community greening initiatives and influencing policy where Green Skills in Lagos State Technical Colleges are concerned.

    How would you define landscape architecture in simple terms?

    Landscape architecture is the architecture of the outdoors. Just as building architecture or traditional architecture is concerned with the design of indoor spaces and the character of each space can be determined as a place once you venture into the place, so also, the landscape architect is involved in the design and planning of outdoor spaces — parks, streetscapes, gardens and urban green systems — combining ecology, planting, engineering and design to make places that are functional, beautiful, resilient and healthy for people and nature. I like to call landscape architects environmental doctors because, beyond aesthetics and beauty, which is subjective to individual intellection, landscape architecture actually solves environmental problems such as coastal erosion, gully erosion, desertification, land degradation, and so on.

    How does landscape architecture differ from traditional architecture, and why is it essential for Nigeria and West Africa?

    Traditional (building) architecture focuses on structures — the form and function of buildings. Landscape architecture focuses on the outdoor environment around and between buildings: green infrastructure, water management, public spaces, biodiversity, and microclimate.  Because landscape architecture deals with the environment, the international standard for the construction process in the built environment is actually multidisciplinary, involving the landscape architect at the beginning of the process.

    The reason is that the landscape architect knows the climatic conditions and weather patterns of the landscape on which the building construction is to be situated, like the direction of the sun, wind, and how to take advantage of nature to build in a sustainable way that will take advantage of natural light, and so on.

    In Nigeria and West Africa as a whole, this is essential because well-designed landscapes can: reduce urban flooding by managing storm water; lower urban heat through tree canopy and green cover; improve air quality and public health; and provide social and recreational spaces that strengthen communities. Integrating landscape thinking into urban planning helps address both climate and livability challenges.

    How has the field evolved globally, and what lessons can Nigeria and West Africa learn?

    Globally, landscape architecture is clearly about environmental solutions. Unfortunately, many believe that it is all about ornamental gardens. Global trends in landscape architecture reveal that it is highly instrumental in building multifunctional, climate-resilient urban systems (green infrastructure, ecosystem services, climate adaptation).

    Landscape architects today have a seat at every table where environmental discourses are held. The lessons Nigeria and West Africa can learn include the prioritization of multi-purpose green spaces (stormwater + recreation), developing local plant palettes and maintenance models, and embedding landscape thinking into planning and policy rather than treating it as an afterthought. There is a need for country-specific landscape charters and integration of landscape goals into national planning.

    In what ways can landscape architecture address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, such as urban flooding, climate change, and poor city planning?

    As per urban flooding, the use of bioswales, permeable surfaces, retention basins, and thoughtful grading reduces runoff and protects drainage systems. Concerning climate change & heat: tree canopy, green roofs, and strategic planting reduce urban heat islands and sequester carbon. Lastly, in order to improve our approach to city planning, landscape architects can bring a systems view — linking transport, public space, water, and ecosystems — to make cities more livable and resilient. It is important to note that a precautionary approach to planning is very important, and this is the specialty of landscape architecture.

    Can you give examples of projects in Nigeria where landscape architecture has made a clear difference?

    Nigeria actually has some very notable places shaped by landscape architects, though, because the profession was little known until recently, many projects were historically credited only to architects, planners, or engineers. Still, there are landmark cases where landscape architects had a strong hand, especially in tackling erosion, coastal protection, and resort/tourism design. Some of them include Bar Beach / Eko Atlantic, Lagos; Obudu Cattle Ranch & Mountain Resort, Cross River State; UNILAG Campus Landscaping, Lagos; Tinapa Resort, Calabar, Cross River State.

    What will the inauguration of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at UNILAG translate to?

    The new department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Design (University of Lagos)

    On the 26th of August, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, a heartfelt desire of mine and many other landscape architects in Nigeria was fulfilled– The University of Lagos (UNILAG) officially inaugurated its Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design under the newly established Faculty of Architecture, marking a historic step in advancing sustainable design education in Nigeria.

    A journey of several years has now come to fruition. Our very own department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, has been inaugurated. What this means is that we would now have undergraduate courses in landscape architecture and urban design, and we would be able to produce landscape architects with a BLa Degree.

    How do you see this department shaping the future of the profession in Nigeria?

    It will produce more locally trained professionals; foster research relevant to West African contexts (native plants, tropical storm water, maintenance models); and create a critical mass for professional bodies and regulation. Over time, it should improve standards of practice and make landscape input routine in planning and development approvals.

    What role will this department play in equipping the next generation of landscape architects for both local and international relevance?

    By combining local ecological knowledge with international best practice, the department can graduate professionals who understand West African ecosystems, cultural expectations, and infrastructure realities — while also meeting global standards for design, sustainability, and professional practice.

    How can academia and practice collaborate to make the profession more impactful?

    Collaboration ideas (and those reflected in the sector’s calls to action) include: industry placements and internships; joint research on local maintenance and funding models; practitioner-led studios tackling real projects; policy labs to draft landscape charters; and continuing professional development that links graduates to practising firms.

    What advice would you give to young students considering joining this new department?

    I would welcome every young person who loves nature or is curious about how nature can be used to solve environmental problems to join. I would advise them to embrace both science (ecology, horticulture) and design skills. Also, they should attempt to get practical experience early (site work, planting, construction) if possible, and lastly be ready to advocate — the profession still needs public education and policy uptake.

    Why is landscape architecture highly sought after today?

    I like to say that landscape architecture is a profession of the now and a profession of the future. The reason is that the environmental challenges that anthropogenic activities have caused are predicted to cause the greatest impacts in the near future. Also, because cities now need solutions that combine resilient infrastructure, human well-being, biodiversity, and climate adaptation, landscape architects work at that intersection. The profession delivers measurable ecosystem and social benefits, which make it strategically valuable for governments, developers, and communities.

    What are the prospects for young Nigerian and West African professionals entering this field?

    The prospects are encouraging: demand will grow as cities invest in climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and quality public spaces. New academic programmes (like UNILAG’s department), expanding professional societies (SLAN), and regional networks mean more opportunities in practice, consultancy, research, and policy. Success will rely on adaptable skills, local ecological knowledge, and the ability to work across disciplines.

  • Roadmap to non-oil export architecture

    Title: Export Architecture Roadmap,
    The Nigerian and Global Perspectives.
    Author: Bala Yesusfu,
    Reviewer: Justice Ilevbare
    Pagination: 279
    Publisher: University Press Plc

    THERE has been consistent push to discourage government’s over-dependence on oil. This is largely due to the fact that over reliance on the oil sector has not done the country any good hence the urgent need to look at other non-oil sectors like Agriculture, which used to be a major export earner for the country.

    Again, the fall in oil prices in the global market has brought about a sad story on the economy of the country and there are now more than ever before urgent calls for prospects into the non-oil exports.

    The above narrative captures the mindset of Bala Yesusfu, Director, corporate and government affairs, West Africa of Cadbury, in his new book: Export Architecture Roadmap, The Nigerian and Global Perspectives.

    In the book, the author unveils strategies of becoming an exporter in Nigeria and steps required to attain this status by raising and answering questions like, why is export important for individuals and nations? Who gains from exports? What happens to nations that pay little attention to exports?

    In the author’s view, if the government seeks to revamp the non-oil sector to reduce dependence on oil as the only source of foreign exchange, exportation is sine qua non for achievement of that objective.

    It is therefore understandable why the author displayed so much high passion about upgrading of Nigeria’s economy and optimistic that If there are consideration of other non- oil export the country’ earning will grow in leaps and bound.

    There is also a deliberate attempt by the author to enumerate associated risks in export, while at the same time exposing intending exporters to exportable commodities and products, including the countries where they are needed.

    The book looks at the burning issues relating to non-oil export from a global perspective but within the Nigerian context and its further serve as a guide in contemporary export business management.

    Export Architecture Roadmap seeks among others to provide a direction for readers to understand how to draw up an export plan and why export is critical to survival of organisations. It takes the readers through factors such as investing in export business and the requirements for becoming a successful exporter.

    The 17- chapter book clearly provides the readers a very clear focus on issues relating to export and possible solutions to overcoming the challenges thereof. At the launch of the book recently, Bala’s friends and associates were full of praises and encomiums on him for taking the initiative to contribute his quota in providing a roadmap for export architecture for the country.

    “Bala has tried in his book to demystify export and clear the path for more business to rush into this lucrative venture,” Amb. Henry Macaulay said during the launch of the book late last year at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Frank Aigbogun Publisher/CEO BusinessDay Media Limited also highlighted the timely intervention of the book in the Nigerian economy, “Export architecture roadmap is essential read for policy makers in government, and others involved in export story brilliantly and insightfully,” he said.

    According to Managing Director/CEO Cadbury West Africa Amir Shamsi, Bala’s book could not have come at a better time than now “as Nigeria aims to build its second base cargo for its economy other than oil sector.”

    Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and current Emir of Kano, who wrote the foreword, described the book as a compendium of the robust and practical experience of the author in non-oil export business management.

    No doubt, the launch of the book has added impetus to the growing call for a shift in over-dependence in oil sector and providing a road map for emerging and developing countries. The author can be said to be eminently qualified as an authority in non-oil export business management.

    Bala’s use of simple and clear language makes it a book for everyone – students, government, exporters etc and further reinvigorates his interest in driving home his point and spreading the message contained therein.

    For example, chapter one, takes the readers through what export entails and the rationale behind it.

    He defined the word Export as shipping raw, value-added, packaged or refined commodities, products or services from one country to another and further explained why export is critical and how export can change the fortunes of Nigeria with practical example.

    In chapter two, the author takes the readers through what is involved in becoming an exporter. He agreed that it is not possible to wake up just any day and become an exporter – he therefore stressed on the importance of trainings, market research, funding and institutions in the country that provides such funding among others. According to Bala, structuring export business for emerging opportunities is very important.

    In chapter 15, he stressed on issues that surround setting up businesses that will later serve as collateral for loans.

    Among others, a major takeaway from the book is the concept of currency swap, which the author discussed about in the concluding chapter.

    Currency swap, according to Bala is fast gaining traction in international business and the parties involved in this are generally financial institutions that either act on their own or as agent for a non-financial corporation.

    He believes that currency swap has a very great advantage of providing liquidity to exporters in the country. For example he talks about the Nigerian and Chinese industrialist and the benefits that accrue to them. Outlining a major advantage of currency swap, the author said, “The swap will provide Chinese currency (RMB) liquidity to Nigerian businesses, thereby improving the speed, convenience and volume of transaction between the two countries.”

    With graphical details, illustrations and well detailed explanation, the author displayed his versatility in the world of export and proven to be an authority in the field.

    Although, it is difficult to fault any part of the book nevertheless many would consider it too academic and a book that shouldn’t read in a hurry. But be that as it may, Bala’s knowledge and extensive research on the subject matter is worthy of mention and commendable.

  • Reinventing Lagos’ transportation architecture

    The training of bus conductors by the government signals the advent of a new regime of organised public sector transportation in Lagos, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

    With the coming of modern bus terminals, as well as hundreds of bus shelters, that are nearing completion, the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in Lagos State has left no one in doubt of its determination to reinvent transportation.

    That determination was consolidated last week with the training of conductors, a critical factor in the government’s transportation reform.

    Since assuming office, Ambode has enhanced transportation systems, so profoundly that a lecturer at the School of Transportation Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Samuel Odewunmi, described his intervention as, “beyond conceivable threshold”.

    Odewunmi canvassed a robust intermodal system that would maximise the state’s massive investments on road, rail and water transportation.

    In a paper: “Accelerating integrated transport system: rail, road and waterways,” delivered at the second Lagos Traffic Radio Lecture, the don said such development became imperative because of the anticipated migration of more Nigerians due to growing insecurity across the country, which could put pressure on the state’s 23 million population.

    In the last two years, the government has invested hugely on changing the state’s transportation architecture. Ambode inherited an unregulated public transportation system, where the about 18 million population relied on unplanned, unsafe, unreliable and rickety means of transportation – popularly called Danfo – or commercial motorcycle or tricycle for their travels.

    Building on the successes of the strategic transportation masterplan by his prede cessors, which sought to replace the privately-owned commercial transportation with an organised public sector-driven transportation system, the government consolidated on the Lagos State Traffic Law 2012, restricting okada operators from some arterial roads and bridges, and  the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) revolution by introducing a reform that seeks to inject 5,000 maxi buses into the transportation sector over the next three years, under a group franchise operator system that would grant 50, 100 and 200 buses to willing operators.

    In tandem with Odewunmi’s position, The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Ladi Lawanson, at another forum, said the government was determined to revolutionise the rail and waterways transportation, with massive investments to further promote the mass transportation initiative aimed at decongesting city centres and freeing the state of the about two billion man hours lost to gridlock yearly.

    Ahead of the take-off of the pilot phase of the project in November, the government last week confirmed it has updated its databank, disclosing that over 4,000 bus assistants (popularly called conductors) operate in the state.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Mr Phillip Ogunlade, confirmed on Friday that 4000 conductors have been trained on new skill sets that would be needed when the new bus reforms of the government eventually takes off.

    “More than 4,000 members of the Bus Conductor Association of Nigeria (BCAN) have registered with the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI) for training and accreditation in line with our mandate,” Ogunlade said.

    Ogunlade, who refrained from speaking on the transportation policy, confirmed that his agency has trained bus conductors on such skills as customer relations and the requisite roles of a conductor in the new regime.

    BCAN President Mr Israel Adeshola said the training would equip them to function and conform to the state’s reforms on transportation.

    “Over 4,000 members are fully ready to operate along with the new Lagos State transportation reform.”

    While LASDRI would deal with accreditation of operators, which includes drivers, the Directorate of Commuters Service is to provide appropriate gears, including identification badges, uniforms and route numbers for operators.

    “We want to assure the people and the government that our members are fully for the state transformation of transport system. All these we have done to get prepared for the state development plan in the transport system,” he said.

    According to him, the association has enlightened its members that very soon conductor work will no longer be business as usual.

    “The association had trained so many registered members. BCAN wants to ensure no more jumping and hanging on the buses anyhow.

    “We are in line with the state government’s plan on the new transport reform and we enjoin others in the system to key into the system and get registered,” he said.

    Adeshola however appealed to the state government to carry members of the association along with the ongoing reform.

    Planet Projects Managing Director Mr Biodun Otunola said the government was actually pioneering a paradigm class shift.

    According to him, while hitherto the government has continued to invest heavily in making the rich in the society more comfortable, by investing in motorable roads and building more airports across state capitals, the poor, who form the bulk of mass users of the roads across the state are denied comfortable ride.

    Otunola who said the 20,000 passengers who use airports across the country, do so in comfortable environment, while the 12 million passengers who use the road in the state alone, have to queue up under the blazing sun or the rain, without a shelter over their head and rush for rickety buses only to end up becoming a victim of one-chance robbery gangs, operating in commercial vehicles.

    He said it is unacceptable that an average Lagosian spends over 60 percent of his income on transport cost monthly, adding that with the bus reform, cost would be crashed, and safety more assured as government is determined to ensure all operators have  identity cards and wear uniform that would be clearly marked.

    Also on the card would be the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) which allows passengers plan their journey time right from their homes, while travellers would pleasurably walk into the comfort of a terminal purchase their ticket and sit down to wait for their buses at whatever time of the day, adding that when the buses begins operation, they would run a 24 hour schedule.

    Otunola whose firm was behind the construction of laybys which has brought huge relief on critical roads across the city, and bus terminals which is springing up in 10 different locations and about a thousand bus shelters across the state; said Ambode’s massive investments in providing supportive infrastructure for the roads is a major policy shift, as it would for the first time, “give back to the people the real essence of governance where it is most critically needed.”

    “Government must redefine the content of its welfarist offerings. People could choose the kind of education or the type of healthcare, they wanted, but not the road. The road is a leveler. It brings the poor and the rich together and that is where government’s spending should go because it has the capacity to create more wealth,” Otunola said.

    He said all over the world, government make the terminals more inviting and attractive in order to generate a fluid or “itinerant economy” as people spend more on consumption at the terminals, whether road, rail or air.

    The Managing Director Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation (LSFC) Mr Paul Kalejaiye said the government is determined to replicate the same signature projects with which it has been noted on the road on the waterways. Last year, the government unveiled three executive boats and four jet skis in what was seen as a bold attempt to further strengthen the state’s responders on water emergencies.

    Espousing the government’s strides at a public forum recently, Kalejaiye said the government is dredging, clearing and charting new routes, building more jetties, and ensuring a seamless world-class inter-modal system of transportation aimed at promoting the waterways as a better, and more affordable alternative to road transportation.

    But it is on the road mode of transportation that the government seems determined to make the most profound statement with iconic threesome Oshodi interchange, that came with a shopping mall and a 30-bed hotel facility, which is projected to process a million passenger traffic when fully on stream, the Ikeja Terminal, which is projected to accommodate 400,000 passenger traffic, as well as the Oyingbo, Yaba, Ojodu Berger Terminals among others all of which are in various stages of completion.

    The terminals, when completed, would be serviced by a new set of medium or large capacity buses which the Mercedes Benz in Brazil confirmed the first batch of 200 buses is on their way to Lagos.

    Mr Ladi Lawanson, the State Commissioner for Transport, said the government is would commence commercial operations of the buses before the end of the year.

    “In the last couple of months, we did the commissioning of the Ikeja Terminal, which was meant to be the flagship.

    “The Ikeja Terminal would be signaling the beginning of what was going to be the entire project, consisting of 13 terminals including Oyingbo, Yaba.

    “We are using the Ikeja axis as a laboratory where we are going to roll out from,” Lawanson said.

  • Architecture and urban development

    Architecture is one of mankind’s most visible forms of expression. That is what architecture is right from the time of the pyramids in Ancient Egypt to the pantheon of Ancient Greece. Mankind has always expressed his culture through architecture.  Cheikh Anta Diop, the late Senegalese scholar in his monumental study of Egyptology has asserted that Ancient Egypt was a black African civilization. In any case, in the long history of human evolution, we know man became man on the African continent. This is to suggest that Africa has always been in the centre of architecture and any Nigerian architect is following the footsteps of those ancient architects who built edifices in Egypt and followed this up by building the Nubian pyramids, great Zimbabwe, the great mosque of Djenne in Mali, Saint George Church in Ethiopia, Al Azhar University in Cairo and Al-Qarawiyyin University Fez in Morocco which happens to be the two oldest universities in the world.

    Nearer home, we have the exquisitely designed Sankore University in Timbuktu. The pre-Fulani emir of Kano, Muhammadu Rumfa built a grand mosque in the 15th century and invited Muhammad Abd al Karim al Maghili from Tlemcen, now in Algeria, to worship there. Al Maghili was so impressed that he lived in Kano for some time and wrote a book on the obligations of princes and dedicated it to Sarkin Muhammadu Rumfa to advise him on governance. This was almost a century before Niccolo Machiavelli wrote his famous book The Prince.

    The point to make is that the history of architecture is intricately related to the politics, culture and the religion of a people. Religion here does not necessarily mean the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In fact, most of the architectural wonders of the world are associated with Greece, Roman, Persian .Babylonian, Moghul and other Asian monuments and artefacts which are not necessarily connected with the religions of the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East. In other words, the evolution of the urban environment is key to human civilization.  Politics, trade and conquest have however facilitated the spread of any unique civilization in time and space.

    Homo sapiens started as hunters and later food gatherers before they settled into lives of growing and domestication of their food and animals needed for civilized existence. Gradually, man moved from Stone Age to Iron Age where they could make iron tools for defence, offense and domestication and domination of their environment. Most societies evolved along monarchical institutions with the earliest settlers becoming first priests and later kings. Neighbouring settlements coalesced or were conquered to become larger settlements and eventually kingdoms. Some other societies evolved along segmentary or acephalous lines in which societies remained in little settlements. One thing that is clear is that whether societies developed monarchical institutions or republican institutions, no appreciable advancement in human civilization could be made until man evolved into urban settled life. In other words, without urbanization, there can hardly be any kind of civilization whether in the, Hellenic, Roman, Asian or African world. The great civilizations in the Ancient world, whether Ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Chinese, Hellenic, Roman, and the Mogul empire in India flowered after cities emerged. Without cities there can be no Arts, civilized government, houses of worship, planned development, trade, politics and other forms of civilized institutions. The point to make is that villages and rudimentary lifestyles are not synonymous with civilization unless if one believes in the new wave of green politics where zero industries and rural communities and romanticized closeness to nature are the new-fangled dream of post-industrial societies. But in the real world, urban living has been fundamental to the civilized world and this urban life has also shaped man’s view of culture.

    Traditionally, the Greek Architect and town planner Hippodamus of Miletus (500 BC) is regarded as the first town planner and inventor of the orthogonal urban layout. This was the received wisdom until recently when Professor Ahmad Hassan Dani, one of the world’s leading archaeologists revealed interesting details about the ruins at Moenjodaro the 4500 year old city settlement north of Karachi, Pakistan and proclaimed it the oldest planned city in the world. It should be noted that architects in times past built or designed cities not just mere houses, official residences, palaces, chancelleries and offices. For a long time to come, modern town planning was dominated by Grecian-Roman concept of urban life. The iconic cities of Rome, Venice and particularly Paris (La ville Lumiere) bear testimony to this Grecian-Roman legacy. The beautiful cities of Modern Italy, France and the Iberian Peninsula generally bear the imprimatur of the Grecian-Roman legacy. Many of the great cities of Europe like London and Paris were founded by romans or rebuilt by them, thus leaving a legacy of urban planning for the future. It is commonly known that Paris is an excellent city. Paris was conquered in 52 BC by Julius Caesar’s forces building the new Roman city of Lutetia on the old site. But this city has undergone several metamorphoses in the hands of   architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant who so impressed the founding fathers of America that his services were requested for in 1791 to help design their new capital of Washington DC.

    Perhaps the person who had the greatest impact on Paris was the great architect, George- Eugene Haussmann who was hired by Napoleon the third to give the city a new make up between 1852 and 1858. This modernization of Paris has had ramifying effect on city and urban development all over the world since then. Cities were not just built for their functionality alone but for their aesthetics as well. The 19th century saw phenomenal growth in European population and power following the industrialization of Western Europe. This was followed by another age of European expansion overseas. This second wave was different from the earlier phase of peopling the Americas and Australasia. This second age of globalization involved carving out African and Asian countries as colonies and protectorates as markets for European products coming out of their industries. This age of imperialism abroad also saw tremendous growth of European cities. The rapidity of this growth made planning difficult if not haphazard. Most cities became degraded by slums where industrial workers lived in squalid circumstances. The history of urbanization since then has been dominated by what can be called tales of two cities of slums and planned cities side by side with all the consequences of crime and political divisions between  the  haves and have nots creating revolutionary situation in country after country.

    The story of urbanization in Africa and particularly in Nigeria is different from that of Asia and particularly that of the western capitalist world. The Asian story of whatever urban planning that existed until recent times is vitiated by its huge population and until recently technological backwardness.

  • Architecture gets upgrade

    After six years of intensive lobby and preparations by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), the National Universities Commission (NUC), has approved the upgrading of architecture study from a department to a faculty in all Nigerian universities.

    This new policy, which will become operational in a few months, will be preceded by a one-day retreat with all in the academia and professionals towards its implementation.

    The NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdulrasheed Abubakar, made this known in Abuja at the colloquium organised by ARCON.

    Abubakar, who was represented by the Acting Director, Department of Students’ Support Services, NUC, Dr. (Mrs.) Mariam Salle, said the NUC has approved in principle the request by ARCON to upgrade architecture study in Nigeria universities from the departmental to faculty level. She added that a directive would be sent to the universities for immediate implementation. According to her, the request by ARCON was a good one, hence the NUC gave the approval, adding that the approval would no doubt lift the profession of architecture to the next level.

    “The graduate of that course will be better off.  The studies of architecture will definitely be better off with this.  It is a positive development for Nigerian students studying architecture,” she noted.

    Salle urged leaders of the profession to embrace the approval and work towards improving the delivery of the curriculum.

    Reacting to the development, the President, ARCON, Umaru Aliyu, an Architect, said the approval brought great excitement to the body especially when it is considered that ARCON has been on this since 2012. The policy, he hopes, will triple the turning out of architects in the country.

    “Now that study of architecture  has been upgraded to faculty level, it means that more prospective students would be admitted and that will clearly lead to increased number of architects in Nigeria,” Umar said.

    The move, he further revealed, was based on ARCON’s realisation that there is a shortfall of architects in the country, as the nation needs about 18,000 architects to serve the populace.

    He said to get it to this point, ARCON and NIA members both  in public and private were sensitised and reached an accord to support the. initiative.

    The President, NIA, Adibe Njoku, saw the development as a good one for the profession, adding that his members have been part of the initiative since 2012.

  • ‘Security architecture for review’

    If the words of Mr. Rawlings Agada, the Director of Information at the National Assembly, are anything to go by, the security architecture of the National Assembly is imminent.
    Agada told The Nation yesterday that “additional security arrangements are very likely” with a preliminary review of yesterday’s invasion of the Assembly by some hoodlums, who made away with the mace.
    The invasion left no fewer than five members of the National Assembly’s security unit, including the sergeant-at-arms, injured.
    “Five of us sustained varying degrees of injury and were taken to the clinic for treatment on Wednesday but the situation of Sandra, the only female, was worrisome as she was seriously hit in both eyes,” an injured security personnel told The Nation.
    Although there are a number of policemen headed by a DPO at the National Assembly police post, prevalent use of policemen ended after the November 20, 2014 invasion of the National Assembly by hooded men in black uniforms and anti-riot policemen, who locked the five entry points into National Assembly.
    On November 21, the then House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and his colleagues were tear-gassed by policemen who barricaded the main entrance.
    Since then, the National Assembly adopted the global parliamentary practice of putting sergeant-at-arms in charge of security, while policemen only man the outer/main entrance into the complex.
    Some changes, including the appointment of a retired military general, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Sani Dawalis, as the chief sergeant-at-arms were effected in the security arrangements since the resumption of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Sani Omonori.
    Agada said: “Those designated to have equipment have them, while the current paucity of funds may affect some allowances, the National Assembly management has made capacity-building programmes for security personnel high priority.
    “What happened on Wednesday is a national challenge to our security architecture and the lesson learnt will help to strengthen new security arrangements in the National Assembly.
    “We are still studying the situation on ground before issuing any statement; the lives of our staff are involved and we feel concerned,” Agada told The Nation.
    Four years ago, in response to security threats to lawmakers, many of them proposed that security officials under the sergeant-at-arms be provided with the necessary weapons to perform their security functions.
    Senator Ita Enang, then a lawmaker, proposed that the National Assembly should “ensure that every other security personnel within the precinct of the National Assembly is subject to and under the control of the sergeant-at-arms and that no person brings in arms into the chambers or into the premises except it is authorized by the sergeant-at-arms.”
    Contributing to a debate on the matter, other senators supported the idea of granting the sergeant-at-arms full autonomy over all security issues within the assembly.
    “They need to protect us; considering the situation of insurgency, there is a need for the sergeant-at-arms to carry arms and protect the National· Assembly”, Senator Kabiru Gaya said.

  • Entries invited for RIBA International prize for architecture

    The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the 2016 RIBA International Prize, a new global architecture award for the world’s best new building.

    The RIBA International Prize will be awarded to a building of any type or budget and in any country, which exemplifies design excellence, architectural ambition and which delivers meaningful social impact.

    The prize is open to any qualified architect in the world, and entries close on the 8 March 2016.

    The winner will be chosen by a Grand Jury led by acclaimed architect RICHARD ROGERS and including KUNLÉ ADEYEMI, founder and principal of NLÉ,  MARILYN JORDAN TAYLOR FAIA, the dean of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Fine Arts and PHILIP GUMUCHDJIAN, founder of Gumuchdjian  Architects, Chair of RIBA’s awards committee.
    The full jury will be announced in due course.

    RIBA’s rigorous judging process will see two expert panels of jurors visit each of the shortlisted buildings twice in person, before the
    Grand Jury selects six finalists to visit once more to decide on the winning building.
    An additional prize, the RIBA International Emerging Architect Prize, will be awarded to a building designed by a practice whose oldest
    founding director is under the age of 40 at the time of the building’s completion.

    “We are thrilled to launch this new award to recognise and celebrate architectural excellence across the world. It is our intention that the RIBA International Prize will uncover the world’s most innovative and visionary architecture and spark local and global debates about the positive impact that well-designed buildings and places can have on their communities and environment.”  RIBA President Jane Duncan said.

  • ‘My journey from architecture to image grooming’

    ‘My journey from architecture to image grooming’

    Jackie Omotosho is an architect, a writer, model and pastor. She has just written a book on the practice and influence of elegance because she believes that it is important to look good, which comes from God and within. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, she talks about her passions, looking good, as well as life in the ministry.

    WHY did you study architecture?

    I am an artist and I went to an architectural school in London. A professional school in London and I went in there, came back to Nigeria and just realised that I needed to change.

    Did you do anything with it?

    Well, I built one or two houses,  then I just stopped doing that and then did some interior designs, décor and ended up doing centre pieces in  the US.

    You look really elegant in your outfit. How did you put this together?

    It is just a rule to be elegant. I like a simple colour; especially one colour tone and these are some of the things I wrote in my book. It is important to note that every day is not a colourful day. If you want to stay in your personality, then you should stay in your seasonal colours.

    What is life in the ministry like?

    We have a ministry in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and we are pastoring right now in the United States. I enjoy ministry because of transformed lives. For me, just working in the ministry and hearing his voice gives me the privilege.

    How long have you been doing this?

    About 19 years. When I got the call, I was led by an audible voice to go and join the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the Rockview seminar and that was how we started. We started growing and everything fell into place.

    Let’s talk about your book. What is it about? Is it your first book?

    Yes, it is my first book. It’s a two volume book and it is called The practice, influence of elegance: Inside Out. It’s about grooming your image to fulfil your divine destinies.

    The elegant can be assisted by an image consultant who helps us to be ‘sharper’ who ensures that we are groomed to be elegant. The book can serve as your image consultant.

    However, for more detailed, personal grooming, you can employ an image consultant whose job is to understand the use of colours, styles, accessories, hair, makeup, poise, posture, etiquette, good nutrition and exercise to improve your image and presentation.

    He or she also carefully guides you on managing your media and personal image, verbal and non verbal communication skills, and understands how to maximise your potential, and will make sure you are elegant, thereby improving and showing off your personality and strengthening your professional and personal life.

    The book also deals with your inner man, allowing your inner and outer beauty to be apparent in order to glorify God. A dull image requires much strength or effort to overcome. The wisdom here is the wisdom of elegance, to be polished or finished. When we walk in the wisdom or skill of elegance, it will bring success. If we do not apply this wisdom, we may have to wait, and walk through rejections, not being good enough, not making a good impression at first sight.

    This can be costly.

    We could miss opportunities even though we may be qualified. While if we are polished and making a good impression on people around us, we may obtain better jobs, work fewer hours, earn more money, and accomplish more. When we apply the wisdom of this kind of excellence, because it brings success it grants more access, and prominence; thus an auspicious achievement will be inevitable.

    This wisdom is also found in God. Therefore, it is good to know what God has to say about modelling and pageantry and the wisdom of elegance. Elegance is like God’s goodness – being good, doing right, faring well or welfare while rejoicing. The lord makes you glad and beautiful. True elegance must give glory to God. It should make people not to be just aware of you, but give glory to God for the beauty you radiate.

    How did the idea start?

    The idea has been there for a while, not that I had the topic but I always found myself correcting postures; how to take the right steps and much more. I have done this all my life and when we got to the States and I saw how informal they can be, I like to be informal but I believe that when things should be formal, then it should be formal.

    From there, I went to a modelling school, which was unusual for a pastor’s wife.  There I understood some of the corrections that I had been making, adjusting facial looks and I ended up writing about it because it had a positive outcome and I wanted to pass on the information to others.

    What is the name of the modelling school you went to?

    It’s called Flairs Casablanca School of Modelling. It is in North Carolina in the United States.

    How did you find the experience?

    It was fun and interesting. It has always helped to show my personality and minister with it.

    Are there some people that you consider as your role models or mentors?

    Yes, I wrote about one of them in my book. Her name is Coco Channel, she grew up in an orphanage and fate left her to grow and she ended up being a fashion artist. She started changing fashion from the voluminous look to what you have now. She introduced life and elegance to fashion and I like to talk about her.

    When you are not doing all this, what are the other things that occupy your time?

    I have five children. It’s great looking after them and the ministry is something I love to do.

    What are your expectations of pageant management in Nigeria?

    I am trusting God to be able to add my own value to what’s going on. To be a beauty queen, you must be elegant. It is not the usual thing; your posture and outlook matter a lot. I remember that there was a time that I was in London and I saw this Miss Nigeria and I thought there was a way she could have carried herself.

    How would you describe the Nigerian fashion scene?

    There’s a lot of creativity going on right now. I am excited. One of the things that I wrote about in the book includes the principles and element of fashion, which I think people should look at.

    I am expecting more change. Things that would have a flavour and it would be respected everywhere in the world.

    If you had to advise Nigerian women, what would you tell them?

    I would tell them that you do not need to be wealthy to be elegant. You don’t need to be wealthy to show your personality. I would advise them to maintain integrity. You don’t need to try to impact on your community, show more of integrity in the things that you do.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    I love God; He is number one. My husband is number two; he taught me how to correct people without shouting. When I came back home, I saw a lot of people correcting their subordinates by shouting at them. Of course, he let me go into modelling even though we are ministering. For modelling, I did a fashion show for Flairs Casablanca as well as model for Macy’s.

  • Reward for men of design

    Reward for men of design

    An award to reward excellence in designing and architecture has been held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    ON Saturday October 5 , the maiden edition of the Interior Designers and Excellence Awards (IDEA) held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    It was to advance the profession through international recognitions and reward those who have excelled in the field.

    Earlier, the second yearly IDEA conference held at the same venue. Notable speakers from across the globe discussed issues affecting the sub-sector.

    Founder of IDEA in Nigeria Mrs Titi Ogufere said the conference was necessary to promote interaction and exchange ideas.

    The dinner that evening was what they needed to relax and unwind. It was exciting, informative and entertaining.

    The ambience was right. It was a black tie occasion and guests were resplendent in their dressings. While the men wore black suits, white inner shirts and black bowties, the women were charming in black, long and short gowns. Those who came with their spouses clutched them close to their sides and walked through a black carpet that was laid for them. Some others stopped and posed for snap shots by the paparrazzis.

    Soon, an artiste, Dare Art-Alade brought guests back to reality with his sharp voice. He led others in the rendition of the National Anthem. From then on, he became the Master of Ceremony (MC) for the evening.

    The cultural group of the Crown Troupe of Africa set the tone of the event with a colourful performance.

    There was also a documentary on IDEA.

    It was followed by the first set of awards:The Architecture Awards, which came in quick succession.

    The Design Group, which built the Intercontinental Hotel, got the award for Best Hospitality Architects; Best Institutional Architects went to James Cubitt for designing the Civic Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Lagos. It also received the award for commercial architects for Diamond Bank Drive.

    Other awardees were: Tarino Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, which recieved Consultants Collaborative Partnership Award for Best Architectural Flats. The Hagin got the ACCL Best Domestic Architects and the Young Architect of the Year was MIA with his Home project.

    There was a break, during dinner where a pretty diva, Zaina, performed. She appeared in a shiny white gown and thrilled guests with her sonorous voice.

    There was laughter galore when award-winning comedian Bovi mounted the podium; he thrilled with his rib-cracking jokes. The audience gave a resounding applause.

    The second part of the awards was for interior designs.

    The Best Interior Architects award was bagged by AD Consultant for its housing project in Victoria Garden City (VGC); Best Show room award was won by Agatha Interior Designs; Best Retail Designer went to Episode Interiors; IO Furniture bagged the award for Best Residential Designer, Best Hospitality Design with Pearlwort Hotel and Best made-in-Nigeria furniture.

    Omar Gardens went home as the Best Garden Designer. It designed the Residential Development in Lekki while the best Product of the Year is Ill Bagno Showroom in Lekki.

    The climax of the occasion was the musical presentation by Olubankole Wellington with the stage name Banky W. He thrilled with his ‘Yes-No’ hit, which guests hummed.

    Among personalities at the event were President of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers, Shashi Caan; National President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Ibrahim Haruna and others.