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Nigeria’s Modern Building Boom: Are We Sacrificing Function for Form

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As an architect and observer of architectural trends, I have noticed an increase in popularity of modern architecture in Nigerian residential buildings. The style, characterized by prominent horizontal and/or vertical elements, flat roofs, and large windows, is becoming prevalent among young clients and architects due to its unique look. However, I am concerned about its suitability to the Nigerian climate and ease of maintenance. The flat roofs can cause interior spaces to heat up faster and are prone to leaks, while large windows retain heat within the building. I question if function should come before form in architectural design and the public’s perception of these buildings.

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2 types of Clients: Navigating the Architect-Client Relationship

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The blog post discusses two types of clients that architects may encounter: Client A, who is a gentle client who trusts the architect’s work and does not interfere with design ideas, and Client B, who is an informed/exposed client who is confident in their own ideas but lacks architectural skills. Client A is considered a dream client for architects while client B can be both interesting and difficult to work with.

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wind and buildings

Blown Away: Lessons Learned from a Wind-Damaged Building

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I observed wind damage to my office building and surrounding buildings and reflected on what could have been done to prevent or limit the damage. I noted that buildings with reinforced concrete roofs and thicker roofing materials fared better against the strong winds. I also mentioned that proper anchoring and pinning of ceilings, use of windbreakers like trees, and avoiding poor roofing practices can help reduce wind damage. I also mentioned that older buildings seemed to withstand the wind better than newer ones and I wondered if older architects know something that the newer ones don’t.

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The King And Queen Of Ozumba: Civic Center and tower, Lagos

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I was visiting Lagos and came across the Civic Centre and Tower on Ozumba Mbadiwe street. The tower had a large, detailed crown, which made me think of it as the “king” of the buildings. The civic center, on the other hand, had a smaller, more intricately detailed crown, making it the “queen.” The tower’s crown appeared too small for its size, leaving me wondering if another “king” building was planned for the future.

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Maryland Mall Vs Ikeja Mall, Lagos

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I sometimes wonder about the emotional impact architecture has on people. Recently, I observed the Ikeja and Maryland malls in Lagos, Nigeria and wondered what personality they would have if they were people. The Ikeja mall reminded me of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water house and I found it to be “mature, quietly bold yet relaxed.” On the other hand, I was disappointed by the design of the Maryland mall and described it as a “big black box” that did not fit in with the surrounding neighborhood. I found that these buildings evoked strong emotions in me and I will not forget them easily.

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Building an Online Presence: How Blogs Can Help Architectural Firms Stand Out

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This blog post discusses how blogs can be used as a free platform to showcase works, specifically for architectural firms. It compares blogs and websites and mentions popular blog sites such as Blogger and WordPress. It also mentions how to change the domain name of a blog from a .blogspot extension to a custom domain name for a fee. I mentioned my personal experience creating a Blogger website for my architectural firm and then moving to a WordPress site for a more impressive and “website-like” design.

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How a Quack can become an Architect

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Quackery in architecture is the practice of providing architectural services without fulfilling the requirements to work as a registered architect. This can include professionals from other fields, partially trained architecture students/graduates, individuals who have acquired architectural skills on-site, and untrained individuals who use design software. To become an architect, one must acquire a degree in architecture and be licensed by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) or the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA). The process of registering with ARCON involves passing professional practice exams and working closely with both ARCON and NIA.

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Navigating the Road to Building Ownership: A Step-by-Step Guide for Procuring and Constructing Your Dream Building

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The article explains the process of procuring a building in Nigeria, where mortgage services aren’t readily available. The process involves several stages and several professionals trained to assist a potential building owner, including building professionals and building contractors. The article also outlines 5 stages to follow when desirous of a building, starting with contacting a professional in the building industry, and ending with the nominated contractor being mobilized to the site where he works under the routine supervision of the professionals.

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