buildings

parametric architecture

From Victorian to Parametric: The Emerging Trends in Architecture

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The blog post discusses the evolution of architectural trends over time, and how societal and cultural trends influence the forms and styles of buildings. It starts with a brief introduction of the term “emerging expression of the age” and how architectural expressions of the age have been shaped by various factors throughout history. The post then goes on to discuss current trends such as sustainable/green architecture and parametric design, as well as past trends such as postmodern architecture and brutalism. The post aims to empower architects and designers to stay ahead of the curve by being able to anticipate and incorporate the latest architectural styles and movements into their designs.

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Lagos Most Beautiful Building – Kingsway Tower

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I recently visited Lagos, Nigeria and came across a building that I believe is the most beautiful in the city. The building, called the Kingsway Tower, is located on Alfred Rewane Street in Ikoyi. As I approached the building from the Falomo Bridge, I was struck by its large curvilinear shading device suspended on its curtain walls, separated by layers of draping plants that reach the full height of the building. Admiring the building made me think about the role of architects and what separates a great architect from an average one. I realized that it’s not just about design, but also the architect’s ability to stay versatile and updated with building components, materials, techniques, and technology, as well as the ability to produce sufficient specifications and details to reduce ambiguity and promote clarity for the building contractor

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buildings disability friendly

How To Make Buildings Disability Friendly – 6 Easy Ways

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The Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act has been signed into law in Nigeria, making it an offence to discriminate against People Living With Disability (PLWD). This article is discussing ways to make buildings more accessible and disability-friendly. It highlights 6 ways that can be implemented by architects during design, and mentions that many buildings are currently inaccessible to PLWD, such as revolving doors in Nigerian banks. The Act speaks directly to public buildings and makes it mandatory for architects in Nigeria to design disability-friendly buildings.

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Why Our Buildings Are Loosing Characters – And How To Fix Them

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I observed that when driving within most city centers and built-up areas in Nigeria, there is an increasing loss of character in newer buildings when compared to those built several decades back. This is most obvious in the premises of universities where various buildings from different decades can be seen together. This increase in character loss is not applicable to every new building, however, it applies to the majority of contemporary buildings built lately. I argue that this poses a problem to architecture as it gives our urban environment a bland and boring appearance, also, it fails to excite those living in and around them, thus taking an emotional toll on people. Lastly, it is likely to impact the real estate value of properties in these localities and ultimately their economics. I set out to understand why our buildings are becoming increasingly boring and how this can be fixed.

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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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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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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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