By ‘Dotun Akintomide
To address the challenges that come with Lagos burgeoning population and its shrinking environmental space, this year’s Lagos Architects’ Forum (LAF 9.0) will proffer solutions targeted at enhancing a sustainable environment with new building technology.
According to the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Chapter, Arc. Fitzgerald Umah, urgent actions need to be taken in developing adequate housing plan and policy using the right materials and concepts that would have wider applications for residents of a city that prides itself as the most populous in the African continent.
“At this year’s event, we are going to be looking at the shrinking nature of the Lagos environment. The space we have in Lagos is shrinking because of the population that we have. It’s the responsibility of all stakeholders and policy makers to plan where to build, how to build and the proper material to use.”
Dubbed: ‘Architectural Regeneration 1- The Lagos Response,’ the event billed to hold at Eko Hotel, Lagos between 9th – 12th May, will have in attendance local and foreign experts in the built environment to broaden the knowledge of participants on current trends in the sector, including the application of modern-age materials in the construction industry for quality work delivery.
Umah, who briefed journalists in Lagos highlighted keynote speakers for the event to include: Bill Chomik, a leading Canadian architect; Roman Oseghate, an architect and business analyst; Jennifer Mpyisi from Uganda; David Majekodunmi, a leading Nigerian architect; Femi Majekodunmi, British-Nigerian architect and contingents from the Austrian embassy amongst others.
He added, the event will be declared open by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
At the forum, the NIA Lagos Chairman disclosed that the database on urban population which will project the future of Lagos state in the next ten years with analysis on what the stakeholders need to do in addressing any situation that may affect the building sector in the future will be released by Roman Oseghale, a renowned architect and business analyst.
He noted that the event will produce a policy document that will help policy makers in policy formulation to join the rest of the developed world in environmental sustainability.
“LAF has now become an international brand, we are now having cross international participants, we have forged allegiances with international organizations. This is as a result of the influence LAF has had in the built environment. At the end of last year’s edition, we came into a conclusion that the next one will be a response from where we are coming from. That’s why we picked the theme for this year as “Architectural Regeneration 1- The Lagos Response.” What this means is that we have reviewed what has happened last year and what will be our response this year.” Umah stated.
On his own part, Chapter’s General Secretary of the Institute, Arc. Samson Akinyosoye said for the purpose of integrating young professionals into the profession, professionals who are just coming into the system will be given adequate lecture and mentorship. He said it will help in moulding young architects into thorough-bred professionals for the future.
