EKOTECTURE QUARTERLY #2 (2)

EQ FROM THE CHAIR’S DESK TABLE OF CONTENTS Dear colleagues, From the Chair’s Desk ……………………………....... 1 Editorial ………………………………………………………... 2 It is with great pride that I welcome you to the 2nd edition of our E-magazine- Guest Commentary: Role Of Architects In Nature Conservation …… 3 Ekotecture Quarterly! It promises to be an exciting and informative edition with Sustainable Design Quiz………………………………………….4 special emphasis on the National Theatre and sustainability. Also, there are Archi-Lecture Series: Thinking About Energy Efficiency .……… 4 projects in focus, new trends and many more. Feature Article: The National Theatre: The Sleeping Monument …… 7 Vox Pop: Have We As Architects Ceded Some Traditional Roles/Services To Specialists? As we are about to enter the 2nd quarter of the year, I would like to use this ................................................................................... 15 opportunity to remind you all about the LAGOS ARCHITECTS FORUM- LAF 2017 Eko Sights & Feel ……………………………………………....... 17 holding at Eko Hotel Expo Centre between the 10th and 13th of May 2017. This Photo Gallery of Dinner with Mr. President………………..19 event promises to be a great one as we have scaled up the event in many ways. We also have eminent guests and speakers from within and outside the country 1 who have confirmed their attendance. Some of which include: HRM Nnameka Alfred Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Carlo Toson, Joe Ado, Jennifer Mpysi, Kunle Adeyemi etc. While I thank you for your continued support to the State Chapter events, I would also like to encourage you to actively participate in other aspects such as Publications, Education, Event Planning, Exhibitions etc. Many thanks to all those who contributed to this publication as our Chapter continues to be the best amongst others. Happy reading! Arc Fitzgerald Umah, MNIA, RIBA Cover photo and insert courtesy of ACCL & GoUNESCO NIA LSC Chairman

EDITORIAL EQ natural resources and pushed other life-forms to extinction. Architects and Happy New Year and welcome to the sophomore edition of Ekotecture Quarterly engineers have long been fingered as accomplices to this degradation. Take for (EQ)! It comes rather timely as Lagos State clocks 50 years and prepares to example the controversy over the proposed Cross River State superhighway celebrate this milestone. project which is meant to pass through fragile forest reserves and forest- dependent communities. It has sparked off strong protests from WWF and other Serendipitously, we selected the National Theatre, Iganmu, as our iconic building international environmental groups. So how do we help strike a balance between for EQ#2 and later gathered that it is also meant to be the fulcrum of activities urbanization and conservation? As Lagos sprawls at either end towards Epe and for Lagos@50. As such, there are plans by government to resuscitate the national Badagry, large portions of vegetation are being cleared daily for ‘site and services’ monument. We applaud this while hoping that all efforts will go beyond these or to build estates with literally no trees or soft landscaping. Borrowing the celebrations like it went beyond FESTAC ‘77. Incidentally, the annual Lagos alliterative phrase of folk singer Joni Mitchell: we have “paved paradise and put Theatre Festival just ended about a week ago and the National Theatre was not up a parking lot”. at its epicentre. We cannot deny, however, the sad realities of its present status which hinder it from assuming a more pivotal role. Which begs the question: whatever happened to Organic Architecture and Frank 2 Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of harmonizing buildings with nature? Did it die with As with our first feature article in December last year- Independence House: The the Masters? What have we done with our basic training in landscape design? Invisible Tower, EQ sought to unravel the situation and hope that our article will Have we ceded that knowledge to specialists? Is such ceding now inevitable provoke germane discussions on another long-neglected edifice. Special thanks considering industrial growth and technical demands of our profession or have to the team at The National Theatre for their support and co-operation and to we all just become lazy? Shouldn’t we try to encourage specialization in Arc. Plamen Todorov, CEO Secura Investments Ltd., Abuja, for his priceless Architecture as is done in Medicine and Law rather than ceding such roles to information on the Theatre, having been in partnership with the original outsiders? Are our days as Jack of all trades over? This edition’s Vox Pop samples Bulgarian builders before they folded up. We believe that the key word to any various opinions on the matter. National Theatre discourse and Architecture as a whole is Sustainability: a familiar word that resonates from our first ArchiLecture series in EQ#1 . This one We have a new feature column called Eko Sights and Feel where we showcase focuses on Energy Efficiency. relatively recent building developments in Lagos and interesting materials that are getting attention in the mega-city. This is to keep members abreast with new In line with the general theme, we decided to invite Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, trends and developments. one of Nigeria’s foremost environmentalists and a council member of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to intimate us on the architect’s Finally, we sincerely appreciate all the comments & feedback received from expected role in nature conservation and resource management- both critical to readers following the launch of EQ and hope you enjoy EQ#2. Happy reading! sustainability. Human development and urbanization have significantly depleted ARC. CLAUDE OPARA mnia Chairman, Publications Committee NIALSC & Editor

GUEST COMMENTARY EQ biggest problem humanity has ever faced.” Barrack Obama stated that “this is the ROLE OF ARCHITECTS IN NATURE CONSERVATION first generation to feel the effects of climate change but the last that can prevent Architects as part of the solution to humanities biggest problem it from becoming unstoppable and catastrophic.” Notable intellectuals like Howard Stern, Kofi Anan, and Bill Gates are all saying that we are fast approaching Over the years, the development of urban areas has had a very negative impact on the environment. Places that were once pristine green spaces, offering a tipping point where the process of essential life supporting eco services like generating oxygen, transmitting rain, the degradation of our planetary life maintenance of biodiversity, stabilization of the soil and atmosphere have been support systems would become transformed into concrete jungles. Not only has the development of these urban irreversible and we would in the spaces impacted negatively on the in situ ecosystems, but the actual process of words of Britain’s Prince Charles be these developments has exacted a very high carbon footprint, especially with the “bequeathing unto our children a advent of the use of cement and steel, which require copious amounts of energy poisoned chalice”. A legacy that no to produce. Likewise the energy demands that these habitats require either for one in their right mind would wish to heating or cooling also exact a continuous and increasing carbon footprint. The endow to their offspring. bulk of this energy is still produced from burning fossil fuels, which is a high emitter of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, which has now increased in the The 11th hour has long passed and 3 earth’s atmosphere from the post ice age ratio of 288 PPM to the current 400 the time has now come when we PPM. This is what is now rapidly driving the earth’s average temperature beyond must all take urgent and drastic measures to curtail this onslaught on our 1 degree centigrade towards 2 degrees, beyond which spontaneous release of planetary life support ecosystems. The good news is that it is not too late yet, but hundreds of millions of tons of methane trapped under the Arctic permafrost bed it soon will be. Architects, being the visionaries that they are, occupy a unique would start to occur, spiraling the global warming, unleashing massive ocean rise position to make a considerable contribution towards reducing our carbon and unprecedented violent weather occurrences with catastrophic footprint, which is the main culprit driving global warming. By deploying the latest consequences. “green” technology which would include using recycled material, high insulation products, sustainably produced organic material, clean energy systems, low The reality of climate change might indeed be an \"inconvenient truth\" as former energy consumption dwellings/work spaces and blending this with some of our US Vice President Al Gore has called it, but it is certainly not \"fake news\" as own African habitat concepts and ensuring that all building and landscape designs espoused by Donald Trump. With 2017 being the hottest year ever recorded, the incorporate a maximum amount of plants, green spaces and trees, taking truth is incontrovertible. Humanities carbon footprint has become too large and cognizance of our green recovery program, the architect can stop being part of if we allow it to continue this way, according to the International Panel for Climate the problem and start being part of the solution. A word is enough for the wise. Change it will trigger off an irreversible and catastrophic climatic breakdown. Former SG of the UN Ban Ki-moon stated that “tackling climate change is the Desmond Majekodunmi Environmentalist / Creation carer/Member, NCF Executive Council

EQ For further information on “green” designs and building, one of many useful sites is the ARCHILECTURE Centre for Alternate Technology Wales, where Mr Majekodunmi was privileged to spend some time on a steep learning curve. http://www.cat.org.uk/index.html Thinking about Energy Efficiency Sustainable Design Quiz It is time to join other nations in actively addressing energy efficiency in our built environment to reduce the adverse effects of climate change. Nigeria recently 1. Sustainable planning considers environmental, social, and _______ impacts of a joined the Paris Agreement by signing the first-ever universal, legally binding building. global climate deal. Nigeria committed to reducing “Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 45 per cent in line 2. This is a reusable building material from demolished buildings when constructing with Nigeria’s intended nationally determined contributions”. With an new buildings. implementation period from 2015-2030, one of the key measures is a 2% per year energy efficiency (30% by 2030)1. How can the building industry contribute 3. What does H in HIA stand for? towards this goal? 4. What does the second E in LEED stand for? 5. A sustainable building is integrated into the natural and _______ settings of its The building industry in developed countries is evolving, education and policies 4 concerning sustainable development, energy efficiency and use of renewable location. energy systems for buildings have progressed to an advanced stage. Experimental 6. ____________ is not considered a renewable energy source? Studies, Research, Energy and Building Codes provide direction to stakeholders to 7. Building orientation is the __________ of a building on a site. reduce the impact of the built environment on our natural environment. In 8. Ozone-depleting substances are commonly found in which products? addition, various sustainable rating systems for buildings such as BREEAM 9. Salvaging of bricks and stones from an old building for use in a new building is an (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), the Living Building Challenge (which is the world’s most rigorous performance standard), example of what type of practice? PassivHaus, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Globe 10. The most harmful ultra-violet radiation from the sun is ________________ etc. are used to reduce the ecological footprint, resulting in low-energy buildings. wavelengths. Nigeria needs to develop its own sustainable rating system, just as South Africa 11. A _______________ building material can be made into new products again and developed Green Star SA; Japan, CASBEE; UAE, Pearl Rating System for Estidama; Hong Kong, Beam etc. Similarly, it is time to improve standards for our building again. envelope, as it concerns energy efficiency or recommend energy efficient 12. _________________ is not an inert material? 13. A Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is a management tool tailor-made to evaluate the building performance _____________________tenant occupancy. 14. Greenhouses are built of ___________________ 15. The father of Sustainable Architecture is _______ Economic, Historic, Bricks, Paint, Heritage, Frank L. Wright, Environmental, Green trees, Cultural, Solar, Coal, Emissions, Positioning, Design, Refrigerants, Ecohousing, Reusage, Van der Rohe, After, UVA, UVB, Veritas, Bamboo, During, Recyclable, Political, Glass, Heat, R. Vale. 1 Executive summary of Nigeria’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution http://www4.unfccc.int/submissions/INDC/Published%20Documents/Nigeria/1/Executive%20Summary_Nigerian%20INDC_27 1115.pdf

refrigeration or air conditioning systems which have higher COPs (coefficient of EQ performance) and therefore translate to lower operating costs. There is a need engineers when sizing air conditioning units or cooling loads and therefore to adopt the integrated design process (IDP), which is a holistic approach to high undermines the cooling process of indoor spaces. There are other advantages of performance building design and construction, to make an impact towards controlled air infiltration such as improved indoor air quality (keeps dust, pollen energy efficiency. Figure 1 shows that the earlier in the process that IDP occurs, and car exhaust fumes out of buildings) and improved thermal comfort of building the greater the impact on building performance and the lower the impact on occupants. costs. In buildings that do not use mechanical means of ventilation a certain amount of 5 Energy efficiency commencing with the building envelope is the first step to air infiltration is necessary (values between 0.2-0.5 air changes per hour (ACH) significantly reducing energy consumption or achieving net-zero energy in are recommended for residential buildings and 1.0 ACH for commercial buildings. The building envelope comprises of the roof, external walls and the buildings)2. Uncontrolled air infiltration might lead to the installation of additional ground floor. For a building envelope to be assumed to perform well it has to air conditioning units by homeowners because previously installed air effectively separate the external climate from the internal climate conditioning units are not performing as designed causing thermal discomfort. (unconditioned space from conditioned space). Some important factors to This increases the energy consumption in buildings unnecessarily, requiring the consider are heat conduction and radiation through walls and roofs, solar installation of bigger generators or the need for higher energy supply from the radiation through windows and uncontrolled air infiltration. power grid. Benefits of early Typical building integration (IDP) energy consumption in Uncontrolled air tropical infiltration through countries3 windows, curtain walls, window Heat transfer walls, doors, cracks due to solar in block work or at radiation on bad transition opaque parts of areas i.e. roof to the building wall or wall to floor, allows unconditioned outdoor air to come into conditioned envelope like walls and roofs is of considerable importance. Heat gain from roof indoor spaces. This unconditioned air was not taken into account by mechanical systems account for 70% of the total heat gain in buildings4. Though only 39% of the sun’s heat energy is absorbed by aluminum roofing sheets5 (depending on 2 C.A. Ibe, E.E. Anyanwu, 2013 “Principles of Tropical Air Conditioning” 4 K.C.K. Vijaykumar, P.S.S. Srinivasan, S. Dhandapani, 2007 “A Performance of Hollow Tiles Clay laid on Reinforced 3 A.R. Katili, R. Boukhanouf, R. Wilson, “Space Cooling in Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates – a Review of the Concrete Roof for Tropical Summer Climates”. Effect of Humidity on the Applicability of Existing Cooling Techniques. 5 Berdahl 2000. “Cool Roofing Materials Database”. LBNL

colour), it is necessary to ensure that roof spaces are adequately ventilated and EQ insulated to create ‘cool roofs‘. loans or innovative financing for developers and homeowners to address the issue of initial cost. If not adequately ventilated and insulated, ceilings made of Polyvinyl Chloride 5. Government agencies should lead-by-example by ensuring that they (PVC) or Gypsum (POP) act like heat radiators as a result of a furnace-like build and manage more energy-efficient buildings and reduce their GHG environment in roof spaces (during hot days temperatures could reach 66°C or emissions7. higher, in contrast to 28°C of a well-designed roof in the same conditions)6. Heat is transmitted by roofing materials to air in roof spaces, which in turn heats ceiling 6 materials that then radiate heat into conditioned living spaces below. Heated air also finds its way through cracks and openings in ceilings or ceiling grids to Effect of Roof Surface Properties conditioned spaces below, rendering air conditioning ineffective and thereby increasing energy consumption. Energy efficiency should be analysed throughout the lifecycle of a building and A reasonable window to wall ratio (WWR), solar shading devices and building should be seen as an opportunity not an orientation are some other passive means to improve the efficient use of energy imposition, because buildings constitute at in our built environment. We need to design sustainable and energy efficient least 40% of energy use in most countries8 structures, if we hope to join other nations in implementing the Paris agreement, causing emissions that are a problem for but it should all start with the Architect who is a leader in the design community climate change. and building industry. Oscar-George U. Emuwa MRAIC, ANIA, To help promote building envelope improvements certain measures should be put in place: MAATO 1. A focus on providing information and education on the potential benefits of energy-efficiency home improvements or initiatives, with both academic and professional engagements. 2. Commencement of research and development (R&D), both government and private participation which will support advancement in building materials and practices. 3. Development of regulatory policies and enactment of building and energy codes that ensure sustainable development. 4. Provision of financial incentives such as tax credits, rebates, low-interest 6 B. Urban, K. Roth, 2010. “Guidelines for Selecting Cool Roofs”. 8 Energy efficiency in Buildings (EEB), Summary Report 7 Centre for climate and energy solutions, https://www.c2es.org/technology/factsheet/BuildingEnvelope https://www.c2es.org/docUploads/EEBSummaryReportFINAL.pdf

THE NATIONAL THEATRE EQ THE SLEEPING MONUMENT KEY FACTS  Location: Iganmu, Lagos  Iconic value: Nigeria’s foremost national monument and landmark  Project Team: Arch. Kolchev, Arch. M. Marinov, Engr. Petko Milev, Engr. Hristo Kolev, Engr. Vute Katev, Engr. Lukan Savov (mech. engr) ; Theatre Consultative Committee  Project Manager: Engr. Pancho Kadiiski (late)  Height: 31+m (7 storeys)  Coverage: 23,000sq.m  Complex size; 110 hectares  Years of construction: 1973- 75  Year commissioned: 1976  Contractor: Technoexportsroy  Ring road: Julius Berger theatre. Two years earlier, a military 7 delegation under General Gowon had The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Sydney Opera House, Taj Mahal, Statue of Liberty… come across the Palace of Culture and Palace of Culture and Sports, Varna, Without mentioning their respective countries, these landmarks give their Sports in Varna, Bulgaria and was Bulgaria (built in 1968) locations away. The National Theatre is perhaps Nigeria’s closest response. fascinated by it. Later, our National Located on the outer fringes of the old Lagos Mainland and beside Eko Bridge, Theatre was to become a replica. In the National Theatre is a striking masterpiece of architecture and ingenuous 1975, the new edifice, three times engineering which cannot be ignored. bigger, was completed in Iganmu by Technoexportstroy, a Bulgarian While Part One of this article discusses the background, concept, structural construction company, who also built framework and detailed walk-through of the functionalities of the complex, Part the Eko Hotel Complex in Victoria Two deals with practical and cost-effective ways of bringing the complex back to Island. life and maximizing its potentials even to date. The National Theatre was built as a home for the National Troupe and as a centre PART 1 to preserve and promote black culture and the arts. Besides FESTAC ’77, which it hosted impressively, it soon became a melting pot for both foreign and local BACKGROUND artistes, hosting the likes of Hubert Ogunde, Stevie Wonder, Miriam Makeba, Shalamar, Kool & the Gang, the Whispers and a host of Motown Hits as facilitated In 1973, the Federal Government appointed a 29-Member Theatre Consultative by the emerging Silverbird Group at the time. Committee to advise on the concept and organizational structure of a national

EQ The Concept Structural Framework Used During Its Construction On plan, it is a series of concentric circles on various levels around a cylindrical The Entrances core while in elevation, its distinct feature is a synclastic or saddle-like shell. Though its precursor in Bulgaria uses the shell as its entire structure, the National Entrance A (with the Coat of Arms above) is the VIP entrance. It has the longest 8 Theatre adapts it only as a roof for the main auditorium. Its shell roof is encircled by three rings on the roof terrace with a panoramic view of the grounds and city. and most interesting vista as you approach from the Ijora gate whereas Entrance Projecting radially beneath the rings are four equal sectors housing the halls. Many have commented that the Theatre resembles a military peak cap: its C, approached from the Apapa Road gate, is the Administrative entrance which characteristic shell roof either advertently or inadvertently gives credence to this allusion, especially as it was built during the military era. leads to the Structural Innovation administrative offices Built on 400 piles in marshy and general lobby. Both soil, the Theatre is basically a reinforced concrete Entrance D (which faces structure. The shell roof is primarily made of the new urban rail expanded metal sheets supported by tensioned terminal) and Entrance B steel cables while the concrete walls across all (which faces Eko Bridge) four sectors are given a Model of the National Theatre timber-like rendering for a are meant for the more natural feel. In essence, the intricate use of concrete, glass and wood makes it stand out as a general public and lead cultural landmark. to the six halls and LET’S TAKE A TOUR lobbies. Above these Friezes and Mosaic The National Theatre is seven storeys high comprising a main auditorium, two entrances are elaborate cinema halls, a banquet hall, and two exhibition halls. It also has expansive lounges and circulation space around a central core which could double as friezes and murals by the renowned sculptor Erhabor Emokpe. These mural exhibition halls and galleries, as may be required from time to time. These spaces can be accessed from four cardinal ramped entrances – A, B, C, and D. sculptures capture many Afrocentric themes ranging from the Benin Ivory Mask (which he replicated for FESTAC ’77) to the Akuaba Doll of Ghana and the sacking

of the Benin Empire in 1897. These friezes, sculpture and mosaic decorations add EQ character to the overall architecture. staircase hidden behind the curtains that leads to a storeyed backstage with make-up rooms for actors and media rooms. These rooms have a connecting There is also a basement car park for 250 vehicles just below Entrance C. Having corridor that leads to the gallery at the back. no natural lighting, it needs to be well-illuminated to be functional. Exhibition Halls 1 & 2 The Cinemas Both halls can equally To access the cinema halls, you have to walk down a broad, winding lobby with concession stands and conveniences on one side and the cinema halls on the host up to 1,500 people other. Each cinema hall has about 700 raked seats covered in fabric with sufficient elbow and leg rooms to make it far more comfortable than many new cinemas like the Conference around the metropolis. Hall. Donning the entrance to Hall 1 are two tall wooden sculptures by Emokpe The floor is carpeted and walls panelled with wood for good acoustics. Package and Odion. It also has a air-conditioning units have been installed to replace the defunct central system while the projector room is located in the gallery space and can be accessed from Conference Hall wooden stage (no either side of the hall through a dressing room) and a concealed flight of steps. All four sectors of the Theatre have gallery control room in the gallery to regulate the public address system. A broad spaces at the top rear which form the curved protrusions you see externally. corridor, similar to the one linking the cinemas, takes you from Exhibition Hall 1 It must be said that the projector room has facilities for both celluloid to Exhibition Hall 2 passing underneath Entrance D. 9 and digital viewing. The cinema hall can also be used for plays so there is a Other Major Spaces proscenium stage with special effects equipment and a dressing room. The VIP Lounge is located at Entrance A with a reception and main lounge that Ceiling lights radiate from the stage. can cater for 500 people. Its metal-shingled ceiling and other unique ornamentation attest to its status. Other facilities in the building include the Press The Conference/Banquet Hall Gallery space hall and bar for 400 people, restaurants, lounges, the National Gallery of Modern Art, health clinic, workshops etc. Then there are the administrative offices for the Ornately furnished with chandeliers and special lighting, this hall can Theatre and National Troupe. These are a level above the entrances. At the sub- basement (dubbed “minus 250” after the 250 parking lots above it) is the service accommodate up to 1,500 people and is 1,830sqm. It occupies the same space as floor where some stores, the power sub-station and defunct HVAC system are located. the two cinemas put together with an identical level of finishing. It also has special Entrances B and D lead you to lobby spaces with four elevators each which audio equipment to interpret 8 different languages simultaneously when hosting terminate on a level below the main auditorium facing the concessioned areas for food and drinks then a flight of steps take you to the auditorium. international conferences. The brilliantly crafted proscenium/thrust stage has a

The Main Auditorium EQ The main hall, despite being illuminated Roof Terrace by only two green spotlights now, is still If you stroll out to the roof terrace or garden that encircles the main bowl, the inner circle is tiled for a promenade around the shell. The shell itself is an intricate impressive even in the darkness. For a mesh of reinforced concrete with two rings of faceted beams. The first two tiers are curtain wall while the third is panelled to conceal the roof. minute there, you could be forgiven for Exploring the Grounds & Overall Ambience feeling you were in Vienna and Mozart The Theatre complex is expansive and green with sculptures decorating the was about to play a symphony. There is vicinity. In front of Entrance D is the ‘Mother Africa’ statue by Felix Idubor (bas- relief sculptor for Independence House) while the popular, naturalistic statue of such a surreal feeling. To think that this Elevator lobby a sword-wielding, horse-riding Queen Amina used to be in front of Entrance C feat was achieved in the country some erected by the renowned Ben Ekanem in 1977. It was removed in 2005 due to its weathered state and a less remarkable bronze replacement was erected in 2014. forty years ago! The auditorium has a collapsible proscenium stage which when Further away and closer to the Apapa Road gates, we find a life-sized chessboard in a small garden. Introducing life-sized, locally sculpted chess pieces with a stop- collapsed, can accommodate 5,000 people. In that state, it can host sporting clock for a proper game of blitz would definitely add to the attraction! events such as boxing and table tennis. However, when the stage is set it can host The surrounding wetlands have a delicate ecosystem with a rich variety of bird species. A bird-watcher’s haven, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) 3,500 people for concerts, movies, shows, plays etc. The proscenium has three identified 31 different species in a recent visit. rows of curtains, a backdrop and double cyclorama to create silhouette and It would be a shame if consideration wasn’t given to the conservation of this lighting effects. The ceiling is a combination of fibre glass, acoustic ceiling boards natural environment in the proposed ‘Nigeria Entertainment City’ i.e. the and aluminium panels. There is no other multi-purpose theatre in West Africa Master Plan for future development around the National Theatre Complex. that can accommodate this capacity. Sadly, the failure of the central cooling and 10 Non-functional solar panels and lighting has kept it redundant for over two decades. vandalized CCTV poles litter the surrounding green while at a remote Main Auditorium (view from gallery) corner of the complex, at the end of a long walkway across the lagoon, there is a sewage treatment plant moonlighting as

a mini National Theatre. The walkway is actually the cover of a long sewer line EQ which carried black water from the Theatre to the plant. The treated Main Auditorium effluent is then discharged into the lagoon and the slurry sediments to the bottom. However the sludge is visible these days at certain times when the water thins out. Other facilities on the premises include a generator house with a 1,500KVA and two 400KVA generators. There also is a waterworks in the complex. Entrance level Offices Level PART 2 11 Section SO WHAT WENT WRONG? Issues that have plagued the National Theatre in its official forty-year history and numerous attempts to address them can fill a volume so we shall not belabour you: a cursory look would suffice. The Theatre is one of many casualties of the transfer of the seat of power from Lagos to Abuja. Independence House, showcased in the pilot edition of EQ, was another example. Coupled with our country’s appalling maintenance culture, it is no surprise that the air conditioning and lighting in the main auditorium failed and could not be restored; but that was only the beginning. Through successive government’s post -1990, less and less attention was given to the arts and by extension to the Theatre and this led to further dilapidation of facilities and continued a lack of patronage. The grounds became overgrown and dangerous, facilities became run down and vandalized while the Theatre was like a post-apocalyptic scene. During these decades of inactivity, society moved on;

new technologies and methods were developed and some things just became EQ obsolete. When the economy eventually picked up in the early 2000s with the Such seemingly passive solutions shall drastically minimize its emergence of a vibrant middle-class, there was urban migration and the high- dependency on electricity to function, reduce running and maintenance income society moved more to the Lagos Island and Lekki corridors. As nature costs and consequently reducing booking charges. abhors vacuum, smaller event centres and cinemas sprang up around these new developments and a whole new generation with no knowledge of the National 2. Upgrade to a Contemporary Look: Granted, wood panels are great for Theatre arrived and now require compelling reasons to go back it for acoustics; they are natural and Afrocentric. On the other hand, they can entertainment. give off an outdated feel especially when used gratuitously. Just as dark wood panelling can add to poor illumination and create a cold outlook, Even at that, calls for the Theatre’s renaissance kept growing and later gave rise old wooden furniture/fixtures can do same. The concession stands and to the BPE’s proposals around concessions, consortiums and PPP arrangements. press bars, for example, look worn and antique. We suggest these are After two or more stalled bid processes, there hasn’t been much headway in this replaced with modern pieces. Wood panels along the lobbies and direction with passionate voices for and against privatization resounding down lounges should also be replaced with contemporary finishes e.g. silicate the halls. Regardless of which position you may take, there is definitely some or satin paints whose brighter colours would liven up the interiors and consensus on the fact that the Theatre cannot remain in indefinite swamp reduce maintenance costs being cleanable. stagnation. Hence, Ekotecture Quarterly decided to spotlight this sleeping monument. Contemporization would attract more youth, who make up the 12 predominant demographic for arts and entertainment. A more HOW TO AWAKEN A SLEEPING MONUMENT contemporary interior would appeal to them and dispense with any ‘museum’ perception. In view of the current recession, a systematic and phased approach to renovating the National Theatre should deliver substantial value, paying particular attention 3. Repair & Upgrade: We recommend the following:- to the following:-  An urgent reactivation of services like HVAC for the main auditorium. Also, sewage treatment, sanitary services, CCTVs, 1. Increased Natural Lighting: Currently a lot of spaces are not properly security systems as well as fire and safety installations should be illuminated thus relying heavily on artificial lighting to function. Besides addressed in line with current HSE standards. increasing energy consumption, these spaces also come across as dark, cold and socio-fugal. We therefore recommend the following:  Upgrading of the lawns and foregrounds into family-friendly theme  Replace dry wall partitioning in the offices with glazed ones to allow parks that could attract corporate branding and be used for picnics, natural light into the internal corridors and change the overall look and children’s parties and other special events. feel of the complex, making it more attractive to prospective clients/users 4. Resuscitate External Lighting -In our current highly competitive world, few businesses can stand out without proper advertisement. Nothing

attracts or says ‘we are back in business’ better than seeing the National EQ Theatre back in its full illuminated glory at night! The present external times of the day, when the water thins out, large quantities of sludge lighting pales in comparison and is almost non-existent. and organic sediments are visible- these can be used in anaerobic conditions to produce considerable biogas to run the sewage treatment External lighting suggests life and significant human activity. Like moth plant itself and other services earlier mentioned. to a flame, it always attracts. Considering that the maximum number of visitors the Theatre can 5. Optimize Alternative Power Sources: To actualize the aforementioned accommodate when fully in use (with a functional main bowl) is 11,000 suggestions, it is clear that the current epileptic power supply from PHCN people, we can project the amount of biomass that can be generated and the planned tariff increase would make this a herculean task. and converted to methane for power. With an operational plant, Currently, diesel consumed by the 1500KVA generator has forced the untreated effluent undergoes primary, secondary and sometimes National Theatre to come alive only on specific days and this is without tertiary treatment before discharge. It is during primary treatment that the main auditorium in use! On other days, only the 400KVA generator sludge collected from sedimentation can be transferred to a digester is used for skeletal supply. and converted to methane. This biogas is then converted to electricity In an attempt to mitigate this, solar panels were installed on the grounds using a generator. to power peripheral services like CCTV but these were vandalized. Thus instead of just discharging effluent into the lagoon, part of it can 13 We recommend a more secure placement for these solar panels at a still be harnessed. There should be enough biomass accumulated in the higher level e.g. the outer ring of the roof garden or on top of the swamp over the last forty years! This would also clean up parts of the concrete halls. Not only would they be more secure and less accessible lagoon and make it safer for the proposed Recreation Parks indicated in up there but they would also be invisible and not blemish the lawns. the Master Plan. 6. Explore a Bio-Gas Energy Solution: One major source of renewable Abandoned Sewage treatment plant End of sewer line with bar energy yet overlooked is the possibility of harnessing biogas both from screen the lagoon and from a functional sewage treatment plant. At certain

7. Embrace Current Trends In Technology-driven Services: The National EQ Theatre must be in sync with technology to have any fighting chance at 14 attracting today’s consumers, across all demographics. -  Technology-savvy interfaces for ticket sales, enquiries & ads  State of the art auditoriums and cinema technology  Introduction of step-lights, motorized stage curtains etc. in cinemas and main auditorium The introduction of a mobile dome digital planetarium in the main auditorium would be a significant game-changer for interactive learning across schools, colleges, science museums and institutions nationwide. With only 6 planetariums in Africa and only one in West Africa (i.e. in Accra, Ghana), it shall also be a guaranteed revenue stream if implemented.  A planetarium will introduce a new form of education and enlightenment to the Nigerian society. With special viewing programs even for kindergarten, it will utilize the main auditorium’s vast ceiling space and organize its well-positioned floor seating (ex- proscenium) for perfect viewing.  An inflatable, custom-sized version to suit the main auditorium should be achievable by experts like Digisky and Digidome. Ultimately for these recommendations to be achieved, the Federal Government needs to take decisive action towards revamping and optimizing this unique building and complex, particularly in the form of a mutually-rewarding concessionaire arrangement or public-private partnership. We all have a patriotic responsibility to resurrect this national treasure. Let’s wake up Rip Van Winkle: he has slept for twenty years already. Government cannot handle alone. Arc. Claude Opara & Arc.William Uko References Arc. Plamen Todorov, www.technoexportstroy.bg, National Theatre-Bureau of Public Enterprise

VOX POP EQ traditional services to new specialists due to modernisation or new evolution in HAVE WE AS ARCHITECTS CEDED SOME TRADITIONAL technology. As said, there are certain aspects of work or finishings which can only ROLES/SERVICES TO SPECIALISTS? be carried out by these specialists especially when it involves the use of certain materials or methodology. The Architect has not been trained from outset for I truly don’t subscribe to this. An architect’s unique position as the chief innovator such services. Thus, the need to cede such services to the specialist. and motivator of the design process in a project remains sacrosanct and this ARC. ABOLORE ONIKOYI, Lagos State Govt position was midwifed by many years of arduous and very tasking training. Basically an architect is knowledgeable enough to approve or disapprove of The word architecture, simply put, means the 'master concept conceiver/builder' 15 whatever specialist work is proposed for his projects and can even suggest better and thus the profession operates as defined in the ancient time. However as ways of getting specialist work done for him... More than this, architects are at further technological advancement came into being the architect gradually liberty to use their special training to create furniture and fittings for their designs ceded some responsibilities: leading to the evolvement of allied professions such and sometimes they excel so much at it that even the specialists have no option as the structural and costing responsibility, further technological advancement than to applaud and approve of such creative efforts by the architects. again depleted the architect’s responsibilities in the project management, ARC. INNOCENT OGHENEOVO, Opti-Plan Concepts aesthetics, specification annotations and interiors spheres to mention but few. Although Architects have ceded a good quantum of their traditional Major advances in all spheres of life have spawned specialization. As products services/responsibilities to specialists, their mastery is nonetheless still very and services have become better, they have also become more complex, and important to projects because the architect remains the originator and custodian specialization has emerged as an inherent attribute. The complexity of modern of concepts. Generally the specialist is mostly used to enhance project delivery products demands that their components are designed and produced by diverse quality; as derived from the ideological belief in \"the less the challenge, the more specialized sub-fields of endeavour. Specialization is also evident in a lot of the competence\". professions and services including medicine, law, media, engineering, military, ARC. ADEFEMI LAWAL, HOD, Dept of Architecture, Yabatech culinary arts, and of course architecture. As buildings have become complex 'living', breathing, responsive, budget and time sensitive structures, project The traditional roles of architects as master builders was total and sacrosanct; management, interior design, landscape design, and other sub-fields are evolving and the development where other industry and/or non-industry colleagues are and being handled by others. Even core architecture is splitting into concept gradually taking up some secondary roles naturally means we are delegating or architecture and construction architecture! Are architects ceding their traditional outright abandoning them. However, we must not fail to identify one of the major services to new specialists? I think of it more as the march of civilization. reasons for this development being the unavailability of avenues for formal ARC. EMEKA NJERE, O-Spaces education in these areas. Apart from project management, in other areas of specialization e.g. interior decoration, landscaping, furniture/carpentry etc., Architects usually engage or employ the services of specialist in order to achieve hardly can you find institutions within Nigeria that offer formal perfection either at the construction or completion stage. Hence, the ceding of education/certifications/regulations in these fields. As a result, a lot of room is giving for other people to come up in these areas either as a follow up on a hobby

or artisanship. But basically, these roles were traditionally the architects’ and are EQ gradually being delegated. 16 ARC. IKENNA ANYANWU, Property Development, Diamond Bank Plc. In the past, the architect was referred to as ‘jack of all trades and master of all’. He was indeed the master builder who was responsible for the successful realisation of his concepts and ideas in the interest and comfort of the owner. But those days are gone! With the intricacies, specialisations and technologies associated with today’s building industry, it is no longer possible for the architect to remain ‘the master-of-all’ as was the case in the industrial age and before. In the today’s knowledge economy, teamwork is at the heart of every human endeavour and progress. The architect can no longer do it alone but requires inputs from the various specialists (both within & without the building industry) to ensure a project, no matter the scale or complexity, is brought to the desired successful conclusion. Although he ideally remains the team leader, the inputs from the engineers (e.g. lighting, acoustics, soil, etc, etc) and other professionals (e.g. IT, economics, etc) have become indispensable especially with the advent of green & intelligent buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT). ARC. T.C. AWAGU, Pyramids Plc. Dinner with Mr President 26.01.17

EKO SIGHTS & FEEL EQ COST MATERIAL FOCUS: Titanium zinc Between N38,000-N70,000/sq.m currently, depending on design and thickness. DESCRIPTION: High quality material composed of alloy of zinc-copper and LOCALLY AVAILABLE BRAND NAME: Rheinzink titanium. USE: Roofing, Facade cladding (self-supporting or supported on frames), Service GT Bank, Ogba (Anetor & Associates) fittings (e.g. roof gutters) FORM: plates, coils, strips. FORM WIDTH (mm) LENGTH (mm) THICKNESS* (mm) PLATES Min 500 Min 500 Min 0.3 Max 2.0 Max 1000 Max 6000 Min 0.3 Max 2.0 STRIPS Min 100 Min 500 Min 0.3 Max 2.0 Max 500 Max 6000 COILS Min 100 Min 6000 17 Max 1000 Max 200m *external cladding minimum thickness 0.7mm PROPERTIES GT Bank/UniLag Jubilee House (MOE) High durability; High resistance to corrosion as it coats itself in a thick, non-water soluble film (patina) in the presence of O2, CO2 and atmospheric humidity. Note: Proper installation rules must be followed. High thermal coefficient ADVANTAGES Environmentally friendly; 100% Recyclable; Extremely Long-lasting. Joints can be soldered unlike other metal cladding e.g. ACP DISADVANTAGES It has the tendency to break during bending due to considerable thermal ‘breathing’ (expansion and contraction) causing roof leakage due to gaps created. Neoprene joint pads can be used to address. Compensation joints can also be provided.

PROJECT FOCUS: NESTOIL Tower (Silver LEED Certification) EQ The mixed use Nestoil Tower rises out of the Lagos Metropolitan skyline with its Location: Victoria Island, Lagos reflective glazed curtain wall and white aluminium cladding, reflecting the Construction Duration: March 2013 – December 2016 sunrays, as it travels its path from the east to the west. Architect: ACCL (Nigeria) Descending the Falomo Bridge from Ikoyi, it is strategically located at the intersection of Akin Adesola Street, an arterial road in the metropolis, and Saka 18 Tinubu Street. Its slim silhouette is seen head on as its gentle curves sweeps along Akin Adesola. The striking form is further enhanced by the stainless steel silver lines breaking the curtain wall façade. This building at 15 stories is a landmark on the Victoria Island skyline. With construction commencing in 2013 and completion in 2016, Nestoil Tower was designed by ACCL and its team of consultants and constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. The client’s brief had requested for a unique office development to evoke their ever-strengthening brand, Nestoil PLC. The development is made up of 7,500sqm of office space: 350sqm residential space, a multi- storey car park, fitness centre, restaurant as well as recreational facilities. Also key to note are utility facilities located in the 3m high basement. The challenges experienced with ground water during construction of the basement was resolved by freezing the ground water for effective dewatering. On the 12th floor is an outdoor terrace with magnificent views of the Eko Atlantic and Atlantic Ocean beyond. For convenience of the building users, and as an added feature, a helipad was provided on the roof level. Power generation has two sources, the statutory authorities (PHCN) and diesel generators. A unique feature of the development is the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) system which is used in controlling the lighting as part of the internal building automation. This automated lighting control system eliminates

the need for human interface in switching the lights on or off, keying into the EQ 19 energy efficient strategy. Nestoil Tower is one of the first buildings in Nigeria to attain a Silver LEED DINNER (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating, which is a system WITH devised to evaluate the environmental performance of a building and encourage MR. market transformation towards sustainable design. PRESIDENT/ The Nestoil Tower will indeed be an elegant silhouette in the Victoria Island INDUCTION skyline for years to come. CEREMONY back in _________________________________________________________________ January Publications Committee/Editorial Team Claude Opara (Chair/Editor), Landmark Centre William Uko (Asst. Editor), Chukwudi Osakwe, Alfred Agboola, Belinda Atiyio, -----------0----------- Chiamaka Osigwe, Sunday Kuti, Michael Fatoye, Femi Olaiya If you missed the previous edition of EQ, you can still access it on NIA LSC website on the following link: http://www.nia-lagos.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/02/EKOTECTURE-QUARTERLY1-1.pdf