Eq Magazine #8 New OK

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CHAIRMAN’S DESK EDITOR’S DESK Dear Colleagues; Warm welcome to EQ#8! Welcome to another edition of Ekotecture Quaterly which has been our Chap- This edition of EQ will be the first in a two part series focusing on transportation ter’s Educational Magazine that keeps members updated with events and new in Lagos. We will discuss the policies, plans and problems of transportation in trends in Architecture. Lagos whilst taking an in-depth look at the architecture of bus, train and water transport terminals. In this edition no 8, the magazine talks about Transportation Architecture in Lagos with special reference to water transportation.We all know how stress- Lagos, a metropolis of over 20 million people is hampered by poor transpor- ful Lagos traffic has been for quite a while now. What are the challenges? The tation planning and infrastructure impacting negatively on the working and solutions? We delve into it here. Let me use the opportunity to usher you all living conditions of the residents. In truth however, a lot has been done in the to a brighter New Year full of great Hopes and promises for us all. As I also got past few years to ameliorate the hardship of the populace with the creation of elected as Chairman of the Library and Publications committee, my resolve is LAMATA and the implementation of the strategic transport master plan but a to make our magazine poised for greater things and invaluable teachings. We lot more needs to be done. are more geared to giving our readers materials to help improve our contribu- tions to the profession. LASWA Terminal at Falomo, our cover for this issue of the magazine, designed by ACCL is an exciting building. We acknowledge the assistance of the ACCL As part our continued education, we have organised and will still organise team in providing pictures, drawings and facilitating our visit to the building. It tours to various parts of the world where we hope to exchange knowledge and is a building worth studying. acquire skills from our foreign contemporaries. Very recently, the Chapter representatives joined other African Countries to Our guest, in the interview section is Arc. Fred Coker of ACCL, the enigmatic We will discuss attend the 2nd Edition of Ambition Africa business conference hosted by the and inspiring architect of many of the wonderful structures dotting the city of the policies, President of France Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The Chapter also attended the Lagos. This interview reveals a mind in pursuit of excellence. plans and prob- Africa Day in Vienna hosted by Advantage Austria. lems of transpor- Our role in the construction industry as leaders of the of the building team has tation in Lagos We are also planning to visit the United States in January for the International been eroded. Arc. Abimbola Ajayi in her article dwells on the leadership traits whilst taking an Builders Show and World of Concrete and many more activities lined up for we need to cultivate for relevance in society. in-depth look at the new year. I implore you all to participate where possible as these events are the architecture priceless towards continued professional development. Lastly, I wish to congratulate all the members of NIA Lagos State Chapter who of bus, train and In addition, please be reminded of our annual Lagos Architects Forum sched- won elections into the NIA Committee in Council at the last BGM held in Abuja water transport uled for May 2020. This year’s event promises to outdo previous year’s events. in November 2019: Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh (the 1st Vice President), our Chairman terminals. Arc. Fitzgerald Umah (Chair Library and Publications Committee), Arc Adeoti There are also quite a number of design competitions which will be commu- Akintayo (Ex-Officio) and Arc. Ololade Olajide (student Affairs). nicated in due time. I will also like to Congratulate all Lagos State Chapter members that were inducted in to the College of Fellows of our great institute We hope you enjoy EQ#8 and look forward to your contributions and com- especially Arc. Eromosele Anetor, our Chair of Publication, who has ensured ments on the articles. that we do not miss any of our EQ editions. -ARC EROMOSELE ANETOR Distinguished Colleagues, the Executives will continue to do our best to keep MSc, FNIA, NIA LSC Chairman Publications Committee Lagos State Chapter together and remain committed to our roles and respon- sibilities. EQ PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE / EDITORIAL TEAM On behalf of our team, Thank you and welcome to Ekotecture Quarterly De- cember 2019 Edition. EROMOSELE ANETOR (CHAIRMAN PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE NIA LSC) Happy reading and Merry Christmas! SUNDAY KUTI (SECRETARY) ALFRED AGBOOLA (MEMBER) CHIAMAKA OSIGWE (MEMBER) “...The magazine talks about Transporta- TOLU AKA (MEMBER) tion Architecture in Lagos with special ref- erence to water transportation.We all know BABALOLA TOBILOBA (MEMBER) how stressful Lagos traffic has been for -Arc Fitzgerald Umah quite awhile now... DR. MOKOLADE JOHNSON (MEMBER) MNIA, RIBA, NIA LSC Chair- FIYIN JIBOWO (MEMBER) man CLAUDE OPARA (ADVISER) 1 2

EQ CONTRIBUTORS Congratulations ARC. FRED COKER ARC. CLAUDE OPARA ARC. SUNDAY KUTI 4 Arc. Fred Coker Principal Arc. Claude Opara is an Arc. Sunday A. Kuti is a reg- Architect at Adeniyi Coker alumnus of ABU Zaria. He istered architect. He stud- Consultants Ltd (ACCL). is currently the Team Lead, ied Architecture at Yaba A graduate of University Branch Development at UBA College of Technology, of Dundee, Scotland, re- and is the EQ creator and its Yaba, Lagos; He is a certi- turned to Nigeria to work first Editor. He is a full mem- fied musicologist and the with Towry Coker before ber of NIA and a project man- principal partner at Sym- setting up ACCL. agement professional (PMP). bolik Design & Co. ARC. ABIMBOLA AJAYI A DEVELOPED COUNTRY IS ESAN OLUWASEGUN Source: EQ MAGAZINE Team NOT A PLACE WHERE THE BABATUNDE Arc. Abimbola Ajayi was POOR HAVE CARS, IT’S WHERE the former chairman THE RICH RIDE PUBLIC TRANS- Esan Oluwasegun is a of the NIA Lagos state PORTATION. Town Planner, GIS Ana- chapter and a previous lyst, an Urban Designer memebr of the NIA BRS MAYOR OF BOGOTA. and Researcher at the Committee. Currently University of Lagos. He the director of Yewan- graduated , with bach- de Memorial school and elor degree in Urban Constrad Multi concepts, and Regional Planning She is the Co-Partner of in 2011, He is currently Kenning homes limited working on his doctoral as well as the founder in Urban Design. and principal Architect at Archiworks Associ- ates. A seasoned Archi- tect with a wealth of ex- perience in leadership. Photo: Aerial view of the LASWA WATERWAYS, Falomo Ikoyi. 3

CONTENTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARCHITECTS BALL 2019 DECEMBER 2019 / #8 EKOTECTURE QUARTERLY 06 14 The Chairman began by welcoming members to the Archi- 29 tects’ ball 2019 at the Nigerian Institute of Architects Lagos End of year Party which held on Saturday 7-12-19 at Freedom Park, during which the First Military Architect of Nigeria, Otunba John Asenuga was honoured. In attendance was the President of the NIA Arc. S. T. Echono. Arc Fitzgerald welcomed him stat- ing that we are happy that his first assignment was to present an Award to Otunba Asenuga who recently turned 80 years. “We in Lagos are proud of you.” The chairman stated. THE ARCHITECTS’ BALL 2019 PHOTO GALLERY OF THE ARCHITECTS’ BALL 2019. 24 27 09 23 06 THE ARCHITECT’S BALL 2019 – LAGOS 10.0 THE SUMMARY OF THE ARCHITECTS’ BALL 2019 OF NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, LAGOS STATE CHAPTER HELD ON THE 25TH OF JULY 2019 AT KONGI HARVEST HALL, FREEDOM PARK 09 LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) BUILDING FIVE COWRIES TERMINAL/LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE, FALOMO, LAGOS. 14 STATE OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN LAGOS. Lagos is regarded as the largest city in Sub-Saharan Africa, an economic and commercial capital of Nigeria with contentious population of 23, 305,971... By Dr.Mokolade Johnson. 19 INTERVIEW SESSION WITH ARC. FRED COKER “Well, my dad was a medical doctor with a passion for building. He always had one development or the other going on so, during the holidays,... ” 24 LEADERSHIP AND ARCHITECTURE By Arc. Ajayi Abimbola 27 CALL FOR MEMBERS; EQ MAGAZINE Do you love photography, writting, creating contents, graphic designs, Here is an opportunity to join the EQ Magazine Team. 29 BEHIND THE SCENES: EQ #8 MAGAZINE The back story behind the EQ #8 Magazine 5 6

PHOTO GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARCHI- FROM THE TECTS’ BALL 2019 ARCHITECTS’ BALL 2019 Recognitions & Awards At the Architects’ Ball 2019 Cutting of the cake. Awards & Recognitions At the Architects’ Ball 2019 Sensational & Exciting 7 8

The northern side of the roof envelope has perfo- lery floor above overlooking the lounge with a rations as well as a bulls-eye opening right in the sizeable kitchen, an open café and a private MTN middle for effective dissipation of heat generat- lounge. The second floor hosts the LASWA offic- ed by the compressors. This unique roof is braced es with a large conference room overlooking the to the ground by broad, crisscrossed supports on creek and Falomo Bridge. A simple but function- either flank and adds to the character of this ele- al structure. gant landmark. The building has a white scheme that allows its form to be expressed distinctly. LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE Overall Plan_001 LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) FIVE COWRIES TERMINAL/LAGOS STATE WATER on the east and west sides. This concept is ex- LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE “...The second floor hosts AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE, FALOMO, pressed by the generous curtain walling on the the LASWA offices with LAGOS. south façade, glazing multiple levels, in compar- After parking your car on the first floor of the a large conference room ison to the frugal use of glass at the sides in the multi-level parking lot then descending to the overlooking the creek Location: Ikoyi, Lagos. form of maritime-like portholes. It is also perti- terminal entrance, the first thing that catch- and Falomo Bridge.. “ Date Completed: 2018 nent to note that the sides are primarily zoned to es your eye as you enter the terminal building Total Gross Area: Jetty Terminal Building – services and staircases while leaving the centre is the orange clad scenic lift ahead; to its left is ORANGE LIFT: LASWA TERMINAL 2,250sqm, Pontoon – 20 berthing spaces free for primary functions. The roof is a foldable the reception and concession stand while atm Architect: ACCL aluminium composite (Kalzip ©) which cascades and toilet facilities are on the right. When you More Details: LASWA WEBSITE HERE Contractor: Cappa & D’Alberto down on the north façade to envelope and shield pass through the yet-to-be commissioned turn- 10 a/c compressors and service ledges from view. stiles and the orange lift, you find yourself right Five Cowries Terminal is a magnificent terminal in front of a large double-volume arrival and de- building located on the waterfront of the 5 Cow- parture lounge demarcated on the ground floor ries Creek, Falomo, Ikoyi. It is bound on the south with a frameless glass partition. The white ceil- and east by water, Falomo Bridge on the west ing up above is decorated with circular pendant and the 7- floor multi-storey car park for MTN and lights and bulkheads conforming to other cir- LASWA terminal users in the north. cular features of the building (e.g. the portholes and bulls-eye at the rear). The view of the creek The building, which consists of a jetty terminal for from the lounge is overwhelming. There is a gal- the public and head office facilities for LASWA, is designed to take full advantage of the views along the waterfront while restricting insolation 9

On the east wing of the terminal is where the an- Potentials & Challenges of water transporta- cillary building for the generator, sewage and wa- tion in Lagos ter treatment plants are located as well as refuse collection. It is a well-zoned and neatly arranged Water transportation is arguably the most ef- section, secluded at a corner of the property. ficient way of moving from one end of the me- ga-city to the other at the shortest possible Strolling out of the building onto the waterfront time- no hold-up traffic, no bad roads, no rogue terrace, you find a classy but pricey open-air bar bus-drivers- just miles of water. LAGFERRY con- and lounge on your left and the heavy duty float- tributes to the movement of about 2.2 million ing pontoon directly ahead. This rises with the people monthly (about 74,000 people daily) and tide for ease of use and is finished with wood this is done with the few boats at their disposal plastic composite members. The jetty has a lot and with limited publicity. Sadly, it is still primar- of potential but the number of ferry boats pro- ily a source of transportation for the elite with vided by LAGFERRY are still few – about five or more decent private boats than public onesand six 60-seater boats: a paltry number to address contributing only about 0.34 percent of daily mo- water transportation needs. We are told 25 more bility in Lagos. Also, the cost of water transporta- are expected. Hopefully even more will be pur- tion is still much higher than road. chased. LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE: Acess to the Jetty To compound things, the legal battle between sponsibility of LASWA and other water authori- LASWA and NIWA did not help matters either. ties to ensure that the waterways are clean and Similar to the LASTMA v. FRS debacle some years safe. They also have responsibility to remove wa- ago, this has slowed down progress on inland ter hyacinth and aquatic weeds which can be- waterways development in the city. While cities come a navigational nightmare. Other threats like London, Amsterdam and Paris have made include land encroachment on either side of the judicious use of their waterways and navigable foreshore (Ikoyi, Banana Island, Lekki Phase 1 etc) canals, Lagos is yet to take full advantage of this which, if regulations are not enforced, can create natural blessing. Even so, the waterways have narrow straits and disrupt water transportation started witnessing pollution from plastics and in the near future. all-sorts. Besides being unsightly, these entangle with and can damage boat rudders. It is the re- LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE: Acess to the Jetty Bar and Lounge Rear (north) facade with bullseye open- ing in kalzip roof envelope. Important 11 Ground Floor Plan 1st Floor Plan 12

Crisscrossing bracing Portholes and bullseye opening at rear We need to ensure safety along the waterways The opportunities to address the crippling trans- LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD OFFICE: Acess to the Jetty by enforcing stringent safety laws (similar to air portation situation in Lagos is numerous with transportation) where all must wear functional water transportation being arguably the lowest STATE OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN life jackets and lifebuoys are provided along ferry hanging fruit that has been largely ignored de- LAGOS routes. This will evoke more confidence in people spite having a natural infrastructure. to make boats a viable alternative to buses and BY ESAN OLUWASEGUN BABATUNDE. taxis. Our roads are currently overburdened with The striking Five Cowries Terminal thus stands as heavy trucks and trailers whose items can easi- a symbol of hope that Lagos will soon embark on ly be moved across the state on barges. The less a judicious and profitable use of her waterways so pressure we have on our roads, the less funds we as to ease off traffic congestions in a fast-growing spend on their maintenance. megacity. STATE OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN er mode includes pipelines. Generally speaking, LAGOS. transportation is used for moving of people, ani- mals, and other goods from one place to another. INTRODUCTION The means of transport, on the other hand, refers Lagos is regarded as the largest city in Sub-Saha- to the vehicles necessary for transport according ran Africa, an economic and commercial capital of to the chosen mode (airplane, ship, truck and rail). Nigeria with contentious population of 23, 305,971. Each mode of transport has a fundamentally dif- It has a total area of 3, 577.28 square kilometers ferent technological solution and some require a of which 779.56 square kilometres representing separate environment. Each mode has its own in- about 22% is wetland. and a population density of frastructure, vehicles, and operations (Lookman., 6, 515 persons per square kilometres of about 23 2016). million inhabitants and believe to be one of the 2ND FLOOR PLAN: LASWA BUILDING largest cities in the world. Also, its population is REFERENCE: URBAN PLANNING PROCESSES IN LAGOS SECOND REVISED EDITION 2018. growing rapidly, at a rate of 3.2% per annum. In other to manage this growth, there is need for ad- equate transportation planning to cope with the high rate of population explosion growth (Edema, 2019). There are four (4) different transport modes in La- gos State including air, water, land and rail. Oth- 13 14

EXISTING POSITION OF TRANSPORTATION IN CHALLENGES IN THE TRANSPORTATION SEC- LAGOS TOR IN LAGOS The transport grid in the state is principally road The challenges in the transportation sector https://naijauto.com/market-news/pics-inside-lagos-ferry-5212 based with 90% of total passengers and goods are multifaceted ranging from inadequacy of moved through that mode. The state has natu- infrastructure, non-standardization of opera- ral water ways for ferry services and federal rail tions, poor management and technical capac- network which are not effective as at present ities. The transport system is inadequate for to meet the demanding need of the teeming the growing urban population in the State. All pollution (Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport modes of transport have challenges (Edema, Authority (LAMATA), 2019). The poor condition 2019). The bus public transport operation suf- of the road network and of the public transport fers from high levels of fragmentation and in- system affects severely the development of adequate regulation. The rail transport has few the city and the working and living conditions existing rail corridors with the existing ones of the inhabitants, particularly the vulnerable grossly under-utilised. In the water transport, categories. Rapid growth of the private vehi- there is no coherence amongst water trans- cle fleet, combined with reliance on commer- port regulatory agencies (LASWA, NIMASA cial vehicles and motorcycles including Danfo, and NIWA). In the non-motorized transport, Shared Taxis, Okada, Keke Marwa has resulted infrastructure facilities are extremely limited in extreme traffic congestion throughout the throughout the State. In the paratransit mode city and poor‐quality public transport outlook of transportation (okadas), there is indiscipline (Sumaila, 2013). and regulations are not effectively enforced. Fi- nally, the activities of pipelines vandals are yet another major problem facing the city of Lagos http://www.lagostelevision.com/lagos-expand-water-transportation-approves-marina-mile2-hub/ ESSENCE OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING resulting in chocking traffic congestions in La- gos State. The face of transportation is chang- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/11/danger-looms-in-wa- that incorporates the input of many stakehold- Transportation is not an end in itself but, is an ing in in line with ever increasing population, ter-transportation-in-apapa/ ers including various government agencies, the investment tool that cities use to help achieve but significant milestones are still required to public and private businesses. Transportation their larger goals. Transportation planners and be covered in providing adequate and effective NEED FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING planners apply a multi-modal and/or compre- engineers always focus on the efficient move- transportation for the city of Lagos. Importantly, hensive approach to analyzing the wide range of ment of people and goods across the country. closing gaps in critical infrastructure remains at Transport planning is an exercise of evolving pol- alternatives and impacts on the transportation However, transportation touches all aspects of the top of the agenda for Lagos State. However, icies and strategies that give a rational direction system to influence beneficial outcomes which city life such as economic development, quality productive increases drawn from infrastructure to activities towards fulfilling a set of goals and involve evaluation, assessment, design and sit- of life, social equity, public health and ecological development depend heavily on complementa- objectives in Transport (Ogwude, 2016). Trans- ing of transport facilities (Naomi, 2010). sustainability (Ogwude, 2016). Transportation ry policy support. portation planning is an integral part of overall policy is inevitably a social policy. Some are af- urban planning and requires a systematic ap- fected for good and some for bad. In transpor- RECOMMENDATIONS proach (Janssens, et al, 2009) It can be seen as tation projects where initiatives are taken in the the process of defining future policies, goals, favour of high income motorists may harm the An integrated holistic approach to transport investments, and designs to prepare for future interests of the pedestrians. Transport systems planning is required that will reduce the num- needs to move people and goods to destinations. that do not make daily walking a pleasure for all ber of vehicles on the road and enhance pub- As practiced today, it is a collaborative process citizens will tend to result in significant public lic transport system to ensure effective traffic costs. Transport planning is an exercise of evolv- management in the state. ing policies and strategies that give a rational • Adopts clean fuel technology in reducing direction to activities towards fulfilling a set of air pollution. goals and objectives in Transport. Transporta- • Enact Comprehensive Urban Transport tion planning is an integral part of overall urban Act to address all the current issues, priorities planning and requires a systematic approach and all modes that must be consistent and (Naomi, 2010). aligned to the existing laid down principles. • There is need for an institutional reforms CONCLUSION and capacity building initiatives which will identify certain new policies and bring in poli- The demand for urban transport is growing with cy reforms in transportation and keeping up the urban population as urban transport infra- the pace in infrastructure to meet the teeming structure is inadequate to meet transport needs populace. 15 16

References Infrastructure in Nigeria Cities. FUTA Journal of ARCHITOONS Management and Technology, 17-28. Edema, J. E. (2019). Poor Public Transport Infra- structure in Lagos Nigeria, How Sustainable Im- Sumaila, F. (2013). Road crashes trends and safe- provement could enhance well-being of the peo- ty management in Nigeria. Academic Journals. ple and provide environmental benefits. Degree Journal of Geography and Regional Planning., thesis for Bachelor of Natural Resources in Sus- Pp53-62. May. tainable Coastal Management. Article by: Esan Oluwasegun Babatunde Janssens, M., Pinelli, D., Reymen, D., & Wallman, Department of Architecture, University of S. (2009). Sustainable cities: diversity, economic Lagos, Akoka, Lagos growth and social cohesion. UK: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited. Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). (2019, Novemeber 3). Retrieved from https://lamata-ng.com/ Lookman., O. (2016). Bus Rapid Transit, Lagos Urban Rail Network, LAMATA,. Naomi, C. (2010). The Role of Transportation Planning and Policy in Shaping Communities. Community Investments, Summer 2010, Volume 22, Issue 2. Ogwude, I. C. (2016). Managing Transportation ARCHITOONS The National Remembrance Arcade The National Remembrance Arcade www.leewardists.com www.leewardists.com www.leewardists.com 17 18

Interview with A ticket to London was N600 so it was easy to trav- lot of mistakes. But again you can appreciate the el to the UK and spend a weekend with friends. At problem, the way the economy is set up doesn’t Arc Fred Coker that time we believed that things could only get allow you much time to benefit from mentorship. better! We had no idea in our wildest imagina- In addidtion, society seems to be more interested Principal Partner tions that the country would be have been more in the short term as opposed to the long term. It’s ACCL Architects advanced than it is today. I stayed with Towry a huge problem. But to practice architecture well Coker and Associates till ’86 then we started our in my opinion, I think you need at least 6 years’ firm in ‘87. post-school experience because it takes at least 3 years to put up a building from Concept Design Ekotecture Quarterly: to completion and if you haven’t even put up one 4. How challenging was it starting a firm? building, I don’t think you are competent enough to know what it really takes. Arc. Fred Coker. Principal Architect at Adeniyi Coker Consultants Ltd (ACCL). Nestoil Tower. Arc. Fred Coker: It wasn’t easy but success is never What we’ve noticed with the younger generation really easy. But there was a lot more opportunities is that you may be good at Revit and AutoCAD Ekotecture Quarterly: Ekotecture Quarterly: to grow. There were quite a number of new banks but it doesn’t mean you know anything about ar- 1. Thank you for granting us this interview. 2. Which school(s) of architecture did you at- that were licensed and there was need to build a chitecture. So they need to separate presentation Many have heard the name, seen your works, tend and how were your formative years? lot of branches and Head Offices at the time. The skills from actual content. are familiar with the firm but few know any- economy was in better shape. Things were a lot thing about the personality behind it all. So Arc. Fred Coker: Well, I schooled at the Univer- more straightforward. I had worked with Towry Ekotecture Quarterly: there are a lot of architects that would love to sity of Dundee, Scotland, where I got a B.Sc. and Coker and Associates for five or six years then and 6. What do you think universities need to intro- hear from you and about you. We would like to B. Arch which was the equivalent of a Masters. In made up my mind to start a firm when I noticed duce to our curriculum to improve the quality start by first asking What made you decide to between degrees, I had a year out in London with that he had other interests and the focus of the of our graduates? become an architect? Did you always want to T.P. Bennett & Sons where I worked on a shopping firm was being diverted. I had a lot of fun in Towry become one? Why did you choose to study Ar- centre in Kingston amongst other projects. In the Coker and Associates and I handled a lot of chal- Arc. Fred Coker: One or two years training in a chitecture? summer of 1981, during the first year of my B.Arch, lenging projects (Savannah Bank Head Office, AIB firm rather than spending entire 5 or 6 years in I returned to Nigeria to work with Towry Coker and Plaza, Mobil Housing etc.) but as the focus shifted universities. Perhaps do a straight four-year pro- Arc. Fred Coker: Well, my dad was a medical doc- Associates on the hexagonal conference centre at slightly, I decided to go on my own. gramme in the University, then two years in a firm tor with a passion for building. He always had one Le Meridien Hotel, Abuja. Later in June ’82, I fin- that would count to your masters, after which you development or the other going on so, during the ished top of my class and got several offers from Ekotecture Quarterly: can go back for a 3-month assessment. They’d get holidays, he’d make sure my brother and I were Firms in Egypt, London etc but when I got a call 5. With your experience at Towry Coker and a lot more out of it that way, I think. Universities on site monitoring the workmen, ensuring things from Towry Coker and Associates that our project Associates, how do you view post-school men- are struggling to get quality teachers. Maybe the were in order and preventing pilfering of site ma- was about to move to site, I just packed my bags torship now? Is it still relevant in architecture industry needs to come in to see what role they terials! We were more like cheap labour (laughs) and came back home. I did my RIBA exams a year today in this fast-paced world and with the can play to transfer this knowledge and skillset. but it was fun and we enjoyed it. The projects later in 1983. challenging economy that our graduates face? were in places like Ilupeju and Gbagada which were remote locations back then. Ikorodu Rd was Ekotecture Quarterly: Arc. Fred Coker: It’s a shame the way things have Interview Session with Arc. Fred Coker. surrounded by bush and it took about four hours 3. Wow! So you turned down the other offers? gone in the country and the impact it has had to get to site! He also had architects visiting the on the way we have gone about things. Without house often, due to his projects, so we got to see Arc. Fred Coker: Yes, I did. You need to under- a doubt, when you graduate from a professional a lot of drawings as well and took interest in the stand that back then the country was very good. course like medicine and architecture, you only profession. So we were exposed at a very young It was two dollars to the naira. So earning N500 a know about 10% of the business. The school just age to the profession- say about ten or eleven. month was equivalent $1000. got you to think in a particular manner and assess whether you’ve got the temperament and pas- 19 sion for the profession. But there’s only so much they can squeeze into you in that short period. Anybody that goes straight from school to work in corporate bodies, companies, etc without ex- perience or training wouldn’t be bringing much value and is going to learn on the job and make a 20

Ekotecture Quarterly: chitect but you may struggle managing the busi- Only reason is because we are doing all the Ar- Milverton Road The George Hotel 7. ACCL has left an indelible mark in the Ni- ness side of things. So that project really gave me chitectural and Engineering design on the proj- gerian building industry and has been produc- an insight to convincing clients that you are the ect We’re working with Julius Berger- who are ing great architecture for decades. We know right Architect for the job. Nothing underhanded very precise people. There is little room for error, it’s hard but if you had to choose your favourite but you have to recognize that nobody knows you, so drawing submissions had to be stepped up project, what would it be? you may be good but you haven’t done anything considerably. JB, as contractors, are more familiar yet so you have to sell yourself. You can’t just sit in with working on turnkey projects with their own Arc. Fred Coker: Hmmm. Do I have one? It’s dif- the office and expect recognition. consultants from Germany. So we had to match ficult to say because each project you do brings up. It’s an interesting project, really. its own satisfaction and has its own challenges. Ekotecture Quarterly: Well, I would say one I thoroughly enjoyed was 8. Could you expatiate more on client engage- Ekotecture Quarterly: MTN Head Office Complex Office development a residential development I did in 1993 on Ikoyi ment? 10. ACCL is a multi-disciplinary firm. I believe Crescent- No. 21. I felt it worked just as well on Adeniyi Coker Architects (ACA) became Adeniyi the inside as on the outside. From a residential Arc. Fred Coker: Yes, the more you can engage Coker Consultants Ltd (ACCL) in 2005? What in point of view, I was quite happy with the result. I with them, the more they appreciate what you your opinion are the pros and cons of running a believe it was well-balanced, well-proportioned… do. I think that’s also part of the problem. Most cli- multi-disciplinary outfit in Nigeria? It was over an acre of land, quite a long plot, so ents don’t fully appreciate what architects do. The we moved the building to one end of the garden sketch or drawing you bring to them is just 15% of Arc. Fred Coker: I think the industry has changed Maintenance, durability, practicality as well as de- so that all the principle rooms would have a good what you actually do. You’re actually managing a a lot from when I started and I’ll tell you why. sign language are essential considerations for us. view of the garden. We tried to ensure that 60% portfolio of X amount making up the total value I remember those days I used to spend a lot of The building has to be functional. We’re not gim- of the plot or more was zoned to the garden and of the project. How the funds are managed is pri- time doing ironmongery schedules for example micky. You know there’s an adage that says: ‘Sim- recreational space. marily dependent on what you plan to do on the and those days everything including the vendors plicity is the essence of good design’ and I still be- project. So, whilst they may have a problem pay- were specified. But nowadays everybody wants a lieve there’s a lot of merit in that statement. When For office buildings, I guess I would say the Inter- ing your fee for Managing the project value, they one-stop shop. You know, managing the interface all the glamour and drama wears off, the client continental Bank Head Office (now Access Bank have no qualms paying a funds manager a similar between all parties can be a big problem and is might just take a second look at your project and Head Office). It was one of our first projects as percentage to manage their funds and trade with not just worth it. So the industry has migrated to- say “You know… this building is not really efficient a firm. I was looking at it the other day, it’s a bit their money. There’s the irony. wards one contractor who handles the MEP, the or is very expensive to maintain”. Then the archi- heavy compared to what we’d do today but imag- construction etc. Same applies to our industry tect gets bashed as the issues rear their head. ine doing that project in 1989. It was a very excit- Ekotecture Quarterly: nowadays as many clients don’t want to sit round ing and tough project. We were a very young firm 9. What is your most challenging project yet? the table with various consultants, resolving proj- Ekotecture Quarterly: at the time and up against seven of the biggest ect issues. They want to get hold of one consultant 12. With climate change and sustainability be- firms in the country and we prevailed. That’s also Arc. Fred Coker: I’d say the current project on who will take the responsibility to deliver the proj- coming a burning topic, how do you think ar- when I realized there’s another side to architec- Kingsway Road - the Famfa Tower. ect on time and within budget. They can choose chitects should get involved? ture- the business side. You can be a very good ar- any players they want to deliver- like a coach. There’s no point expecting a coach to deliver the Arc. Fred Coker: On a macro level, other than cup and you give him a team that can’t deliver. If the oil and gas industry- whose extent of dam- you give him the freedom to pick his own team, age I don’t really know- I would say as a country he has a better chance to achieve this. It reduces our contribution to pollution is comparatively low finger-pointing. The advantages far outweigh the because we do little manufacturing. So we don’t disadvantages. need to engage in very expensive solutions to re- duce our carbon footprint. However on a micro Ekotecture Quarterly: point of view, I believe whether we like it or not 11. What is your design philosophy? we as architects have to engage in sustainable solutions like using double glazed windows, insu- Arc. Fred Coker: What’s uppermost in our minds lation, solar and wind power. Things are changing while designing is buildability and longevity. To by virtue of building standards and it’s going to achieve these, we pay special attention to detail- come so I don’t think we really need to be in a hur- ing and make the building easy to maintain so it ry considering our low carbon foot plate. doesn’t fall apart tomorrow. Amethyst Estate Vedic Hospital & Diagnostic Centre 21 22

Ekotecture Quarterly: Ekotecture Quarterly: Leadership The Leadership and Architecture by 13. What’s your assessment of the profes- 15. Any advice for upcoming architects? Arc Abimbola Ajayi sion at this point in the Nigerian context? & Architecture the leadership type, a leader must be able to in- Arc. Fred Coker: Generally, I don’t think the pro- Arc. Fred Coker: I would like to believe that it’s still fluence his organization and be aware what mo- fession is in a good place. I think it’s tough and a worthwhile profession to be in. Although, I feel tivates his team members, so that the goals can it’s going to get a lot tougher. Appreciation of we need to reinvent ourselves. We need to think be accomplished. For this discussion, we shall our work needs to be looked at critically. I think about what the market really requires from us. We focus on the relevant few leadership styles from architects need to put heads together and map should be flexible and creative enough to reinvent several others as follows: out how they would like to go forward in the fu- ourselves. If you put in the time, commitment and ture. When you look at companies like Blackberry focus, it’s a wonderful profession to be in and you Leadership has many definitions, but for the  Visionary Leadership – can be described and Nokia that were reigning supreme at a time… would enjoy it. You need to have the passion and purpose of this exercise, we shall focus on the as the ability to mobilize people toward a vision. There are many industries today that technology patience for it to be rewarding. It’s not for those in definition by the Oxford Dictionary “Leadership This works best when there is a clear direction and new attitudes have impacted negatively. Take a hurry. It’s not for those that found themselves in is the state or position of being a leader.” Lead- or when a change is needed. “A leader needs a for example, there was a time the Royal Mail was it because they were told that’s what they should ership can also be defined as the action of lead- cause, a belief, and the courage to see it through a company you could bank on… now people use do. If you don’t have the calling, for want of a bet- ing a group of people or organization in order to against all opposition.” – 1001 Ways to Leadership WhatsApp and emails. So they had to reinvent ter world, it may not really be the right profession accomplish certain goals. A leader must possess  Coaching Leadership is employed to de- themselves to remain relevant. I think we need for you. certain power or ability to hold a leadership posi- velop people for the future. This works best when to sit down and go for a long retreat. I think we’ll tion (Al-Sawai, 2013). helping people and building long-term strength. always be relevant and still have an important We need to be ready to reinvent ourselves so we It is development oriented. “As we look into the role to play but we need to realize that things are are better suited for the future. I’m not entire- next century, leaders will be those who empower changing and we need to spend time mapping ly sure that the template that we’ve been using others” – Bill Gates out the way forward. Pretending it’s not an issue from the 60s to the present day is the best tem-  Democratic Leadership builds consensus or ignoring the changes is not the way because it plate to use for the next fifty years. I think with all through participation. This works best to create is inevitable that we need to adapt. There’s a need that’s going on, it should be handled at a higher consensus or get input. for a lot of stock taking. level. Maybe NIA should put up a small team to  Pacesetting Leadership expects excel- look into it and do some research. lence and self-direction and works best to get Ekotecture Quarterly: quick results from a highly competent team. 14. I know you love playing golf, do you have Ekotecture Quarterly: “High expectations are the key to everything.” – any other hobbies and passions? 15. Thank you for your time and insights, sir. Sam Walton They have been invaluable. Arc. Fred Coker: Well, my main hobby is golf. It’s “Men make history and not the other way The different leadership styles have their advan- quite time-consuming and, I’m afraid, leaves little Arc. Fred Coker: My pleasure. Thank you. around. In periods where there is no leadership, tages and disadvantages; however, a leader who room for any other hobbies. You know by the time society stands still.” – Harry S. Truman. In today’s can apply the advantages of each style success- you leave the office and go to play a round of golf world, we need more leaders. Leaders who are vi- fully would be the most accomplished and re- there’s virtually no time left. sionary and leaders who have the right attitude. spected leader in his/her organization. No leader Leaders can be innovators, entrepreneurs, work- clearly possesses one leadership style. Usually, ers, and just normal everyday people. A leader different traits are displayed depending on the does not necessarily have to preside over or chair unique need of each situation and/or the orga- an organization, but he must have the ability to nizational setting and team needs. “Leadership motivate and lead people to be their best. Lead- is the capacity and will to rally men and women ers always have great qualities and they love to a common purpose and the character that in- helping those in need. Examples abound in na- spires confidence.” – General Montgomery tions, societies, organizations, homes, etc. where leadership (good or bad) has made a phenome- nal difference (positively or negatively). Societies have thrived where leadership excelled, and in the same vein, societies have waned where lead- ership failed. ACCl Logo LAGOS STATE WATER AUTHORITY (LASWA) HEAD “In matters of style, swim with the current; OFFICE. by ACCL in matters of principles, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson. There are several leadership styles identified over the years, and regardless of 23 24

limitations of your thoughts. When you know . A first cause, a fount of energy, a life force, a service and empowering followership. With a who you are, then it does not matter what oth- Prime Mover. The creator served nothing and no change in mind set and paradigm shift from ers think because you know who you are. You one. He lived for himself. And only by living for perceived gender limitations, the above inability need to discover who you are and be fearless. himself was he able to achieve the things which gradually became a thing of the past. With the When you discover who you are, no opinion af- are the glory of mankind. Such is the nature of right attitude to roles and responsibilities, I have fects you or changes your confidence. “Deter- achievement.” – Howard Roark’s Courtroom learnt to be tough, human, strong and resilient. mine that the thing can and shall be done, and Speech, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand This has enabled me to be of service to humani- then we shall find the way.” – Abraham Lincoln According to Wikipedia, “An Architect is a person ty, while focussing on empowering followership trained and licensed to plan, design, and over- rather than dominating mankind. “Leadership is action, not position.” – Donald H. “Leadership transforms the world.” – Dr. Myles see the construction of buildings … Etymologi- McGannon. Knowledge, experience, improve- Monroe . The world needs transformational lead- cally, Architect derives from the Latin architec- “True leaders do not create followers; they cre- ment of skills, desire for growth, are a few of ers. Leaders who are not just title-holders, good tus, which derives from the Greek arkhitekton ate more leaders” – Unknown. As a leader or an the traits of dynamism in a leader. Leadership managers, or inspirational speakers. We need (arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e., chief builder.” aspiring leader, your attitude will determine your determines everything, the quality of the fol- men and women who are committed to tak- The words oversee and chief reinforce the ste- altitude and the uniqueness of your attitude will lowers, the mentality of the followers, the mo- ing action in order to make a difference in the reotype of the Architect as leader. distinguish your leadership. To be a leader, you rality of the followers, the attitude of the fol- world. There are trained leaders and there are will be able to influence people and take them lowers, the commitment of the followers, the transformational leaders. Trained leaders have “True leaders do where they want to go; but as a great leader, you destiny of the followers, etc. Wherever the knowledge; transformational leaders have wis- will take people to where they ought to be. leader goes, the people go; whatever the leader dom. Trained leaders know the right things to not create follow- A leader initiates action to start a work and does, the people do; whatever the leader thinks, do; transformational leaders do the right things. achieve a set goal. This leader also has to mo- the people become victims of the thoughts. Transformational Leaders are more desirable ers; they create tivate his team in order to get the work done because they see things others do not see, they while providing guidance for effective and ef- In all situations, corporate success demands say things others do not say, they believe things more leaders” – ficient delivery. The leader creates confidence submission to a single vision; hence teamwork others do not believe, they feel things others do and builds morale of the team such that he will is very important and key to success. Good not feel and they do things others do not do. Unknown. get their full co-operation to perform their best. leaders are not afraid of competition or oppo- From the foregoing, it is important that the lead- sition; true leaders are created to lead and not Leadership is a potent combination of strategy er must ensure he achieves the best results at all to dominate people; and successful leaders and character. But if you must be without one, times. do not focus on the size of a problem but seek be without the strategy. – General Schwarzkopf. and find a solution to the problem. “An army of Once you become the leader, your days of com- REFERENCES sheep led by a lion will always defeat an army plaining about anyone on your team are officially of lions led by a sheep.” – Dr Myles Monroe over. You are the person responsible. And when “The growth and development of people is the 1001 WAYS TO LEADERSHIP – Arcturus (2015) The lion is referred to the king of animals, not be- you take this responsibility, you exude a strength of highest calling of leadership.” – Harvey Fires- LEADERSHIP THAT GETS RESULTS – D. Goleman cause it is the biggest, tallest, strongest or smart- character. As a leader in any organization, wheth- tone .This definition of architect as overseer and (2000) est; but because of its attitude. Its attitude makes er it is good, bad or ugly, you must take responsi- chief-builder is not without historical precedent; ARCHITECT AS LEADER: A NEW MODEL OF COL- the difference between it and other animals. Its bility for what happens on your watch. Blaming the list of architect master-builders is long and LABORATION – Enoch Sears (2013) belief exudes a confidence that enables him to or pointing fingers is at best a sign of immaturity illustrious. Examples abound both in local and achieve its objectives and accomplish its goals. and at worst demonstrates a lack of integrity. The foreign climes where Architects do not just lead THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP – Mike Murdock overall price of leadership hinges on sacrifice. in the Profession and Industry, but also in diverse (2018) Leadership comes from a belief system that sectors which include governance, politics, reli- you can achieve whatever you dream, and you “Jesus called them together and said, “You know gion, social, administration, etc. THE HOLY BIBLE set your mind and commitment to reach that goal. Unique attitudes distinguish leaders be- that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gen- cause they produce behaviours and actions that stretches one beyond the limitations of the norm tiles lord it over them, and their high officials ex- and because attitude is a product of belief, a transformation of your belief system will make ercise authority over them. Not so with you. In- you a leader. You will always be what you think, and your life will reflect your thoughts. Your life stead, whoever wants to become great among is exactly as you think it is because you are sub- ject to your thoughts, you are a victim of your you must be your servant, and whoever wants to thinking patterns and you will be bound by the be first must be last of all. For even the Son of Man “Leaders must be tough enough to fight, ten- der enough to cry, human enough to make mis- did not come to be served, but to serve, and to takes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the pain, and resilient enough give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45. to bounce back and keep on moving.” – Jesse Jackson. In many ways and many instances, I “The creators were not selfless. It is the whole have been opportuned to serve and lead in or- ganizations, church, school, home etc. At the secret of their power—that it was self-suf- early stages, it was tough because of the inabil- ity to understand that leadership is more about ficient, self-motivated, self-generated. 25 26

Call for Members Do you love photography, writing, creating contents, graphic designs, video editing, Architectural cartoon creation, Architectural journalism, research and surfingthe web, conductingInterviews? Here is an opportunity to join the EQ Magazine Team of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos State Chapter. More Details Below. Season’s Greetings from the EQ Magazine Team to our esteemed readers and Architects. We look forward to receiving interested Members Kindly forward your details to [email protected] 27 28

Behind The Scenes: EQ #8 Magazine The back story behind the EQ #8 Magazine MEMBERS OF THE NIA LAGOS STATE CHAPTER Arc. Ololade Olajide Olayinka Chair, Students’ Affairs Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh 1st Vice President Arc. Adeoti Akintayo Ex-Officio 29 30