Ekotecture Quarterly #4 (1)

KE OTECTURE Issue 4 September 2017 Q NECOM HOUSE U A R T E R L Y • HERITAGE PLACE • GRENFELL TOWER DISASTER • 10 GREAT TIPS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

FROM THE CHAIR’S DESK TABLE OF CONTENTS  From the Chair’s Desk /Table of Contents 1  Editorial 2 Dear Colleagues,  Archi-Lecture: The Grenfell Tower Disaster: Lessons The fourth edition of Ekotecture Quarterly is finally here Nigeria Needs To Learn Fast. 3-7 and we welcome you all to this forum. To many of us, EQ  NIA Diary 7 is a welcome form of escapism- a place where architects  Feature Article: NECOM House: A Beacon Ignored? 8-12 can binge on everything architecture. As we are all  Vox Pop: Why do Architects in Nigeria prefer sole probably aware, these are trying times for our profession in the country. Our unity and credibility are proprietorships to partnerships? 13-14 being tested more than ever. It’s times like these that one must dig deep and find  Mastering the Business of Architecture: 10 Great Tips to oneself, gather the very fabrics that made one fall in love with the profession and re-ignite that passion. EQ, with its thought- provoking and enlightening articles , is Grow Your Practice 14-17 your ever-faithful companion along this lonely path of self-discovery and recovery. I  Architects in Non-Traditional Roles: Architects in enjoin everyone to read EQ#4. There are so many great articles here. My personal favourite is ‘10 Great Tips to Grow Your Practice’. It set me thinking. I’d like to Photography- Interview with Segun Adekanye. 17-21 propose an 11th tip though to those marble words of business savvy: Read, read,  Eko Sights & Feel. 21-25 read widely- it helps a lot in practice. Start with Ekotecture Quarterly and you  Photo Gallery 25-27 won’t regret it. You can thank me later. Happy reading! Main cover photo of Heritage House, courtesy ECAD Architects Arc. Fitzgerald Umah MNIA, RIBA 1 NIA Lagos State Chapter Chairman

We welcome you to EQ#4! E article. They had the onerous task of restoring the 32-storey structure D following the fire of ’83. We also thank Olutoyl Properties for A lot of things have happened since we last met: some more I granting us access to the building for our review. significant than others. A couple of these incidents are serious T enough to affect the nation’s building policy but as of yet O Still on the subject of high-rise buildings and fires, our Material Focus nothing has been heard or done. We have chosen to discuss R on Eko Sights & Feel is on kalsi boards: an alternative to ACM panels. one of them here: the Grenfell Tower disaster and the role of I Kalsi boards are fire-resistant, great for renovations and just as Aluminium Composite Material (ACM). All over the world, A adaptable. We also wish to thank ECAD Architects for their countries are revisiting their policies on the type of ACM that L submission for Project Focus. Heritage Place is the first commercial can be employed in cladding- especially in multi-storey building in Lagos to achieve LEED certification in both design and buildings- and enforcing new regulations to prevent fire construction. We also have yet another interesting topic on Vox Pop. mishaps. This is following results of the UK inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire disaster. Judging from the importation and If you want to boost your business (who doesn’t?) don’t miss 10 proliferation of sandwich panels in the country, there is valid Great Tips to Grow Your Practice in our Mastering the Business of reason for much concern especially as it is now apparent that Architecture column. Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to ACM has become the material of choice for renovations and everyone who has contributed to EQ#4 especially the PRO, the Chairs re-branding in our urban areas. Archi-Lecture delves into this Education and Student Affairs and our guest Segun Adekanye – subject critically under the pen of the erudite Arc. Eromosele architect/photographer- who granted us an inspiring interview for our Anetor of Anetor & Associates. Non-Traditional Roles column. Finally, kudos to an indefatigable EQ team. Let’s do it again! Our iconic feature for this edition is NECOM House, the tallest building in West Africa, built in the ’70s like the Arc. Claude Opara MNIA National Theatre (EQ#3) and in need of refurbishment just like Chairman, Publications NIALSC/ Editor EQ the previous landmarks featured. We appreciate Unique Architects for their most invaluable support in preparing this 2

ARCHI-LECTURE Globally, Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels are a commonly used product in the refurbishment industry. Speed of THE GRENFELL TOWER DISASTER: LESSONS NIGERIA construction, aesthetics and low maintenance are probably some of NEEDS TO LEARN FAST! the reasons why they have become so popular. However, the Grenfell Tower incident has introduced a whole new perspective to the product. In the early hours of June 14, Grenfell Tower, West London, was engulfed in flames that claimed 80 lives. Experts say the composite foam sandwich panels helped spread the fire quickly from the lower floors all the way up the block. The material used in the cladding on Grenfell was the cheaper, more flammable version of two available options and as such, the foam \"went up like matchsticks\" and the waterproof zinc coating made dousing the blaze even harder. The “death-trap” cladding is said to be banned in the US and, though the manufacturers clearly stated in their brochure that it should not be used on a building above 10m high, such cautions weren’t heeded. 3

WHAT IS CLADDING? WHAT ARE ACM SANDWICH PANELS? extruded polystyrene (XPS), mineral wool rock fibre (MWRF) or polyisocynuarate (PIR). However, PUR and EPS are used in over 90% Cladding is the visible and non-structural material that is the outer of ACPs for external application. envelope of buildings fixed with the aim of providing thermal and acoustic insulation whilst achieving aesthetic desires of the designer. ACMs have become more Cladding materials are also expected to be durable, weather resisting affordable compared to other and requiring low maintenance. cladding systems and are faster to install than precast concrete Over the years materials used for cladding has evolved as technology panels, stones or even bricks. The has improved; materials such as stone, timber, bricks, curtain wall, many advantages of the ACMs metal sheets (zinc, copper, aluminium), vinyl and sandwich panels include: lightweight, ease of have been used and are still being used as cladding materials. The installation, durability, flexibility, choice of what cladding material to use is dependent on the building variety of surface finishes and type and scale, cost, climate and aesthetic objectives of the designer. colours. Sandwich panels as the name implies are panels made of two sheets However, cladding performance can be compromised through errors in of metal bonded to an insulating core. The earliest use of the material installation or poor detailing thereby resulting in safety problems such as was in the 1930s and was introduced by Forest Products Laboratory. cladding collapse or panels pulling off the structure of the building. The The common sandwich panel, especially in Nigeria is the Aluminium major disadvantage of ACMs is their reaction to fire; they lose form, Composite Material (ACM) made up of two sheets of Aluminium and a become delaminated and expose the core. In addition, the cavity lightweight core about 3-5mm thickness. The ACM are fixed on metal between the panels and the building wall creates a 'chimney effect' runners and mid rails which are fixed on the outer walls of the during fire causing the vertical spread of fire to the top of the building. building. The lightweight insulating core material could be However, the insulating materials used for the core of ACMs react polyurethane (PUR), expanded polystyrene (EPS), differently to fire. 4

EPS will initially soften and shrink away from a small flame, but will then melt and burn. The voids created by melting admit oxygen, which intensifies the fire. Molten flaming droplets can spread the fire and all the material between the metal facings is likely to be consumed, leading to loss of structural stability. At the outset of the fire, development is fairly slow and contained while in a well- established fire, the material will contribute to the fire development. Delamination and collapse may also be sudden. EPS was recognised as the worst of the plastic foams in fire conditions. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a thermoplastic product equivalent to the flame retardant grade of EPS, but behaves similarly to EPS in fire conditions. PUR is combustible but forms a char layer which tends to inhibit further combustion. The char layer is relatively fragile and may break off to expose fresh combustible foam. PUR also contributes to fire growth in a fully-developed fire, giving off black smoke and toxic fumes such as hydrogen cyanide above 850oC. PIR, a variant of PUR with improved fire properties, is difficult to ignite and exhibits a pronounced charring which enables it to withstand fire for longer though ultimately combustible. ACM PANELS & SPREAD OF FIRES ACMs with PE insulating core have been found to contribute to the extensive spread of fire vertically, in fire incidents in ACM cladded buildings around the globe. The list includes:- 5

 Lankanal House fire in 2009 (Camberwell), limit at 15m. In the light of the institutional failings that resulted in  Woosh Golden Suites fire in 2010 (Busan), Grenfell Tower incident, an audit of ACM-clad high-rise residential  Lacrosse Tower fire in 2014 (Melbourne), buildings was commissioned with the aim of preventing similar  Marina Torch and Address Downtown fires in 2015 (Dubai), incidences in the country with a plan to re-clad buildings that pose  Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 (London). unacceptable fire risk through the ACMs. According to UK ACM & UPDATING BUILDING CODES government, the number of deadly tower blocks with combustible Many countries in Europe and other developed countries have Building cladding similar to Grenfell Tower is currently above 200. Most blocks Codes that define the requirements and set standards for all building tested so far have failed fire safety checks and cladding has been materials, including ACMs, to be used in buildings. These codes are updated ripped from other towers in many areas. In fact, the government of frequently in the light of new research. UAE took the decision to gradually replace all PE core cladded ACMs over a period of time whilst ensuring that all new buildings are Germany for example was reported to have banned the use of PE core cladded with the fire resistant (FR) ACM. ACMs for buildings over 22m since the 1980s whilst the USA set the Here in Nigeria, I believe we are far more at risk of fire outbreak in high-rise buildings what with our generating sets, fuel storage within buildings, epileptic power supply and surges, coupled with the challenge of inadequate provision of fire prevention, protection and fighting measures in our high rise buildings. There are no standards or regulations on the ACM imported into the country and the absence of a Building Code in this regard begs the question of quality control. There have been numerous tower fire incidents especially on Lagos Island. Mamman Kontagora House (razed in 2015) has just had a full make-over in ACM panels. The apartment block right next to NECOM House has also recently been clad. One can only hope due care was 6

taken in selecting the ACM panels used. I believe that we as architects NIA DIARY & PLANNER should be at the forefront of proactively mitigating this growing risk Thank you for your support, contributions and honourable presence at all our previous events. It is commendable the overwhelming support especially as Lagos goes vertical to address shelter needs for her and encouragement received from all our members especially as we have had record attendance at our events. Here are our activities for teeming population. Agencies such as SON and LSBCA also need to get the remainder of the year:- involved because in truth ours is a 'Grenfell Tower' waiting to happen. Arc. Abiodun Fajuyi MNIA PRO, NIALSC Arc. Eromosele Anetor MNIA Anetor & Associates EVENT DATE LOCATION Definition of limited combustibility, Designing of Buildings by Wiki 22 August 2017. Reaction to fire performance of Aluminum Composite Panels, May 2016. Ministry of Business, 1 NIA Lagos State Chapter Innovation and Employment, New Zealand; Secondary fires from core melting. BRE report BR Monthly Business 135; General Insurance research report No. 6. ABI 2000-2001.ABI May 2003 Technical Meetings Briefing: Fire performance of sandwich panels systems. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3804113/grenfell-london-tower-fire-cladding-fire-tests- latest-updates/; Source: Perspective. Winter 2016 Special issue www.probyn-miers.com Thursdays August Freedom Park, Broad 31st, September 28th, Street, Marina, Lagos October 19th, November 16th 2017 2 West African Architects Tuesday 24th- Friday The Obi Wali Int’l Festival. 27th October 2017 Conference Center, Port Harcourt, River State 3 57th NIA Biennial General Wednesday 22nd- The Ladi Kwali Conference Center, Meeting. Saturday 25th Sheraton Hotel Abuja November 2017 4 NIA Lagos State Chapter Saturday December Yet to be End-of Year Social Event. 2nd (Proposed Date) Determined. 7

FEATURE ARTICLE “Wow. This building looks like a walkie-talkie! Broad but slender, tall and with a bold off-centre antenna on top. It better be related to NECOM HOUSE: A BEACON IGNORED? telecommunication.” When I learnt back then that it was actually NITEL HQ, I thought the KEY FACTS concept was ingenious. Post-modernist Robert Venturi would have beamed with delight. Sadly, we may never know if this was deliberate as Location: 15 Marina, Lagos Island the firm, Nickson, Borys & Partners, moved to Ghana some decades ago Iconic value: Tallest building in West Africa. Fifth tallest in Africa and is now defunct. What we do know however is that the building was Architect: Nickson, Borys & Partners supposed to act as a lighthouse for ships entering the Lagos Harbour No. of floors: 32 with its communication tower (or antenna) serving as a beacon. Like Height: 160m Independence House (one-time tallest building in Lagos- see EQ#1) Year of completion: 1979 which stands a few blocks away, this edifice has been engulfed in flames Contractor: Costain Group before: in 1983 and 2015. The fire incidents in both buildings were Aliases: NITEL Building, NET Building, NTEL Building suspected to be arson and both suffered extensive internal damage, Architecture: Modern despite being concrete buildings. Ironically, during the fire of 2015, the Structural material: Concrete smoke from the top was indeed reminiscent of ‘lantern rooms’ in Façade system: Exposed structure traditional lighthouses. 8

DESIGN AND ORIENTATION PARTS OF THE BUILDING With no shield from the elements at such a remarkable height, NECOM House has three basic sections: the west wing, the service apposite orientation and design help NECOM House adapt well to its core and the east wing. Each section has a staircase starting from the environment. Its broad facades, with an array of ribbon windows, face ground up. At the front, the box-like protrusion of the fire-escape the north-south axis. This allows for proper cross-ventilation and marks the service core’s position while at the rear it is easily identified optimization of the cool ocean breeze from the Lagos harbour. But for as the cylindrical section of the tower block finished in brown mosaic. the internal partitions that now hinder free flow of air on most floors, Skewed more to the east, the core lines up with the communication there might have been little need for the HVAC cooling available. The tower above and holds a bank of six elevators, an HVAC room, and the east and west facades have a significantly narrower surface area and building’s toilet facilities. The west wing is the larger of the two wings: thus less exposure to the sun. While the east elevation has some both predominantly in white mosaic and both meant for office use. windows and vertical glazing along the staircase for a good dose of healthy morning sun, the west elevation has no fenestration at all to Behind the tower block is a five-storey annex that accommodates avoid the setting sun. office spaces and a dual-lane ramp which leads to a multi-level car park above. The ramp takes off from Cable Street, curves left and ends up on the 2nd floor where the car park begins. Presently, this annex, with its lovely cantilevered balcony overlooking the street, is completely abandoned and in a state of disrepair. You can access the tower in two ways: from the ground floor through the glazed entrance facing the Marina or from the car park- taking one of the elevators or stairs. Picture left: North façade Picture right: North & east axis with drumming merman by Prof. Ben Enwonwu 9

NECOM (Nigerian 2nd floor Car Park External Communication) 4th floor Car Park House is the tallest building in West 10 Africa at 160m. It has held this title for over 25 years. The Millennium Tower, Abuja, which is meant to be 170m tall is still under construction. Annex with tower in background Dual-lane ramp and cantilevered balcony

7th floor Kitchen 18th – 30th Floors LET’S TAKE A TOUR 17th floor The ground floor consists of a reception hall on the east wing, a double- volume atrium in the service core, and offices on the west wing. There is a mezzanine floor, currently being used by the facilities managers, overlooking the atrium. Above these floors are four levels of parking from the 2nd floor to the 5th with a connecting spiral ramp. The 6th floor is the technical floor while the 7th is the restaurant floor. Most of the typical upper floors are open-plan and ready for retrofitting. The elevator stops finally on the 32nd floor where you can now take the stairs up to the ‘lantern room’ of the communications tower. The view from its circular balcony is breezy yet breath-taking. A cat-ladder takes you further up, past 11

the upper ring and finally into the telecoms frame with the NITEL letters. During the restoration work done by Unique Architects, a helipad was added to the structure. EQ was not allowed to take pictures of the building’s interior ‘for View from the tower security reasons’ however the floors have low headroom- about 2.2m floor-to-ceiling height with the connecting beams in the lift lobby The building looks worn because it requires periodic maintenance. being about 2m above the marble floor. This low headroom has an The facades’ mosaic are in dire need of restoration. It needs to be impact on general ambience especially in the common areas. A lot of ground, cleaned and restored with clearcoat finish to recover some of the building’s wall surface is finished with mosaic- both internally its past glory. A quick-fix ACM cladding may not be the best approach (especially the circulation spaces) and externally. There are two mural as discussed in this edition’s Archilecture. It would also lose a lot of its walls in NECOM House: one screening off the car park on the Marina character. Considering that the original owners and designers have side and the other above the annex building on the Cable St side. The both folded up and government is no longer in charge of this iconic former, done in mosaic, is worse for wear. structure, one can only hope that its resuscitation will be part of the ongoing urban renewal of Lagos Island. Fully occupied with corporate View from the tower clients, NECOM House can become quite profitable to run and can generate enough funds for another restoration befitting of its status. Arc. Claude Opara MNIA 12

WHY DO NIGERIAN  of staff exit. This gives the staff clear career paths and a sense ARCHITECTS PREFER of ownership in the company. Arc. Oluyinka Adebimpe MNIA SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP Project Manager, Eagle Hills TO PARTNERSHIP?  Most of the architects don't want to invest in the business of  Some architects are dedicated and wouldn't mind investing in architecture. They just want to get paid. Coming to do partnerships but partnerships have many issues which need to partnership needs serious commitment financially and be resolved before starting and sometimes the issues are dedication. If I tell you bring 20million and let's float an progressively elaborated with time. Hence, once you aren't architectural firm, you will not answer me. Let's work first for prepared there will be friction. In my opinion I prefer sole free and get paid later, you will not be interested. We are proprietorship as humans are the most complex entities and sentimental in some of these issues. Who goes into partnership? dealing with them as well as projects as well isn't an easy task. Some of us have gone into partnership on a project basis and Moreover if you study most architects who have gone into split profits. Identifying common interest and ideas is key. partnerships in Nigeria you’ll see most didn't stand the test of However successful partnership works when every party time except they have other on-going businesses, not purely involved is contributing to the growth. Also equity matters. Tare architecture. Money also changes people. Ojosipe Olalekan, Iwhewhe, Graduate member NIA freelancer Graduate member NIA. Project Architect Total Nigeria Plc  This trend has continued for a number of reasons such as the  The major reason is that architectural firms are presently need to preserve identity/style/brand associated with the structured around the principal with no clear career architect; some very conservative architects do not wish to have development structure for young architects. I once read about their styles diluted though partnership. Secondly, there is the an architectural firm in the UK that has been existing for over need to keep all proceeds to oneself or his firm. Thirdly, there is 100 year because only 30% shares of the company is reserved also the issue of trust in the event of the demise of a partner; for the founding partners, 30% sold to other investors while the fear of the unknown and what will happen to his stake in the the rest is reserved and allocated to eligible staff and the same shares will be bought over by the company at the point 13

 partnership, particularly in our clime? Some architects also MASTERING THE BUSINESS OF ARCHITECTURE prefer sole proprietorship when they have all it takes to run alone i.e. contacts, briefs, staff etc. Some architects also feel 10 GREAT TIPS TO GROW there are inadequate briefs to keep a partnership going and will prefer to keep the very few briefs to themselves, which most YOUR PRACTICE often are not based on statutory scale of fees in sole proprietorship. This could be a reflection of the economy or 1. Think Long-Term. Don’t fall for the Project-to-Project Trap inability of professional bodies to ensure that architects are paid fees that are due them. Arc. Femi Oyetosho MNIA By working from project to project, the design professional sees little Managing Director, Bios 2 need for long-term planning and often fails to invest in future growth. A long-term, forward thinking firm, on the other hand, has established  The practise of architecture in Nigeria has not really embraced a strategic direction and builds its reputation in the market on the the partnership model primarily because of attitudinal problems strength of many individuals. When a firm simply works from one of ego and lack of trust in financial matters. There has also been project to the next, it reduces itself to \"working for wages.\" A firm that poor sensitization of benefits of such model. Arc. John Akunne has its vision set squarely on a project can't look ahead to the long MNIA Managing Director, Tizzell Ltd term direction of the firm. Any views on the topic? Send us a mail on feedbackeq@gmail.com 14

2. Change your Sales Pitch 4. Re-package Your Services to Meet the Needs of the Moment: Value-Added Service v. Commodities In spite of our civilized manners, deep down we all want to know \"what's in it for me?\"; answer that question for a client and you are Architects pride themselves on the \"service\" and \"quality\" they offer. guaranteed to win. Your pitch focus should be on the benefits of your Unfortunately, quality and service - at the levels typically available in services to the client rather than the features of your firm. Always the design profession- have also become “commodities” in the minds remember, the client is more interested in himself. of the consumer (client) and no one will pay an extra penny for the norm. To maintain an exclusive status, you must continuously change 3. Be aware of the Blessing and Curse of “Professionalism” and update that which makes you special. One side effect of this need for continuous improvement is a continuous raising of the standard by As architects, we naturally pride ourselves as \"professionals\" but which you are judged. forget that professions are created by marketplace needs and the market also maintains the power to decide the continued relevance of 5. Offer New Services any service provided. While an architect's notion of \"professionalism\" may hold him/her to a higher standard, it places no similar obligation A firm selling services that aren’t commonly available can not only on the client. Being a \"professional\" does nothing to remove you from charge more but can provide customers that added level of personal the laws of the marketplace. While you should pay careful attention to attention that convinces them the extra charge is worth it. For practice rules which may set some limits on your flexibility, there is example, a traditional architectural practice can add sophisticated still enormous room to experiment and change. computer-based facilities management services to stay with their clients throughout the life-cycle of the building. 15

6. Focus on a Niche Market 8. Quantify the Value of your Services True expertise is both rare and valuable. This is quite common in the Demonstrating the value of your services through quantitative legal profession where a lawyer who knows more about your case measures is a long-established practice in other industries. Indicate type is more likely to be of greater value to you than a general lawyer. how much is being saved by following your process. Could you prove Likewise, that lawyer's rates are also much greater because of the that your buildings somehow perform better, use less energy or use added value he or she brings. You too, can develop rare expertise in a space more efficiently? While most firms may hint that their buildings particular area that is of value to clients: healthcare, education, high are somehow \"better,\" very few architects have tried this empirical technology, showbiz, pre-fab structures etc. Even within these broad method. This approach has substantial appeal to the highest levels categories it is still possible to develop expertise that is more finely within your clients' organizations. By quantifying the value of your honed. The trade-off in a niche market is the risk of low demand for services in measurements that are immediately transferable to the your expertise so be careful of strict specialization. client's bottom-line, you can cost-justify your work. 7. Justify your Added Value/Fees 9. Let go of Old Ideas that are No Longer Viable Before you can learn to calculate and negotiate fees, you must have a Re-invent yourself to changing trends. Read the signs. When did you rational, justifiable, value-based foundation to the price you put on last think about the various components of the service you offer and your services. Why should your charge-out rate be this amount per the potential of separating services from one another? When was the hour? What makes you worth that much? Why should the lump-sum last time you thought carefully about the value you bring to your fee for this project be this high? Without the ability to explain and customers, rather than the total of the hours you've worked times demonstrate the added value you bring to the project, it becomes your charge-out rate? Think of Architecture as a business. impossible to justify any fee, let alone one that is higher than the market may be used to paying. 16

10. Have the Courage to say ‘No’ As part of our new mini-series showcasing architects thriving in non- traditional roles, our guest for this edition is Olusegun A. Adekanye Since most firms maintain a relatively small backlog of work, saying who over the last ten years has carved a niche for himself in digital \"No\" to any project is difficult. But in the interest of long-term growth photography across London, Berlin, Lagos and other cities in Nigeria. and strong market positioning you must learn to turn down work In this interview with William Uko, he shares his thoughts on how it regularly. all began and how he has leveraged his architectural training in pursing his passion. Ref: “Mastering the Business of Architecture” (2004), David Stone, Ontario Association of Architects ARCHITECTS IN NON-TRADITIONAL ROLES Architects in Photography- Interview with Segun Adekanye EQ: Please tell us about yourself & your work? SA: I am Olusegun A. Adekanye, currently a professional wedding and portrait photographer with offices and business interests in the UK and Nigeria. I was born in Kaduna and raised both in Kano and Lagos, but frequented my ancestral home in Offa, Kwara State 17

until my departure from the country in 1994. I had my first year of SA: Absolutely not. Photography I would say has a lot of the same architectural training at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) inherent rules that govern architecture such as aesthetic or Minna, Niger State but relocated to the University of Greenwich, compositional rules, the rule of thirds/golden ratio and rules of London following the prolonged countrywide strike by university symmetry. It is fair to say, whatever is pleasing to the eye is a common lecturers early in 1994. thread to both professions. Presentation techniques are key to both professions. Most times I deliver hard copy prints of my family shoots EQ: Aside from bringing out our innate creative abilities, traditional or commercial events as a photobook/print album, which I treat in architectural training is a mix of art, history and technicalities of much the same way as I would an architectural portfolio of existing construction; at what point did you feel the pull to branch out into project/pitch for new work with my ideas. I bring to bear my fullest digital photography? attention to the smallest of details whilst preparing these works. When I am photographing product shots, the level of detail I give to SA: I wouldn’t say at any particular point really. As you mentioned we laying out a scene is no different to what I do when I make an were exposed to a lot of mediums as part our training and architectural model; be it conceptual or realistic. I would say there are photography was obviously one of them. While at the university I many more similarities with the two professions albeit some are started in the dark room and later as part of my professional life in the subtle. UK, I had to take photographs on site at various stages of work and obviously at the completion of each building. Naturally the quality of 18 pictures I was taking then is far different from what I do now; it has improved dramatically. EQ: Were you at any point concerned that you were drifting away from your core profession?

As much as I feel I’ve learnt a lot and what I like is almost established, I still constantly look for ways to improve and expand what I know. Hence when I look back at some of my work back at the university, I see a steady progression in quality. Naturally, back then I was more focused on architecture than on photography: photography was more of a medium to express and/or capture my architecture ideas. For me there has always being a synergy between architecture and photography. Hence I don’t think it was ever any conflict in my mind. EQ: Talking frankly, you were an architect venturing into the exclusive preserve of traditional photographers; what was the reception like? EQ: If so, how did you handle it in your early years? S. A: Luckily in these days of digital SA: In my early years I knew very little about photography as a photography, I didn’t need to go medium; I merely started in the darkroom experimenting with into a traditional photo studio to different film techniques and photographic equipment. Obviously seek permission from established at that time my style or direction hadn’t fully been formed. Well, it photographers. I started off firmly is not fully formed but now I know more what I like and what gets in Berlin; that’s where I officially me excited to get out of bed in the morning. My early years were became a professional; meaning very experimental, which is what architecture school affords one. started getting paid for taking pictures. Then again to respond to your question, it really comes down to how one on introduces oneself to people. 19

If I introduce myself as a newbie wanting to get into the photography EQ: What advice do you have for upcoming architects trying to industry, other photographers would be more receptive and more strike the balance between their professional pursuits and open as opposed to if I come in with an obvious chip on my shoulder following their passion? saying I am trained as an architect wanting to enter the photography SA: For me architecture was my first passion originally, though industry it might provoke other reactions. With this humility I was photography is now taking a bigger chunk of my time. My advice able to work in a large studio with three well established German is simply go with the flow and do not let anything hold you back, photographers, and an indoor lamp designer, builder / artist. Our particularly comments from others. Everyone wants you to be like relationship was of equals even though they had a ton more years them or someone they already know. Hold on to what YOU like under their belt. I asked myself after leaving why this was, I guess they and always go with your gut instinct. On my desk currently I have must have seen my potential more than I did, hence appreciated my my Wacom pen pad I use to edit images and an arm’s length away time there. are my pens, scale ruler and sketch paper. I constantly jump between the two professional tasks with ease. EQ: In your opinion what leverage did architecture give you in this new space? EQ: Without SA: I guess the one key thing I can think of is the way I approach my giving away printed (hard backed) photo books which I individually design, package and deliver to my clients. I have had the displeasure of seeing any of your some photographer’s photobooks in Nigeria, including those delivered for corporate events. My architectural training has geared my eyes to trade secrets, seeing things in a way a lay person cannot. I simply cannot put together or deliver something that isn’t top quality or that hasn’t what advice being quality controlled. My photo-books read like a best-selling book. Presentation and story-telling with images; that is one key way can you give architecture has influenced to my photographic work. on taking good shots of buildings? Is there any particular time of day? 20

Depending on the style of shots you wish to achieve, midday when the combination of cement, quartz sand, cellulose, natural calcium silicate, and sun is high up and strong is usually not the best time. Cloudy days are water using autoclave technology (drying process under high pressure and best because you get the best of both; there are not too many harsh temperature) for dimensional stability and mechanical resistance. It was shadows but there is just enough to give your building depth. formally launched into the Nigerian market in June 2015 after 3 years of successful test marketing. You need the shadows as well as the highlight to sculpt the building but strong sunlight is never too good when you are shooting. In addition, shoot with a good tripod and also make sure your shots are nicely lined up and straight. Whilst you can resolve these errors in post-production, it still helps when from the outset all your vertical lines are truly vertical and your horizontal lines are truly horizontal. EQ: Thank you for your time. SA: My pleasure. EKO SIGHTS & FEEL MATERIAL FOCUS: KALSI BOARD USE & APPLICATION Kalsi is the brand name for high performance building boards produced by  Used as a major building component in dry construction systems Nigerite Limited; a member of Etex Group and one of Nigeria's leading  Ideal for wall partitioning, (internal and external) cladding, flooring and building components manufacturers for over 5 decades. The product comes in grey natural colour but can be painted to any colour of choice. It is ceiling purposes. manufactured from a precise and unique  Adaptable to new and renovation building projects FORMS OF USE They are used as boards in the dry construction system where the boards are screwed to timber or galvanized steel profile frames. 21

FORM WIDTH (mm) LENGTH (mm) THICKNESS** 4. Ease of building modification and renovation: (e.g. the boards can be (mm) used to increase the number of floors on an existing building without PANELS Min 1200 Min 2400 significantly distorting the load- bearing capacity) Max 1200 Min 6 5. Overall reduced project cost compared to same with wet construction Max 3000 Max 20 in view of the reduced labour costs, time, materials, post-site cleaning **External cladding minimum thickness: 10mm 6. Ideal for temporary structures like Internal Display Camps and  Kalsi Ceiling (Interior/Exterior ceilings) - 6mm residential quarters on a construction site  Kalsi Wall (for Interior Partitions) - 8mm and 10mm  Kalsi Plank with a wood textured finish (for sidings cladding) - 8mm 7. Building can be dismantled in 48 hours and re-assembled at another  Kalsi Clad (for cladding and exterior walls) - 12mm. location of choice  Kalsi Floor (for suspended floor framed bases) - 20mm 8. Green and sustainable: It is made from environmentally friendly and PROPERTIES non-toxic materials  Fire retardant  Termite and insect resistant Better resistance to seismic activity: Under dry construction, Kalsi Boards  Dimensional Stability allow partial building movement which enables a building to withstand  Easy to handle and install earthquakes and earth movements thereby giving the property higher  Ideal for wet areas/ Moist and Mould Resistant long-run commercial value  High performance  Impact resistant Kalsi Board is a cost-effective product when compared with benefits derived from the conventional building components. ADVANTAGES 1. Alternative to cement blocks in wet construction as it comes in wide varieties of application and thicknesses suitable for a variety of building application 2. Faster project completion time (e.g. no curing time, little or no screeding, which are necessary requirements in wet construction) 3. Appropriate for mass housing projects due to scalability and ease of completion. 22

PROJECT FOCUS: HERITAGE PLACE Heritage Place is the brain child of a consortium led by developers ACTIS and Primrose Development Company (PDC). This top- notch commercial development is built to Category A fit-out standards and situated along the commercial and retail corridor of Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi and conceived as an iconic building in the Lagos architectural landscape within close proximity of the most important venues in the city. Heritage Place was delivered by a team of seasoned The design is premised on basic traditional forms of extruded boxes of varying sizes professionals comprising ECAD Architects as the architects- and efficient space planning on a structural grid, with a floor plate efficiency of 85% of- record in collaboration with Capita Symonds-UK. Being driven by pioneering green solutions. The façade design incorporates insulated the first commercial building in Lagos to achieve LEED sandwich panels and double glazing to meet the stringent criteria for LEED certification in both design and construction. It applies certification. The car park cladding is of vented ceramic tiles mounted on frames to cutting edge technology, principles of sustainability and key provide a rugged yet elegant enclosure. environmental considerations to reduce operational costs with significant long-term benefits to the developer. 23

Heritage Place is a G + 13 floors development. The ground floor ITB Nigeria Limited commenced construction works in December features a double-height reception decorated with artwork and 2013 and it was completed in December 2015 to time, budget, timeless furniture pieces, meeting rooms and restaurant/ cafe area industry standards and international best practices, under the which opens up unto an outdoor terrace adjacent to planted supervision of the project team. areas. There are 5 levels of multi-storey parking which house 350 KEY FEATURES cars well above the prevailing standards and planning benchmarks of • Water Recycling: This cuts across rain water harvesting to water 1car / 60 sq. metres. Its net lettable area of 15,600 sq. metres is spread across 8 suspended floors and a gross built area (commercial) re-use in irrigation of the gardens, condensate recovery from of 18,000 sq. metres and a central core with 5 passenger elevators the building’s cooling units and accurate control systems in the and 1 service elevator. An occupational density of 1/10 sq. metres bathroom facilities to reduce wastage. was the basis of design which exceeds the average for most existing • Automatic presence detectors and high-efficiency lighting and upcoming commercial developments. reduce and resupply energy when and where it is needed. • The building’s orientation maximises natural light and ventilation, minimises solar exposure. This reduces the energy requirements for cooling, heating and air quality systems and by extension overall operational costs. 24

• High efficiency glazing and external thermal envelope also reduce Use: Office Development demand on cooling requirements Location: Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Size: 18,000m2 • Individual power meters ensure monitored power consumption Development Manager, Project Manager: Laurus role • 4 No. 1000 KVA generator sets provide 100% standby power. Architect: Capita Symonds, UK Onsite diesel storage for approximately 7 days running time is Local Architect: ECAD Architects, Lagos provided. Structural Engineers: Capita Symonds, UK Local Structural Engineers: Morgan • The lighting comprises of recessed, modular fluorescent Omonitan & Abe Limited, Lagos luminaries, with high frequency ballasts for the general office MEP Engineers: Capita Symonds, UK spaces. All office lighting is occupancy controlled by ceiling Local MEP Engineers: CA Consultants, mounted movement detectors. Lagos Environmental Consultants: Capita • This illumination is in compliance with the CIBSE Code for lighting Symonds, UK and incorporates daylight linking 400 lux average in open plan Quantity Surveyors: Tillyard Nigeria areas. Limited Space Planner: Capita Symonds • Dedicated parking lifts are installed for increased security 25 • Tenants also have dedicated risers for future IT installations. Overall a top-of-the-range Building Management System is installed to monitor all the installations and provide real-time information to the Facility Management Team, allowing for a holistic maintenance regimes on the project post completion.

PHOTO GALLERY • ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (NIALSC) • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR 2 26

PHOTO GALLERY • ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (NIALSC) • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR 2 27