EKOTECTURE QUARTERLY #7

EQ Edition 1 - 5 EQ COMPENDIUM IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE STATE CHAPTER SECRETERIAT #EQ6 is available to download HERE Address: 197 Babs Animashaun Street, Off Bode Thomas Street, Surulere. Contact/Enquiries: 0802 227 9111 Map Here Call for Submissions Call for Sponsors Feedback Call for submissions for the #8 Become an EQ Magazine sponsor If you would like to help support edition of the EQ Magazine. and reach out to a highly qualified the EQ Magazine, and make it bet- Submission should be made to audience from all corners of the ter, Kindly feel free to drop your [email protected]. world. Please contact for Sponsor- feedbacks here at ship at [email protected]. [email protected]. Deadline is 20th December 2020 Photo Credit: Photo by Babatunde Olajide on Unsplash

CHAIRMAN’S DESK EDITOR’S DESK Dear Colleagues, Warm welcome to EQ#7. Welcome to another edition of Ekotecture Quaterly which has been The theme for this issue of the magazine is ‘Open Spaces and Public Places with “We had a great the chapter educational magazine that keep members updated with special focus on Tafawa Balewa Square. We traced it’s history from when it was interview with events and new trends in architecture. called Race Course to it’s transformation to TBS and presented a vision of what it Arc. Roti Delano could be. I am sure that there will be many ideas for the future of this National Mon- of Delano Archi- “This edition will look at the Tafawa Balewa Square. A symbolic and ument. We hope this triggers further discussions on it’s future. tects. It was as historical structure that hosts millions of Lagos enthusiasts all over Arc. Claude Opara wrote on the dangers of global warming, the impact of defor- engaging as it the world.” It is also one of the Prides of the Nation but today just a estation and what we as architects should do in contributing our quota to alleviat- was enlighten- sleeping monument built in the 70s. This edition will share the history ing this existential problem. ing. I am sure it and detail of this monument. Dr. Mokolade Johnson helped put in perspective the connection between urban will make a great nature and well being whilst tracing the decimation of open places and parks in La- read.” The chapter had her Annual General Meeting which held on Thurs- gos. I welcome Dr. Johnson to the EQ team and look forward to great contributions day 25, July 2019 and the executives gave account of their steward- from him. ship for the last one year. It also marked the beginning of a new year We had Arc. Tolulope Aka write a piece on the Cenotaph at TBS based on the book for the chapter. The Chairman on behalf of the Executive shared their written by Arc. Fola Alade, the designer of the project. The place had more meaning achievements in the last year and also their target for the coming by the reason of his treatise and more books should be written by architects on their year. projects to enrich the architectural space. In October 2019, the Chapter will be joining other African Countries to We had a great interview with Arc. Roti Delano of Delano Architects. It was as en- attend the 2nd Edition of Ambition Africa to be hosted by the Presi- gaging as it was enlightening. I am sure it will make a great read. dent of France Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This program brings Pro- fessionals and Businessmen together, it is also a program that sets I will like to thank Mr. Umar, the facility manager at TBS, for his invaluable assistance business agenda for the Africa, some of the issues to be discussed during our visit to TBS and providing us with information on the facility. and looked at are Housing, water, infrastructure, climate changes and the likes. Special thanks also to Tobi Babalola for all his efforts in getting this issue ready. I will also use this opportunity to remind and encourage all members I hope you enjoy this issue and we look forward to your comments on any of the of the forthcoming 59th Biennial General Meeting and Conference articles. Please send your comments to [email protected] of the Institute which comes up from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th November 2019. Theme for this year is 2030 & Nigerian Architec- -ARC EROMOSELE ANETOR ture, Goals, Gaps and Gains to hold in Abuja. This is the meeting that MSc, MNIA, NIA LSC Chairman Publications Committee brings all Architects in Nigeria together therefore it is important that we make plans to attend. EQ PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE / EDITORIAL TEAM The chapter is presently organizing a Design Competition for the Ni- EROMOSELE ANETOR (CHAIRMAN PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE NIA LSC) gerian Institute of Town Planners for their new Lagos Chapter Secre- tariat Building in Ikeja. SUNDAY KUTI (SECRETARY) Dearest colleagues, the Chapter will continue to grow in her endeav- ALFRED AGBOOLA (MEMBER) ours with your support and we the Executive will continue to do our best to keep Lagos together and committed. Thank you and welcome to Ekotecture Quarterly September Edition. Ite si waju Eko lo j’ewa l’ogun! CHIAMAKA OSIGWE (MEMBER) “This edition will look at the Tafawa Balewa TOLU AKA (MEMBER) Square. A symbolic and historical structure BABALOLA TOBILOBA (MEMBER) -Arc Fitzgerald Umah that hosts millions of Lagos enthusiasts all DR. MOKOLADE JOHNSON (MEMBER) MNIA, RIBA, NIA LSC Chairman CLAUDE OPARA (ADVISER) over the world.” 1 2

EQ CONTRIBUTORS ARCHITOONS ARC. ROTI ARC. CLAUDE ARC. SUNDAY ARC. TOLU AKA 4 DELANO OPARA KUTI Arc. Tolulope Aka Arc. Roti Delano, Arc. Claude Opa- Arc. Sunday A. Kuti is presently an as- Prncipal Architect ra is an alumnus is a registered ar- sociate partner at at Delano Archi- of ABU Zaria. He chitect. He stud- Anetor and Associ- tects, with about is currently the ied Architecture ates, Tolu is a reg- four decades of ex- Team Lead, Branch at Yaba College of istered architect perience and with Development at Technology, Yaba, from Covenant involvement in UBA and is the EQ Lagos; He is a cer- universitywith many great build- creator and its tified musicologist interest in con- ings. He is a fellow first Editor. He is a and the principal struction, interior of the Nigerian full member of NIA partner at Symbo- design, HSE and Institute of Archi- and a project man- lik Design & Co. Project manage- tects. agement profes- ment. sional (PMP). DR. MOKOLADE BABALOLA TOBI Source: Leewardist.com JOHNSON Babalola Tobilo- Dr. Mokolade John- ba is an associate son mnia.Ph.D is member of the an Architect/Lec- Nigerian Institute turer Researcher, of Architects. A Department of Ar- graduate of Bells chitecture, University of Tech- Faculty of Environ- nology. He enjoys mental Sciences skating, travelling University of Lagos, photography & with over 24years Multimedia. of experience. 3 Photo: Aerial view of the Tafawa Balewa Square filled during an Experience event

CONTENTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019 SEPTEMBER 2019 / #7 EKOTECTURE QUARTERLY 06 The Chairman began by welcoming members to the AGM 2019 and thereafter asked the 2018-2020 Exco members to intro- duce themselves. He welcomed our senior colleagues that are nominated for fellowship. 19 09 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019 16 29 27 23 THE CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH Arc. Fitzgerald Umah read through his speech expressing his gratitude to members for their vote of con- 06 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019 – LAGOS 10.0 fidence in him and for the opportunity to serve the Institute for the Second Term. He remarked that there were lessons learnt and that the guiding principles of his manifesto are still in force. He spoke on the THE SUMMARY OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, re-branding of the Lagos Architects Forum and several other milestones achieved, as well as continued LAGOS STATE CHAPTER HELD ON THE 25TH OF JULY 2019 visits to Schools of Architecture to encourage them in their course of study while also engaging them AT KONGI HARVEST HALL, FREEDOM PARK through sudents’ charette at LAF. He highlighted the progress of the affordable housing design competi- tion, and how a bootcamp was conducted for the winners who have successfully presented three design 09 OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC PLACES: options to Sterling Bank. “The Bank has requested for land from the Lagos State government with the aim THE STORY OF TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, A VISION OF TBS of developing these designs, thereby contributing to the reduction of the housing deficit in the country” he further stated. He made some reference to the three organised international tours earlier this year and The History, Present and Future of the Tafawa Balewa Square by Arc. Opara Claude, Arc. Sunday Kuti, gave details of the next tours scheduled for France and Italy in October 2019. In continuation of the men- Arc. Eromosele Anetor, and Babalola Tobiloba. torship and training of students, there are plans to include them in the tour. Visits are scheduled to Schools of Architecture, Architec- tural firms and factories. 16 THE REMEMBRANCE ARCADE In summary, he thanked everyone for their support and the opportunity to serve the greatest chapter of the NIA. By Arc. Tolu Aka. 6 19 INTERVIEW SESSION WITH ARC. ROTI DELANO “I didn’t set out to study Architecture, I gained admission to University of Ife now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, to study Agricultural Engineering ” 23 A RACE AGAINST TIME “HOW DARE YOU?” The stern words of a distraught yet defiant 16-year old girl as she addressed world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit held just a few days ago. By Arc Claude Opara 27 MANAGING URBAN OPEN-PLACES FOR WELL-BEING by Dr. Mokolade Johnson 29 VOX POP FROM ARCHITECTS “Architects are resposible for the greatest damage to our open spaces in Lagos” Do you agree? 5

PHOTOS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ANNUAL FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING GENERAL MEETING AUDITORS REPORT The Chairman presented a list of members that Attendance 1.      Mr. Ganiyu Sulaiman representing Ganiyu Su- have been nominated for Fellowship. He specifically laiman & Company (Chartered Accountants) pre- mentioned Arc. John Otunga Asenuga (the first mil- sented the audited account for 2018-2019 account- itary Architect of Ni- geria) who just celebrated his ing year. 80th birthday last month, as one of the nominated   members for Fellowship and suggested that a mail 2. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS:  There was an be sent to NIA National Office to request an exemp- unanimous approval to re-appoint Messrs. Ganiyu tion for him from submitting a presentation and the Sulaimon and Co as the auditors to the chapter for members present agreed. He further talked about the next one year. Homart Furnitures who was one the proposed website that will be beneficial to the of the AGM 2019 sponsors made a Product Presenta- members. tion. Tolu Roberts from Manor Realtors also made a Product Presentation (Affordable Housing Develop- er from Sterling Bank).   At the AGM 2019 meeting Presentations Questions & Answers At the AGM 2019 meeting Prayer sessions 7 8

Such epic scenes on October 1st 1960 at a ven- “It is pertinent ue that had just celebrated its centenary a year to note that this earlier. Indeed, this 14.5 hectare ground had been year 2019 marks offered to the British government by Oba Dosun- 160 years of the mu in 1859 to be used as a sports field that com- ground’s existence prised a horse racing track of about a mile long, and ought to be cricket grounds (the “Oval”) and a football field. celebrated. “ Within the racing track, polo was also played. Of all these, only the Oval remains a century and half later. It is pertinent to note that this year 2019 marks 160 years of the ground’s existence and ought to be celebrated. Open spaces and public places: The story of Tafawa Balewa Square. THE PAST: TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE. Over this time, the resilient Lagos Race Course has evolved many times. From hosting popular There was concern over rain as the sky was sports and recreation of the colonial masters, it cloudy. There was also concern over uninterrupt- slowly fell into disuse post-Independence and, ed power from Electric Corporation of Nigeria eventually in 1972, the course was demolished (even back then!) and they worked overtime with under Yakubu Gowon to make way for Tafawa a clear slogan that “The Lights in Lagos Must Not Balewa Square or TBS. Fail”. ONCE UPON A TIME, IT WAS RACE COURSE… There were colourful decorations all along Cowrie TBS has hosted many memorable events since THE PRESENT DAY Midnight between September 30th and October Creek Bridge, Carter Bridge and Victoria Street then like Empire Day (now Commonwealth Day) 1st 1960, Princess Alexandra, Queen Elizabeth’s (now Nnamdi Azikwe St.) and at night, the har- but just as its predecessor became defunct with TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE. representative, lowered the Union Jack and bour lights were a delight to watch from the the British leaving Lagos in the 60s (polo, horse raised the Nigerian flag for the first time at the Marina as comic decorations of parrots, crown- racing and cricket being largely their exclusive Although the present day Tafawa Balewa Square Race Course. birds, and camels winked at passing motorists. past-times), TBS also became defunct when the still has the same conceptual physical framework “From all parts of the world messages of goodwill There were also exhibitions in the newly-built Federal Government moved from Lagos to Abu- as at when it was constructed, a number of strik- were flowing in by the hour, and suddenly it was Federal Palace Hotel. Also, the National Muse- ja. It has not been the same since then and oth- ing features have changed about this National apparent that a transformation had taken place- um at Onikan attracted about 30,000 visitors per er surrounding iconic structures have suffered a monument. To start with, the term “Square” was visibly and invisibly. Nigeria had become import- day! It was a memorable, festive occasion with similar fate by the shift of power. Buildings such used conceptually to denote an open, four sid- ant in a new way.” --Cyprian Ekwensi, Nigerian famous visitors like Louis Armstrong (courtesy of as the Old Secretariat, the State House and later ed meeting place. Design wise, the TBS is not a Magazine 1961* Pepsi Cola) in attendance. the Independence House , like TBS, still remain “square” in shape or size, though it appears so. in limbo. Lagos: A Cultural and Literary History By Kaye Whiteman (2012) More Details: Old Secreteriat Building 9 10

Two elegant Towers are at the back of the VIP tend to distort the original Architectural beauty pavilion, shadowing the Old National Assembly of the TBS. Complex. Built entirely of the same form of con- crete design and almost twice the height of the From a distance, the TBS commands such an im- VIP pavilion, it was meant to serve lighting and posing stature with its two main Entrance Gates. audio purposes for the square. Although, it is said The castle-like, heavy gates are laced with such that the lighting system is still functioning, but artistic and master-art skills, made with a com- the type of Halogen bulbs used are no longer be- bination of cast and wrought iron covered with ing manufactured. brass and thick aluminium plates. It depicts such So, there is need for an overhaul. Office spaces grandeur of the intended Command Centre for a were incorporated in the original design from national Ceremonial complex. the onset at floor and mezzanine levels, for com- But parts of these gates need urgent repair and mercial purposes, at the gradients of the seating facelift. Sitting majestically on the topmost con- pavilions. Initially there were 350 offices, with lat- crete on of each gate are four white Horses and er additions in order to increase income gener- seven red Eagles, reflecting the symbols around ation. Now, there are 385 offices, all rented out the Crest on the National Coat of Arms of Nige- to tenants. Although there is an evidence of a ria. There are four parking lots serving the TBS; New Master Plan produced during the conces- Car Park 1 has parking capacity for 400 cars, Car sion process, aimed at upgrading the facilities Park 2 is 150, Car Parks 3 and 4 has a combined to a world class Open Space Arena, it is arguable capacity for 80 cars. That makes it a total parking that most of the additional offices existing today, capacity for 630 cars. Tafawa Balewa Square: Pavillion Tafawa Balewa Square: View to the shops As an outdoor structure, the surfaces of the pavil- dence anniversary of Nigeria. This towering pillar ions are fair-faced concrete, while the Open Court bear the pictures of great Nigerians like Sir Tafa- is exposed aggregate finished concrete surfac- wa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi ing with a Surface Drainage system (Cambered Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and the names of surface). The VIP pavilion has some comfortable other heroes and heroines. Though it is not the seats installed on the concrete being a section for EXACT spot where the British Union Jack flag dignitaries. There is a Central Power Supply Sys- was lowered, and the Nigerian flag hoisted for tem to all the offices and pavilions from Electric- the first time on 1st of October 1960, when we be- ity Distribution Company and central generators. came an independent nation! It is still a historic But the Air Conditioning System is not central. and tourist attraction that is so hidden and un- There is a central Water Supply System from 3 In- announced. dustrial Boreholes. From analysis, the remaining area of the present day Tafawa Balewa Complex, The beautifully designed Remembrance Arcade in its entirety, is about 60,000 square meters. by Arc. Fola Alade, is also detached, seemingly having no bearing with the TBS. The open and However, the present day TBS seems detached close dome-archway design signifies the pres- from many of its ancillary and supporting fea- ent and unknown future. It was dedicated to tures that formed the whole landscape from the Unknown Soldier who died gallantly in the the beginning. Apart from the Old National As- service of the nation. To compliment the histor- sembly Buildings that are by the right side when ic environment, the Lagos State government has approaching from the Marina axis of Lagos, to remodeled a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus stop at the left we have the field (now Cricket field), the the Marina side (west end) of the TBS. Obelisk, the Remembrance Arcade and the Inde- Tafawa Balewa Square: Eagles at the top of the entrance Tafawa Balewa Square: Parking Lot & Pavillion pendence Building. Each of these has historical link with the TBS but that flow is not feasible to the present day admirers. The field has been handed over to the National Cricket Association. Yet, its gates lead to the Obe- lisk built to commemorate the Fiftieth Indepen- 11 12

Strikingly, the main seating arena of the TBS has commercial, social, religious and political gath- Tafawa Balewa Square: Google Imagery retained its elegance with its form and struc- erings. Perhaps, within the Nigerian context, this ture. According to the management, there has accounts for the loss of value that should have A VISION OF TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE been no structural failure in its form up to date, been placed on such a historical asset. It is not though one or two cracks were noticed. There surprising then, that the Federal government are concerns about the steel trusses used for opted to concession the TBS to a private opera- the over-hanging roof of the pavilions. A close tor over a decade ago. The intention was to take look gives signs of apprehension, but the man- off the financial burden and maintenance chal- agement assures of regular and general repairs, lenges from the government and develop it to maintenance and painting. a world class Multipurpose Centre. Unfortunate- ly, the concession failed to meet its terms and The drive for more profit generation led to con- agreement, forcing the government to revoke it struction of more offices at various levels. With- and recover the property. in the pavilions, some of these additions need to be re-examined taking critical look at their posi- Since December 2018, the Tafawa Balewa Square tion, structural balance and durability of materi- Management Board, under the Federal Minis- als used. Some of the plumbing and Air-Condi- try of Industry, Trade and Investments has tak- tioning pipes are leaking, creating maintenance en over the entire complex. With a huge debt challenges. Of greater misfit are the additional burden from the tenants of its office spaces, the offices at the North end of the Square, by the board is navigating its way through to uphold buffer of the Cricket field. the glory and image of this great edifice. Many of them were built with patched up mate- Although economic considerations often drives rials not befitting the entire landscape. The sub- policy direction when it comes to Public Utilities standard constructions have distorted the out- and Spaces, such a structure like the Tafawa Bale- look from that direction, particularly, the blend wa Square should be considered with a historic of the circular structures built at that end of the and National Idealism. The Complex was built TBS. The parking lots surfaces have some broken based on a National Ideology and should there- portions that need repair, as well as the surface fore, always present a National Identity, whoever drainage system. manages it, whatever its usage at any time. The The main purpose building the TBS a national concrete and steel structures need a thorough ceremonial meeting point faded away with the and real face lift to present such an identity. relocation of the seat of Federal Government from Lagos to Abuja, thus shifting attention from From the central open area coloured in yellow (Yellow) An underground history memory lane. its original need and usage. It is now an arena for from the map above, The area is bounded by the east and west pavilion of the Tafawa Balewa With the exciting water fountain around the square seems obelisk, other attractive features could be added. The national museum next to the Tafawa Balewa The end of the historical tour would end at the Square seems isolated and separated from the National Remembrance Arcade next to the Obe- other National monuments such as the Obelisk lisk. The entire space coloured (blue) includes the and the National Remembrance Arcade next to cricket pitch, Shops and stalls, parking lot and the cricket pitch. Historical figures and monu- remembrance arcade and other ancillary build- ments such as these are supposed to be a point ings, should be unified and treated holistically to of attraction and admiration for tourist and cit- link directly the National museum. izens of Nigeria to appreciate. With the Nation- al Museum as the starting point of the Histori- The Cricket pitch could be repositioned and re- cal tour. There should be a direct link (Red) and designed, the shops and stalls demolished to walkthrough through the central open area to provide a direct access through, the parking lot connect the Obelisk. To create an experience be- and the other ancillary building could be rede- fore reaching the obelisk, there could be displays signed to maximise the use of the space to create of historical photos, statues and artefacts for the a maze of Historical adventure. Reconfiguring viewers, well designed and arranged to provide the layout could enhance the; economic contri- a memorable experience on the history of Nige- butions, historical references and environmental ria. The walkway to connect the obelisk from the attractiveness of Nigeria. national museum could be beneath the central Open area. Tafawa Balewa Square: Pavillion 13 14

To further make this a reality, an open compe- gos Polo club to Onikan. There is enough space, tition for students and practicing architects Awolowo road is congested. It could also be would be a creative avenue to appreciate the leased as a drive-in cinema for special occasions viewpoints of various minds in making the Ta- by cinema giants like Filmhouse, Genesis or fawa Balewa Square a first stop and point of at- IMAX. Knowing how Lagosians like to flaunt and tractions for visitors searching for historical ref- enjoy the comfort of their rides. TBS could lease erences about Nigeria. Creating an experience it out for this. People without cars can watch in to be renewed and celebrated majorly every Oc- stands. Family evening outings, this would be a tober 1st . sell out event. Other suggestions includes removing the con- Contributors: Arc. Eromosele Anetor, Arc. Sun- crete hardstand in the centre and relocating La- day Kuti, Arc. Claude Opara, Babalola Tobiloba. THE NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE ARCADE Tafawa Balewa Square: Layout The Remembrance Arcade situated at the popu- The remembrance arcade commissioned by Lt. lar Tafawa Balewa Square is one of the great mon- General Olusegun Obasanjo the then Head of the uments of our beloved country Nigeria. Designed Federal Military Government. The intention by the by Arc. Fola Alade in honour of the Nigerian he- Government was to celebrate the fallen heroes roes who have transitioned to the great beyond on 15th of January 1978 with the opening of the during their service to our country. Arc. Fola Alade Arcade. As so many projects are, the budget and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Archi- duration posed a challenge, however according to tects, an associate member of Royal Institute of the architect his greatest challenge was his British Architects (R.I.B.A) and Architects’ Regis- client , the dead. In his words, “he was challenged tration Council of the United Kingdom (ARCUK), to design a fitting structure for his client: a living the first Registrar of the Architects Registration place for the dead”. Council of Nigeria (ARCON), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health of the UK (F.R.S.H.), a one time Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the Federal University of Port Harcourt and the first Architect to become a Federal Permanent Secretary. He is regarded as one of the most ac- complished architects of his time. 15 16

It is important to note that a monument dedi- TBS was also a suitable location for international cated to the fallen military heroes was previously and local dignitaries to lay wreathes located at Idumota popularly called “Soja Idumo- The architects design philosophy was based on ta”. However, as Idumota lost its national status the following: in the state with the opening of Eko bridge, soja Idumota lost its national symbolic relevance. Idu- a. To create a “living place for the dead” mota had also become over populated and busy b. The belief that our national heroes deserve making it difficult for national and internation- a prestigious place within our national living en- al dignities to lay wreaths or pay their respect to vironment our lost heroes. c. To catch the attention and fancy of the ca- Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) formally known as sual passerby with the striking architectural form race course holds a lot of sentimental value to and shape this country. It was the site of Nigeria’s indepen- d. To make every Nigerian remember our he- dence celebration which took place on October roes who “did die so that we night live”. 1st, 1960 where the then Prime Minister,  Tafawa e. To make Nigerians conscious of the fact Balewa, delivered his speech. TBS was located that we will all one day be like them. close to Nigeria’s State House, Nigeria’s Supreme Court, Nigeria’s National Hall and House of Parlia- The design elements are truly what I find fasci- ment at the time. One can say that the decision nating about the arcade. These distinctive and by the government to locate the Remembrance interesting elements were carefully thought Arcade at TBS was brilliant. It is easy to imagine about and executed by the architect. The design the immense sense of honour family members of of the arcade was based on the human form. This the great heroes felt. was wall represented all through the elements of the design. The National Remembrance Arcade The National Remembrance Arcade Firstly, the weird looking “upright reversed arch” Interestingly, the red fence wall was not the orig- The National Remembrance Arcade structure represents people. The bottom arch inal intent of the architect as the wall was paint- represents two legs, the upper arch represents ed white. However, it was changed to red to avoid two hands and the lamp represents the head defacing from dirty hands and obscene writings. which is held up proudly. The selection of the co- lours by the architect was intentional. The black The writing of this article may have been difficult colour was selected in memory of the dead and as it would have been impossible to really capture the white represents the living. Ultimately, the ar- the essence of this design by Arc. Fola Alade but chitect tried to present the living and the dead in- for his book title the National Remembrance Ar- fused in one form like the popular saying “all mor- cade. The book is an interesting read and his per- tals are living dead”. sonality shines through his writing. Secondingly, the “semi-circular arcades” forms, I will like to encourage all great architects of this represents the soldiers. The smaller semi-circle era to write about their designs, detailing their with the fewer and shorter groups of the “up- design philosophy, concept etc which can be read right reversed arch” represents the old time sol- and studied by generations of architects to come. diers (both dead and living) while the larger arch I have never met Arc. Fola Alade, I was not born represents the younger soldiers (both living and when the design was commissioned neither did dead). The architect also noted the deliberate at- I truly understand the architect’s process and de- tempt to ensure that the semi-circles do not meet sign choices for this great piece of architecture. as these soldiers fought in different wars, periods, However, this book brought me into the world with different weapons etc. and mind of a great architect and for this I am Thirdly, the symbols or geometric motif (on the grateful. wall) is gotten from the Nigerian clothing em- broidery.The pattern represents the inter-lock be- Article by Arc. Tolu Aka tween two (living and the dead, soldiers and civil- The National Remembrance Arcade ians etc). 17 18

Interview with We worked with them on the Chevron Head Of- I belong to the old school that believes in ‘form fice project in Lekki. On this, I was the project ar- follows function’ dictum which has informed my Arc Roti Delano. chitect. Joachim Grube and Joe Macca both prin- commercial building designs, expressed clearly in cipal partners of the firm, were the lead architects. one of our most recent buildings, the Cornerstone Principal Partner My interaction with them on this project and sub- building at Oniru. Delano Architect sequently many other Chevron projects became major influences on my perception of the practice of architecture beginning from meetings with the client and through all the design process and documentation. Arc Roti Delano, Principal Partner: Delano Architects Desderate, Banana island Ekotecture Quarterly: MORE ABOUT DELANO ARCHITECTS HERE 3. How did you balance your social life and Ekotecture Quarterly: versity of Ife to pursue Architecture at University practice as a young Architect? Ekotecture Quarterly: 1. Why did you choose to study Architecture? of Lagos. I was in the fourth set studying Architec- Arc. Roti Delano: My days as a young architect 5. What are the Challenges that Architectural Arc. Roti Delano: This is always an interesting ture as the School of Environmental Studies was were spent in Femi Majekodunmi Associates practices face in Nigeria? question for me. I didn’t set out to study Architec- then still very young. That’s how I ended up study- now known as FMA Architects. In those days as a Arc. Roti Delano: The challenges exist and are nu- ture. I gained admission to University of Ife now ing architecture. practicing young architect we had the support of merous. We face limited building materials and known as Obafemi Awolowo University, to study draftsmen who made our drafting task faster. This construction methodology, poor remuneration Agricultural Engineering. During my first year, Ekotecture Quarterly: gave us more time for Design and Contract Ad- by Clients, lack of appreciation of the value that which was known back then as Preliminary Year, 2. Were there any particular influences in your ca- ministration. We also had adequate staffs on dif- the Architect provides, unrealistic project time- the influences from friends who were studying reer? ferent tasks, so we were not over worked thereby line by Clients, high cost of acquisition of required fancy courses like Law, Chemical Engineering and Arc. Roti Delano: I would say that I do not have allowing us to close at regular closing time which hardware and software, high cost of running an Health Sciences made me wonder if I was study- any real particular influence, but I recall that in gave us the evenings to engage in other sports or office etc. Other challenges also include the be- ing the right course. Second year was actually our first year in Unilag, we had a very good lectur- other leisure activities. At some point, I had 3 to 4 low average quality of products from our schools when Agricultural Engineering courses started. er who made a strong impression on me: Father site meetings in a month, on four different proj- of architecture, absence of magazines and books It was during this period that I decided to apply Lozano. He taught us History of Architecture, and ects in different States within Nigeria but I could with wide interests like photography, interiors for Environmental Design at the University of La- introduced us to Sir Banister Fletcher’s book on still create time for family and social activities. Al- and art. The average student is not exploring or gos, despite the fact that I knew nothing about the History of Architecture. This gave us a robust though work was very challenging for me I still reading, he is just depending on information in Architecture at that time. At the beginning of my knowledge of the various eras and timeline in ar- found the experience very rewarding. For exam- the class and the internet most of which they third year at Ife, I got admitted into the Univer- chitecture up until the international style and we ple, I had to drive to Ondo and back to Lagos on cannot appreciate as they see mostly fancy pho- sity of Lagos to study Environmental Design. Not were acquainted with the big names like Oscar the same day for site meetings on a Federal School tographs and images without understanding the knowing anything about architecture, I sought Niemeyer, Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Richard of Arts and Science. This project had twenty-three floor plans. guidance from a cousin who was an Engineer. He Rogers and Santiago Calatrava. In practice, how- indigenous Main Contractors and sixteen MEP We also face the issue of foreign architects get- took me to visit his friend who was an Architect ever, these influences don’t really come to play Subcontractors. We also rarely worked on Satur- ting big commissions from the Government and and a Town Planner to ask for advice. I got some though they may be in our subconscious. As a days except to meet a deadline or a submission. private sector, who in turn now engage a Nigeri- very strange advice from the friend. He said, “If professional, in about 1986, at FMA we had the op- This therefore gave me time to engage in squash an firm to assist with obtaining statutory approv- you want to change to architecture because of portunity of collaborating with an American firm and swimming during the week at Ikoyi Club and als. This is not helping the Nigerian architect as money, you will flunk all your exams”. That was called, Yost, Grube, Hall. weekends for other social engagements. we cannot gain the experience needed to com- in 1974 when architects were very well paid and pete with international firms. In the 70’s it was the were the envy of other professionals. There was no 19 Ekotecture Quarterly: Nigerian Firm that got the big commission and further advice other than his serving us cold beer 4. What is your most memorable work till then partnered with a foreign firm when they and general discussion! I was not deterred by that date that defines your design philosophy? did not have the skills and knowledge. This was strange advice but still decided to leave my Ag- Arc. Roti Delano: One of my most memorable done during the building of the second-genera- ricultural Engineering course and friends at Uni- works until recently was the Chevron Head Office tion universities during the Military era which had in Lekki done whilst at FMA in collaboration with transfer of skills and knowledge as a policy. the American firm of architects called Yost Grube Hall Architects. This was a very big learning expe- rience for me as we were involved in the design and documentation. During the construction documentation stage, three of us in FMA were in Portland USA for about 8 weeks working together with the American team. This experience shaped my design philosophy, which is that buildings should be simple, functional and timeless. Maybe 20

Another challenge is that some elite clients shop Ekotecture Quarterly: As I had some spare time (All Souls Church was Desderate, Banana island Cornerstone Oniru. for foreign architects for egotistical reasons whilst 7. What would you see as your legacy? my main project) I decided to teach in University some actually are losing confidence in the Nige- Arc. Roti Delano: My legacy would be the endur- of Lagos as an adjunct lecturer. This experience Desderate, Banana island Evercare Hospital Lekki. rian Architects. They may have had previous bad ing projects that people can refer to. I am always exposed me to the students and made me realize experiences due to poor delivery of projects. This thrilled when people say Nicon Town is the best that a lot needs to be done to improve the stan- Ekotecture Quarterly: is caused at times by insufficient information in estate which I designed the master plan while at dard and quality of graduating students. 12. How do we create awareness of the best construction documentation and poor construc- FMA. Similar projects include the Carlton Gate Es- My business strategy to get new projects was to practices among practising and the younger gen- tion administration leading to cost and time over tate Lekki. As Delano Architects, we have com- leverage on my network as your network is your eration architects? runs. They then share their experiences with their pleted the Master-Planning of Orange Island, La- net-worth. These include my Secondary School Arc. Roti Delano: The various associations and friends, and it causes them to tar all Nigerian Ar- gos and Awka Millennium City in Anambra State. (Igbobi College) Old boys Group, University Alum- state chapters could address this through their chitects with the same bad brush. For buildings, we strive to ensure a functional ni Groups (University of Lagos and University of monthly meetings and professional develop- building that people reference as timeless, for Ife), friends and previous international collab- ments programmes where experts and senior ar- The other major challenge is that our firms are too example the Cornerstone building besides Four orators. I had to keep my overheads low, so this chitects share their experiences. This event could small to compete with the real big international Points Sheraton at Oniru, Lagos and the Desider- meant working with young fresh Architects. This be tagged ‘A night of Architecture’ where senior firms. Most firms do not outlive their founders ata Office Building in Banana Island, Lagos. The required mentorship and patience. As I try to architects are invited to speak on their projects or and so growth is limited. The reasons why growth Casino block of flats in Yaba, Lagos is a building build my new profile, I had to be humble knowing selected topics to both young and old architects. of firms is limited are a combination of economic where we have retained the façade of the old Ca- that no project such as residential buildings and This way best practices, new ideas and process- and social factors. We are all mostly general prac- sino Cinema. The old Casino Cinema is a historical office refurbishments is too small for a fledgling es are shared so we can begin to think of how to titioners to use a medical parlance and become building as this was the only building bombed in practice. compete internationally. known for a building type by default. Lagos during the civil war. This is a key venture of ours into the Historic Preservation space. Now, I consider the most important aspect in the Ekotecture Quarterly: These are some of the challenges facing us and setting up of the practice to be the home support 13. Do you see yourself retiring? I hope that opportunities will come up in future Ekotecture Quarterly: which helped me in focusing on the office. Sup- Arc. Roti Delano: Barring ill health or other medi- when firms can merge to form mega firms that 8. How come we don’t use competitions in port, sacrifice and advice from my wife in partic- cal challenges, professionals ought not to retire al- can render services that will compete with the selection of architects for projects? ular was really invaluable as she took care of the though they may not be involved in the day to day foreign architects that are invading us. Arc. Roti Delano: Some clients do use design home front completely. Whilst, I have not reached running. They have invaluable experience to share competitions in selecting of their architect. The the goal I envisioned at the beginning, Delano Ar- in design and even in the area of contract admin- Ekotecture Quarterly: main problem is that many design competitions chitects however has been able to have an im- istration. Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian architect, 6. How do we improve the quality of profession- are not carried out in accordance with the com- pact on the environment within seven years of ex- who died at 104 in 2012 worked till his 80s. I think als certified as architects? petition guidelines by the Nigerian Institute of Ar- istence with two major office buildings which are what makes professionals retire here is that, we Arc. Roti Delano: Professional certification for me, chitects. completed namely, Cornerstone Building at Oni- do not invest enough in building a practice that starts from the Final Year in school. It has more ru and Desiderata Building at Banana Island. We can survive the founder and so as the ability of the to do with certifying that the Architects about to Ekotecture Quarterly: are also working to build our Healthcare portfolio. founder to get commissions reduces where there graduate will be trainable and can deliver satisfac- 9. Have those competitions served your firm We are working on four healthcare facilities: a 165- is no succession plan, the practice gradually dies torily, not only in the area of design. Young Archi- well? bed multispecialty Evercare Hospital and an Am- and so the founder has no choice but to fold up tects must have an understanding that designing Arc. Roti Delano: Yes, competitions have served bulatory Center, both in Lekki, Mecure Oncology the practice leading to full retirement. However is just only an aspect of a building which only a us well. The Casino block of flats at Yaba, was a Centre in Oshodi and a Cancer Center in Victoria even if I choose to retire, I will surely apply to the successful Contract Administration will produce. closed competition that we won. Competitions Island. These are all under construction. We were university to become an adjunct lecturer as I know We need to intensify and enforce the study of pro- also help the office develop its designing process. also involved in the master planning for Orange that there is a lot to contribute to the students fessional practice in schools. Moreover, if we real- Island in Lagos as well as the Awka Millennium learning from practical experience. In conclusion, ly want to compete internationally, the quality of Ekotecture Quarterly: City in Anambra State. I can say that the transition I can say that all I have been able to achieve in the the professional examination and process of cer- 10. You mentioned FMA and Delano Archi- is still very much in progress until I reach the goal last seven years has been due to my resolute faith tification has to be more rigorous. tects, how has the transition been? I set for myself. in God who works in mysterious ways. Arc. Roti Delano: The decision to leave FMA Archi- tects to start Delano Architects happened quicker Ekotecture Quarterly: 22 than I had planned. FMA was gracious enough to 11. What can architects contribute to the im- allow me to leave with the All Souls Church, Lekki provement of our environment in Lagos?? project which I was already working. This turned Arc. Roti Delano: The easiest way is to assist in out to be the only project I had as I began Delano the enforcement of building regulations. We can Architects. also report cases of wrong building practices to the necessary controlling body. We must advice Starting a professional practice is not easy. Banks our clients on the need to adhere to building reg- are not the easiest to get financial support from. ulation and not suggest ways to undermine the I am grateful to family and friends who were able regulation like providing separate drawings for to offer financial and moral support as I set up the approval and another for construction. office to the level I wanted having been in active Anglican Church: Eko Atlantic City practice for 31 years. 21

A Race Against Time • Possibly 30 - 50% of all species will be faced cies. Need I say more? with extinction by mid-century. So when there’s no mea culpa from custodian speech, I recommend you check it out on Youtube. • A possible 3.5 - 4 degrees temperature governments and leaders like Bolsonaro of Brazil Let’s update those who may not be aware of this rise will be catastrophic to our planet. So while a and Trump remain defiant and adamant, we can existential crisis. While you were away, there has significant rise in temperature is inevitable now, safely cancel out effecting urgent policy changes been growing agitation around the world over even with our best efforts, scientists offer some from the equation. For them and many others, startling reports of accelerated environmental hope. We still have a 67% chance to limit it to 1.5 these stories are too distant and abstract to con- degradation, increased greenhouse gas emis- degrees Celsius by 2030 i.e. if stringent measures cern them. Economic growth, however ephem- sions, ozone layer depletion, melting glaciers, ris- are taken by all. eral, comes first. Great potentials from sustain- ing sea levels and global warming. All this despite • In summary, we have less than 11 years able development are largely ignored. decisions reached at the Paris Agreement in 2016. to turn things around before climate change Indeed, many scientists are of the opinion that, Little progress has been made by governments becomes practically irreversible. Some hope in- from data gathered, it is already too late and man even after scientists had admonished that these deed. should start discussing adaptation to a hotter, decisions were mere drops in an ocean- welcome So are we working towards it? Well, let’s see drier and sparser planet rather than bother with drops nevertheless. But they kept playing politics what’s happening in the world… prevention. Alea iacta est as they say. Regardless with clear and present danger. In reaction, young There are raging forest fires in Indonesia and of your view though, the consensus is that action people grew agitated and took to the streets. It Malaysia. Suspected to have been caused by hu- is urgently needed. was their future we were toying with not ours! man activities, these fires will definitely release substantial carbon into the atmosphere. Just like “HOW DARE YOU?” They embarked on crusades and school strikes with melting permafrost, these carbon emis- Those were the stern words of a distraught to draw attention to the climate crisis. We were sions contribute largely to greenhouse effect. In yet defiant 16-year old girl as she ad- dubbed ‘fossil fools’ by some while school strikers Malaysia, many institutions remain closed due to dressed world leaders at the UN Climate insisted that ‘they were not the ones that had to haze and pollution while many birds and wildlife Action Summit held just a few days ago. go back to school’. On September 20th 2019, their have died from suffocation. Elsewhere, the Ama- Her name is Greta Thunberg. She was speaking efforts culminated in the largest environmental zon Rainforest has also been burning for weeks on climate change. She must have been quite protest in history involving 150 countries. In Africa, on end. It’s an annual event. This rainforest rep- nervous as she read her speech. You could see Kenya and South Africa led the protest. (Which resents 60% of all rainforests in the world and that she was trying to hold back tears, trying begs the question: where was Nigeria? Was this generates enough moisture to influence rainfall not to choke on her words as she needed to be in conflict with her ‘mono-economy’, I wonder?) patterns in South, Central and North America. It audible and deliberate. She tried so desperate- Some say this crisis is a myth. After all, our sci- also produces 6% (or in some reports 20%) of the ly to keep her emotions in check, to manage a entists have been wrong about other things world’s oxygen and holds 30% of the world’s spe- respectful tone somewhere between perfunc- before, right? Well, for those who waive these tory and passionate. In that task, she failed. aside as grossly exaggerated statistics by ARCHITOONS She failed woefully because the message she doomsday prophets/opportunists or the mel- brought to the UN General Assembly was an ancholic deductions of chronic cynics or even Source: www.leewardists.com Source: www.Leewardists.com urgent and desperate one- one that every in- perhaps (dare I say?) a conspiracy by lead- dividual listening to her must take seriously. ing economies to truncate the growth of rival/ developing countries so as to maintain pole It was a warning on climate change and a dying position, let us consider the following data. world. A message from the future on the future and boy, was she bitter that she had to be the • The last four years have been the four hot- one to bear it! Greta would have preferred to be test on record. at home in Sweden playing with friends, she • This year’s summer was the hottest ever said, while we grown-ups handled affairs. But we recorded in Earth’s history with temperatures can’t be trusted not to bungle it, can we? Global soaring up to 45 degrees celsius and 32.2 de- warming is resounding evidence. She accuses us grees in the Arctic. Unless greenhouse gas of stealing her dreams, her childhood, and those emissions are cut significantly and quickly, we of billions of other kids and rightly so, since they can expect to experience more extreme heat will have to live with our folly as the damage now waves in future. appears irreversible and unsurmountable. • Alaska is now ice-free and the Arctic ice- “How dare you continue to look away?” she asks shelf and permafrost are melting. Ocean levels us in a stinging reproach. “The eyes of all future are rising globally. generations are upon you… and we will not forgive you.” If you have not watched this impassioned 23 24

Plants take up carbon dioxide from the air and When the developer or client realizes that pre- our second nature because climate change is real. use it for growth and respiration thus balancing serving these elements adds premium to his If we must beat the clock then the global com- the amount of CO2 in the air. They also adapt as property and makes the place more attrac- munity will have to demand more support from the climate changes. New study shows that as tive and sustainable for residents, word will strong economies for developing countries that conditions get warmer, plants take up more CO2 spread and the idea will catch on like most hold vast life-supporting ecosystems (like Bra- during photosynthesis. As CO2 rises in the atmo- good ones do in this country. There are dif- zil, Congo etc) to prevent them from depleting sphere from human activity (leading to global ferent ways to influence policies without nec- these in their quest for urban and industrial warming), plants can try to maintain a balance by essarily being in government. Although we growth. We must appreciate that plants are the sucking in more atmospheric carbon. Hence we also need more architects in that area too. new black gold and treat them as such while need ample vegetation. Our lives depend on it. we accommodate our ever-growing population. Recently, I visited a vast site for an estate along What can we do in Nigeria? the Lekki-Epe axis and what I saw made my heart “Trees are not im- The more ecosystems we, as architects, nurture- sink. Like most estates in this part of the city, this pediments but not just in residential areas but in commercial site was completely cleared of all vegetation... embellishments to and industrial zones - the more we can support and I mean All. Not even a blade of grass let alone our creativity and serious governments as they battle larger agents one tree was left in the acres of ‘wasteland’ while vital ones at that. of global warming. Architects in the tropics can- all round were clusters of trees and vegetation. “ not afford to look away from global warming and insolation by virtue of our location. As mas- Bringing it home, there are those who believe It was an unnerving feeling. It is quite befuddling ter builders, we owe a sacred duty to the future that this is a problem for industrialized coun- to see vast natural landscapes stripped bare only to work with God’s creation and not against it. tries and that we in the developing world have for the architect or developer to plant tree saplings If we do our best perhaps, just perhaps, our de- more pressing problems. Others believe we are afterwards (if they even bother) that will take de- scendants will still have cause to forgive us. safe or we cannot contribute significantly to- cades to mature to the height of those removed. So wards this cause. After all, we don’t wear face in the end, many estates in Lagos (especially new REFERENCES masks here due to air pollution we created our- ones in the Lekki axis) lack shade trees or natural (www.un.org) (www.biologicaldiversity.org) (wh. selves, do we? We also have far fewer factories. vegetation. No matter how lovely, there is still an unesco.org) (phys-org.cdn.ampproject.org) Maybe so but we do have persistent air pollu- emptiness. Just acres and acres of paving stones tion in areas like Makoko in Lagos and more sig- and concrete which add to the heat and stress. It will take a little more effort, site visits and details nificantly in Port Harcourt which have defied for the architect to work his design into the envi- solution and is now largely tolerated. Data on Then residents spend hundreds and some- ronment but one definitely worth trying if we tru- its effect on our health is virtually non-existent. times millions on steady air conditioning with- ly want to play our part in this race against time. We also have desert encroachment and out which living in these houses will be uncom- We no longer have the luxury to lay back and pro- a shrinking Lake Chad to contend with. fortable and, as we know, these units produce duce generic designs that can be plopped on any CFCs that aid in ozone layer depletion. The pro- levelled site: one size fits all. It behoves the archi- If only our tree-planting campaigns of the past found lyrics of Canadian singer Joni Mitchell tect now to produce Responsible Architecture and had been sincere, maybe we wouldn’t have such a comes to mind: “We pave paradise and put up contribute to fighting climate change in a small drastic rise in attacks by rogue herdsmen in search a parking lot”. It goes without saying then that way. That means he or she needs to befriend, re- of grazing land. We have serious gully erosion in residential areas with trees and vegetation like spect and preserve the tree – and as much nat- the East threatening communities, increased Ikoyi and Ikeja GRA are still highly priced in the ural vegetation as he can- to create ecosystems. flood disasters everywhere, and hotter Harmat- market. Sadly, even they are slowly losing it. tan seasons. It used to be so cold I remember Trees are not impediments but embellishments we had a portable radiator at home while grow- Personally, I believe we as architects have the to our creativity and vital ones at that. Call it ing up. So the sooner we accept the life-threat- power to influence clients, developers and poli- any philosophy you wish: organic, green, ecode- ening impact of climate change and join hands cies. Some may argue that it is the developer’s call sign, biomimicry, sustainable architecture etc, with the global community the better for us all. but I beg to differ. So long as the architect is com- what really matters is that our designs and con- It is the defining issue of our time and now is missioned before any action on the property is struction become more conscionable, respon- the defining moment to do something about it. taken, he or she has the skillset to pitch to the cli- sible, and respectful to the natural elements So what can Nigerian architects do? ent, like the visionary Frank Lloyd Wright, organic that we meet on site and require for survival. and sustainable proposals where as many trees It should not be taken as just another fancy con- A whole lot. I am glad that open spaces is the and natural features can be retained. Few clients cept that will fade with time. If no vegetation exists main topic of EQ#7 as it dovetails into conser- will reject cost-savings: both short and long-term. on site, we should ensure to introduce. We need vation. Plants are the life source of the planet in to make nature preservation and conservation more ways than one. Not only do they produce Article by Arc. Claude Opara food and oxygen but are essential to global car- bon balance which is key to both prevention and adaptation. What is global carbon balance? 25 26

Managing Urban Open-Places for Well-being Results from longitudinal, cross-sectional and Gbagada end of the 3rd Mainland Bridge- no epidemiological Urban studies in Holland and planned Open space visible in a neighborhood of tional level, but also at the local and individual Japan confirms a positive link between nature approximately 5km2 in area. Source- Author 2008. level. This will provide opportunities for ar- and health, while Ulrich’s commonly quoted hos- chitects, planning professionals, academics, pital-file research supports that a view of nature Green environments are healthy settings. From communities, and policy-makers from all levels from hospice bed hastens physical recovery af- healthcare research perspective, this underscores to share knowledge and learning from around ter surgery. In the context of Lagos, some of the a positive relationship between green-open- the world to kindle active running of urban historic parks earlier mentioned are embroiled in space and public health. Studies of ‘nature deficit open-places for health and well-being equity in the political quagmire that adversely affects the rele- disorder’ or ‘nature deprivation’ from the well-be- local realm. Keywords: managing, open places, vance and value of the open-places as well-being ing standpoint, suggest that experiences of the urbanization, well-being molecules in the urban DNA of Lagos. In a letter outdoors (even views of greenery through win- to John Godwin dated 14th July, 2000 express- dows in homes and work places) can have recu- Connection between Urban-Nature and Well-be- ing concerns about the Soul of Urban Lagos, perative and relaxing effect on social, emotional, ing. Dr. T. M. Aluko (of The Lagos Town Council 1956- mental functioning and productivity. Open-plac- Urban-Nature can be defined as landscape in 1960) pointed out the “need to do something es are ‘salutogenic’, meaning that they can di- the urban setting represented as gardens (‘oko to Lagos and its environs before it is too late.” minish stress and encourage healthy lifestyles. etile’), parks, leisure parks, neighborhood parks, Checking and evaluating urban health indica- district parks and central parks. Though the Idumota in precolonial times with the Carter Bridge Whilst the specific causes for these are not ful- tors demand attention on what to measure and idea of open spaces are enshrined in the Yoru- at the background. Source- Sandbank City-150 years ly understood, various factors may, in isolation who is doing the measuring in order to push ba cultural realm, it appears that such traditional of Lagos- Godwin& Hopwood 2012) or groupings be key, including outdoor activities boundaries to create or recreate livable value-planning have been jettisoned and exercise, natural daylight, good air quali- open-places for urban well-being. In many cit- for the foreign patterns of city planning. A helicopter view of part of Lagos Marina showing ty, stimulation of the senses, and the aesthet- ies globally, the ability to effectively gauge Historically, Eko as it is still fondly remembered Onikan Stadium and Obalende area. Source author ic experience. What is clear is that there are in- evolving patterns in line with objectives and indigenously has lost its nostalgic sense of 2008 creasing body of knowledge lending credence goals that have been set is crucial to the enduring place as formerly designated open spaces to the position that experiencing these natural development of effective urban governance. like, Ita-Faaji, Rowe-Park (arguably Nigeria’s environments or helping to maintain them can The WHO’s 1948 classical definition for health, Trafalgar Square), Race Course, Tinubu Square, improve the mental health and well-being of 2018 SDGs and the New Urban Agenda have Campos Square, Marina Water-front, Onikan vulnerable communities and aid the revitaliza- set a massive task for the ecosphere, with focus Stadium, Kuramo and Bar Beach (now over- tion of physical, mental and social capabilities. on the challenges and opportunities associated taken as Eko Atlantic City) are subsumed by with urban areas. In a developing economy like forces of urban globalization. (Akinsemoyin & Recommendation In paralleling the morphol- Lagos, many urban challenges are com- Vaughan-Richards 2009; Godwin & Hopwood ogy of the earth’s surface to the human body pounded by the threat of climate change, 2012) parts essential to lifecycle, the Amazon in Brazil commercialization, widespread informal set- is widely regarded as the ‘lung’ of the globe pro- tlements, rising cost of land and the long-term Though Lagos is a sub-regional economic ducing nearly 20% of the oxygen needed to mit- health effects of the built environment. nerve center with an estimated population of igate global warming and human sustenance. over 20million inhabitants. Pertinent ques- Likewise, the urban architecture of city design Using a desktop, observation and interview of tions usually coming up for architecture and or planning for health and well-being, must residents in their 60s and 70s in a multi-level ap- planning include; does the pervading urban provide accessible and inclusive open-spac- proach, this paper highlighted the significance architecture of Lagos provide intervention es for enhancing quality of life. This study ad- of accessible-open-spaces for urbanites well-be- mechanism for recovery from stress and fa- vocates that a phase by phase revitalization of ing in a fast urbanizing Lagos. This urban tigue?, Is there a deliberate planning strategy for abandoned or abused open-spaces through study exposed that open spaces hitherto avail- inclusive and accessible open-places that can a deliberate urban regeneration resourceful- able till the mid-eighties in neighborhood plans facilitate meaningful social contact, encourage ness to provide for deprived city neighbor- have been taken over by lack of city heritage physical exercise, stimulate children de- hoods is the way to go for salutogenic benefits. management inventiveness, uncontrolled velopment and sense of purpose? commercialization and acute land shortage. Article by Dr. Mokolade Johnson Achieving the desiderata for urban areas requires “who is doing the measuring in order ownership of these agenda not only at the na- to push boundaries to create or recreate livable open-places for urban well-being. “ 27 28

Vox Pop for Architects Response 1. Response 3. I think it’s a disservice to the profession when such Yes and no “Architects are resposible for the greatest damage to our open spaces in Lagos” sweeping statements are made. I believe the state- ment is a product of misinformation and miscon- Yes... Do you agree? ception of what architects do and stand for. When we accept a commission to build struc- Architects are responsible for planning, design tures on these lands. We may have waited a and development of shelters, buildings and sus- while for such and its a lucrative one. tainable environment for human beings, animals and communities. No.. The planners/govt regulators have a greater say -Arc Lanre Olushola in this regard. They give and oversee approvals ExOfficio NIA. over the use of the land -Arc. Ime Erekosima (Thomas Douglas LTD) Response 2 1. We Architects ignore our roles as the people in charge to; to totally and completely design the environment...only to leave it for the land- scape architects to compliment with his design. 2. We Architects both (academics and those in practice) have neglected the aspect of research that would underpin our ideas for future de- signs to serve as guidelines for our policy makers on issues concerning how to im- prove our environment (open spaces inclusive) -Dr. Dodo Yakubu Aminu; PhD, GreenRE CM, My- CREST QP B. Sc., M. Sc. (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria) , Ph.D. (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Senior Lecturer and Head of (SET) Research Group. Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineer- ing and Built Environment (FKAB) Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru, Nilai, Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park Do you agree? Kindly forward your opinions to [email protected] 29 30

Behind The Scenes: EQ #7 Magazine The back story behind the EQ #7 Magazine 31 32