Sustainable architectural design will be the main focus of discussion when architects and other housing sector stakeholders gather to look at how to develop smarter cities.
The gathering will be at the instance of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Chapter, and will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7. It will also be looking at transformation in Architectural designs, ensuring that a smarter city and sustainable building sector is achieved.
The gathering will also make a statement on the need to ensure that Nigerians have equal access to public buildings such as hospitals, churches, government offices, and event halls through architectural designs that cater to the elderly and people with disabilities.
Biodun Fatuyi, chairman of the chapter, noted that governments across the world were inculcating digital processes in the areas of transportation, approval processes, and housing, hence the need for architects to explore sustainable design that will engender smarter development in cities such as Lagos and others.
Fatuyi, who spoke at a press briefing to announce the forum, said the chapter has been at the forefront of informing the government about modern trends in housing design and construction, and professional policies that can help the state progress and become more prosperous.
“This year’s forum will gather all allied professionals in the building sector to brainstorm on the theme, ‘Digital Transformation in Architecture: Building Smarter Cities.’ Prominent speakers from the state government and its agencies, housing sector, partners at home and beyond are expected.
We are advocating for Nigerians to appreciate the role of an architect in society. Every building must have an architect, and if you do not involve an architect in your building process from the beginning, it’s like a disaster waiting to happen.
We are creating more chapters of NIA in the state to extend advocacy and reach out to the people in a language that they will understand so that everyone in the state will feel the impact and have access to architects,” Fatunyi assured.
He said the architects will examine how to design alongside technology development, how architecture can be more responsive to the environment using locally sourced materials that would be affordable and usable, conserve energy, save cost, make the air fresher, allow for day lighting and cross ventilation.
The chairman said the chapter is not relenting in capacity development by learning from one another and bringing in professionals who train members on the latest trend from time to time.
Vice Chairman of the chapter/Chairman planning committee for the forum, Moniba Odunlami, said the chapter plans to introduce student’s competition among higher institutions offering architecture. These include University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Anchor University, Caleb University and LASUTECH.
According to her, the aim was to create more awareness about architecture, adding that the forum would come up with ideas and innovations that would make Lagos smarter.
Dejoke Amusat, the public relations officer, explained that the professionals expect to see latest innovations in the housing sector, especially architectural designs by exhibitors.
