Lagos architects set to acquire property for secretariat

While discussions are ongoing towards actualizing the vision of having a befitting secretariat in a business-friendly environment, the 2016 Lagos Architects Forum by the Nigerian Institute of Architects is about weeks away

Poised to boost its visibility and the practice of architecture, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos State chapter, has taken a bold step to build a befitting secretariat in the metropolis.

This is coming as the group said last week in Lagos, that it had concluded all arrangements to host this year’s Lagos Architects Forum (LAF) 2016, scheduled to hold in two weeks from now at Jasmine and Zinnia Halls, New Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Prior to a briefing announcing the forum, The Guardian had exclusively learnt that NIA Lagos was working assiduously to move from its rented secretariat located around popular Tejuosho market, in Yaba area, Lagos, to a permanent site.

To meet that drive, and after series of consultations, the architects have decided to settle for a landed property in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, The Guardian has learnt.

However, it was gathered that, the professionals are currently engaging a law firm, which would be saddled with the responsibility of verifying the status of the land.

This, according to a source, who preferred anonymity, said was necessary to avoid buying an encumbered landed property.“We have decided to acquire a landed property in the state for the purpose of having our secretariat and part of which would be used for commercial use.

“At the moment, we have settled for a property around Saint Finbarr’s College in Akoka, which is a stone throw from the University of Lagos. The area, to us, is desirable judging from its strategic location to both the Island and Mainland of the state.

“We are currently doing a search on the title before eventually committing ourselves. This, we are undertaking to be sure the landed property we are buying is free from all encumbrances.

“We shall after settling the land, then, we will design a structure that can accommodate both our secretariat and a commercial space.”The source added that, all things being equal, all processes should be concluded before the end of April 2016.

Chairman, NIA Lagos, Mr. Ladipo Lewis, who led the briefing on the proposed LAF said the event, which holds annually was meant to provide opportunities for participants to meet with the various stakeholders in the building and construction industry and establish ties with companies, most of which would use the platform to showcase their products and services.

Lewis added that, at LAF, participants would learn about best practices and update their skills in current trends in design, development and construction; understand the current economic climate; discover innovative methods of development within the current economic climate and understand critical issues affecting viable developments.The event, which is the eighth edition, has become a landmark annual professional parley, Lewis said enthusiastically.

With a theme: “Lagos 7.0 – Evolving Architecture”, Lewis revealed that, the forum this year, would highlight contemporary issues in new business frontiers of architecture including the roles of local and international codes, adoption of design build for architectural business options, analysis of pre-design programs, the economics of developments, international best practices and a host of others.

Explaining the choice of the theme, Lewis said, it was necessary for the architects to lead the way to examine how to develop Lagos, a mega city, which is already having pressure on its landmass.

While a legal practitioner and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, would be giving the keynote address, others lined up to share their thoughts at the event include Dr. Maurice Ngwaba from Maryland, United States of America; Mr. Fred Coker, Mr. Ekaete Bassey Fujah of ATO, Mr. Umaru Karayean, all architects; and Mr. Sola Ige among others.

The event, according to NIA chairman, is expected to feature conferences and workshops that would dwell on contemporary architecture and project development issues.

Sub themes to be considered included international building code, public-private partnerships, green architecture, adaptive strategies for architects in difficult economies, architectural engineering, advanced design-build in architecture, high-tech hardware and software in architectural practice and construction, green architecture and design technology.

Vice Chairman, Mrs. Titi Adeleye said that, during this year’s forum, there would be a Young Architects Forum, who, are expected to interact with their senior colleagues in the profession.

“We would be looking at old/younger architects forum. The weather has been hot and architects are to come up with designs that can give the best comfort.”

NIA Public Relations Officers, Mr. Samson Akinyosoye, said one of the fruits of its annual program was that most of their recommendations always attracted the policy makers, who often adopt them for city planning and development.