Lagos architects gather construction industry stakeholders

The Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has concluded arrangements to bring together stakeholders in the construction industry to discuss issues germane to the growth of the industry.

The three-day forum beginning from tomorrow, May 15, is aimed, among other things, to explore roles for architects and architecture in urban design.

The forum which is the chapter’s flagship annual event, also focuses on architecture and its synergy with urban design and real estate development as vehicles for creating sustainable and livable cities that have vibrant economies.

The institute in a statement signed by Samson Akinyosoye, the Public Relations Officer, notes that cities are evolving at an unprecedented rate in this 21st century.

“It is instructive to learn from China, a country that has developed a programme to build a new city every two years, targeting 400 of such cities in the next 20 years”, he said.

Akinyosoye noted that this is a feat that Lagos State could take a cue from, adding that these possibilities become attainable when the proper planning framework is in place and the appropriate regulations are instituted.

According to him, this is a mission that necessitates the gathering of all stakeholders in the building and construction industry to continue to engage in intellectual discourse on a regular basis.

He said that the Lagos Architects’ Forum provides opportunities for participants to meet with the various stakeholders in the building and construction industry; establish bilateral ties with companies, and showcase their products and services.

He added that it enables participants to learn about best practices and update 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.

“This forum shall be giving all attendees the opportunity to x-ray the on-going Lagos State’s planning regulations which are being reviewed, provide capacity in the area of real estate development, and will attract speakers from local and international scenes”, he assured.

Expected speakers at the forum, he revealed, include Noah Kofi Karley, William Nii Teiko Evans-Anfom, former Ghana Institute of Architects’ President; Osei Kwame Agyeman, and Martin Baerschmidt among other facilitators.

“We hope that, through these resource persons, learn from the experience of other countries and create sustainable pathways to attaining our home grown solutions”, he said.

The forum, he pointed out, is expected to feature conferences and workshops that dwell on contemporary urban development issues, adding that modules to be considered include urban design, master planning, real estate development, high density mass housing, construction technology, design technology as well as pre/post conference site tours.

Targets audience, he said, are architects, builders, engineers, planners and other allied professionals in the building and construction industry.

CHUKA UROKO