Advertising and spreading the word about a blog dedicated
to Nigerian architecture seems like an impossible task. Why
when there are several 'Naija' blogs, websites and groups
dedicated to covering practically every aspect of Nigerian
life, should such a blog find gaining popularity challenging?
Well, that is because it has been proven over years that
architecture appeals to a niche group of people. We as
architects believe we are essential and relevant, but yet
to reach out to the average citizen and make an impact is a
task we have yet to accomplish. People are happy to accept
the idea of a secret society or a specialist group whom you
encounter when you need to carry out a task in the built
environment, but are we?
Nothing defines architecture more than its sole purpose,
which is to serve the people. Like a democratic
government, architecture should take into consideration
the needs and desires of its client, its people, its target,
after all it is the people who have to deal with the decision
made by Architects and designers alike. A city should
reflect the needs of its inhabitants and not just the
dreams and aesthetic needs of the few select urban
designers, architects and engineers chosen to 'design' it.
Still, centuries on, the idea of architecture is still outside
the grasp of the common man, if we are to continue to
develop and become better at our jobs, we must listen to
the people. That is why I will always advise others to read
magazines, be in tune with the world that engages with the
built environment but mostly, I encourage us to ask
questions and enquire about the views and opinions of its
users. We must extend our arms further than halfway if
need be to meet the people. We cannot just sit back and use
the excuse that people will forever be ignorant, as that is
like starting a project but not really understanding what
the client wants, so it becomes apparent that we are in
fact the ignorant ones. Something has to change, something
really has to change, and I would rather emphasise this now
whilst the problem is still relatively concealed than in
future when it is not.
to Nigerian architecture seems like an impossible task. Why
when there are several 'Naija' blogs, websites and groups
dedicated to covering practically every aspect of Nigerian
life, should such a blog find gaining popularity challenging?
Well, that is because it has been proven over years that
architecture appeals to a niche group of people. We as
architects believe we are essential and relevant, but yet
to reach out to the average citizen and make an impact is a
task we have yet to accomplish. People are happy to accept
the idea of a secret society or a specialist group whom you
encounter when you need to carry out a task in the built
environment, but are we?
Nothing defines architecture more than its sole purpose,
which is to serve the people. Like a democratic
government, architecture should take into consideration
the needs and desires of its client, its people, its target,
after all it is the people who have to deal with the decision
made by Architects and designers alike. A city should
reflect the needs of its inhabitants and not just the
dreams and aesthetic needs of the few select urban
designers, architects and engineers chosen to 'design' it.
Still, centuries on, the idea of architecture is still outside
the grasp of the common man, if we are to continue to
develop and become better at our jobs, we must listen to
the people. That is why I will always advise others to read
magazines, be in tune with the world that engages with the
built environment but mostly, I encourage us to ask
questions and enquire about the views and opinions of its
users. We must extend our arms further than halfway if
need be to meet the people. We cannot just sit back and use
the excuse that people will forever be ignorant, as that is
like starting a project but not really understanding what
the client wants, so it becomes apparent that we are in
fact the ignorant ones. Something has to change, something
really has to change, and I would rather emphasise this now
whilst the problem is still relatively concealed than in
future when it is not.
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