By Joseph Edegbo
President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Enyi Ben- Eboh has challenged members of the Institute to focus on the principles of inclusivity and accessibility in their designs so as to have a barrier-free environments that promote social cohesion and equal opportunities for all.
Arc Ben-Eboh gave the charge, Wednesday at the maiden edition of the Kaduna Architecture Forum 1.0 with a theme “Cityscape- A New Vision For Architecture In Kaduna” featuring an assemblage of professionals in built industry who are exchanging ideas and sharing experiences to collectively envision a new architectural landscape for the State.
The NIA Boss who was represented by the 2nd Vice President, Arc. Sani Saulawa expressed confidence that the outcome of the forum would not only contribute to enhancing the architectural landscape of Kaduna State but would also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities.
Former Minister for Solid Minerals, Arc. Musa Sada who declared the Forum open, said the event was not only a welcome development but a demonstration of the consciousness of professionalism. ” This is a manifestation that architects are up and doing”, he remarked.
In a good will message, Director- at- large and Country Representative, American Institute of Architects, Arc. Lanre Olusola said the event was an indication that Kaduna NIA chapter was determined to support the State Government to put Kaduna on the global map of smart and sustainable cities.
He praised the leadership and innovative spirit of the chapter Exco led by Arc. Samuel Obaje.
And from the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamali who was represented by a member of the Emirate council, described architects as not only designers of structures but creators. The traditional ruler tasked architects to always ensure that their practices are environmental friendly and accessible as well as inclusive and inline with the needs of communities.
While urging them to collaborate with goverment, private as well as communities, the Emir also wants them to explore their innovations and create architectural legacy for future generation.
Good will messages also came from Lagos, Enugu and Katsina Chapters of the Institute.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chairman, Kaduna State Chapter of the NIA, Arc. Samuel Obaje said the forum was aimed at bringing together stakeholders and practitioners in the built industry to forster the exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences that would shape the future of architecture in Kaduna State.
Kaduna State, he observed, is rapidly growing and the architecture in the State had historically been traditional, noting that in recent years, many forward thinking development projects have been implemented to provide a new, modern vision of urban design. “Cityscape is One of these projects aiming to create a beautiful, connected and functional metropolitan landscape” he said.
The 2-day forum is featuring paper presentation on various relevant topics by Prof. William Qurix, Vice Chancellor, Bingham University, Karu, Arc. Majekodunmi Babalola Francis, Arc. Oladimeji Adene, Dr. El-Abbas Muazu and Arc. Olanrewaju Olusola, among others.