Emmanuel Ukudolo l Thursday, October 03, 2019
IKOYI, Lagos, Nigeria – Principal architect of ARG and Trustee at Open House Lagos, Mr. Chuka Ihunor has called for strong legislation to preserve old Lagos in terms of structures to prevent it from being effaced by challenges of urban development.
Ihunor, a culture enthusiast and urbanist was speaking at a press conference to announce the 4th edition of the Open House Lagos(OHL), a two day event scheduled for November 2nd and 3rd, 2019.
He said such legislation will make it possible to preserve fine architectural works that define Lagos before the modern era. Speaking on cost and affordability of services of architects to the poor in creating structures with space conducive for human habitation, he said government seems not to be interested but that issues relating to home for the rich, the middle class and the low income earners were addressed at a forum recently in Lagos and that the outcome which will soon be made available should be of interest to government.
He explained that Open House Lagos has no input from government at the moment but a collaboration with the British Council. He said that government is aware of what Open House is doing in the state, recalling that last year, the general manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens(LASPARK,) insisted and took part in the tours which addressed flood in Lagos and associated issues.
He said Open House Lagos will continue with the innovation, spectacle and good architecture, adding”I am pleased to be part of this leading design event, the first and at the moment, the only one in Africa”.
Speaking on the Open House Lagos project, Mrs. Olamide Udoma-Ejoh, the curator said this year event will feature over 30 buildings and 14 tours spread over two days. She said the event will give participants an opportunity to see, explore and learn about Lagos’ architecture all for free.
“Lagos citizens and tourists will find out more about issues that are relevent to their local area, from the design of homes to the impact of climate change and the role of architects and contemporary design in revitalising a city”, she said.
She explained that OPL tells the story of progressive growth of architecture in Lagos, exploring the diverse historical buildings protected for years while unraveling contemporary designs.
Highlights of the tour include access to some of the newest and most innovative constructions in West Africa and many homes of modern architectural distinctions. She said visitors will be able to join bus tours led by well-informed tour guides but that it will not be a whole day event since it will be split in two, 9:30 to 12 pm and 1 to 4 pm for the two days. There will be 30 tourists per bus.
In her remarks, board member, OPL, Mrs. Aduke Gomez said the buildings to be visited during the tours were picked randomely and that they will include government buildings, religious buildings and residential buildings across Lagos. Participants are expected to register online to join the tour.
