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ARCHITECT : KNOW YOUR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENTS


As a project Architect, Knowing your construction equipments by name, is unavoidable. This post  is dedicated to highlighting the common construction equipments and explaining their uses.





PROJECT MANAGER : ISSUES WITH THE STAFF

This post is a sequel to the earlier post: "Project Architect: resolving staff conflict in site"

Enugu south international building materials market
from left: Architect, Carpenter
As a construction project manager, issues with staff are going to abound. What matters in the end is still Results!

In my experience, workers over time tend to grow too friendly and thence become rebellious. They suddenly seem to have got a hunch that you have been manipulating them into doing 'your' Work while you get all the 'big' money. This feeling if not checked leads them into acting abnormally uncooperative and even ready to end the relationship.

As the Architect, and project  manager, you have the responsibility of keeping your site in control so that you can continue to produce results, Especially if you work for a senior Architect who has entrusted the site in your management.

Here are a few of my own  tips on managing crisis in the site:


1. Understand that; when all is said and done, violence or force benefits nobody. With this in mind, you are left with the effective tool : diplomacy. Use diplomacy to coerce your workers into doing whatever you want without realising they are all players in 'your' game.

2. Your boss expects results, results and more results, he hardly has time to attend to reports from you or your staff, he believes you should Handle whatever situation arises on site with minimum supervision. Dont prove him wrong! 

3. Preach and emphasize teamwork to your workers. They would think twice before starting up a fire next time, if they see you as a brother instead of a boss.

4. Remain aloof, but make sure you are the smartest guy in the site. No tricks can evade you unless you let it for a higher cause. Use occasional little favours like careless tips, relaxed timing or bonus pays, to buy the hearts of your workers in preparation for the day you will make huge demands from them. 



ENSIBUM PROJECT ROUNDING OFF : REFLECTIONS ON LESSONS LEARNT

By Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
Project Architect

ENSIBUM is short for the : Enugu-South international Building materials market. The first phase of its development is 95% complete. This zone is for sale of reinforcement bars. 

It features a small 3m x 2m office space with large 6m x 12m frontage/ per occupant for stacking the reinforcement bars for sale. A total of 200 single units have been completed so far, and is on sale to the general public at a flat rate of N2,500,000. 

As we know the developer is Mc.Donalds manufacturing and industries ltd. The technical consultancy service from scratch was rendered by GEOMETRIX consultants and Builders ltd. while the construction was done by MALDINI construction company ltd. our sister company. I have been the project manager here for over a year now.

This post highlights my personal reflections about the project as it gradually nears hand over. As a great man said: "in life, we never really lose, its either we win or we learn something". I can say I have picked up a thing or two while working on this project.

1. Never forget who you are directly answerable to. While assuming the perfect courtiers posture to everyother interests.

2.
Never conive secretly or openly with your staff to loot the company. It will be blown out of proportion when they speak of it and you will be made to look like a thief..just like them. As much as you can, keep the books tidy.

3. Dont assume you know everything just because you have a college degree. Listen to others ideas but remain the decision maker.

4. No matter how lonely she is at home, never bring your spouse to the site. Let work be work and family be family.

5. Monthly paid or at least weekly paid staff, perform netter overall than daily paid staff. They also offer greatter degree of dependability.

6. Dont live inside your own box, ask around elsewhere for broader ideas, methods and rates before you decide on your own project.

7. Dress for the job. Wear suitable clothes for the work always..make sure there is clear distinction between the worker and you.

8. Never employ anyone who is too old or way above your physical and psychological control. Make sure your staff remains loyal to you and you alone. Do not invite them to sit with the m.d when you are having a meeting, else they get a false sense of belonging and grow rebelious. Discharge such rebellious ones at once else they plan a mutiny against you.

9. Diplomacy is the key to manipulation. Use it always to get your way, without force, plead when you have to, enforce when you need to, coerce people to do your work happily.

10. If the project does not provide a vehicle, buy one for yourself!

11. Be reacheable and ready always.

12. Dont forget to learn!





PRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF DECORATIVE CEMENT SKIRTINGS

posted By : kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Architect: and Skirting Moulders

There are many methods of producing decorative skirting used at the corners of columns, walls,Windows etc.  
There is the traditional plaster-of-Paris skirting made from white P.O.P cement. This is used mostly for suspended ceilings and waist level skirtings within the interior of buildings. This type has the advantage of being lightweight and mouldable into almost any shape or design. The challenge however with this type is that it is not very resistant to water and thus it is seen to depreciate in aesthetics when exposed to prolonged dripings especially when used in exterior locations.

There is however an alternative method; THE USE OF ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT moulded to shape and finished with white (or any color)  paint. Skirting made from portland cement are typically resistant to water and last longer than those made from P.O.P cement. It however tends to be limited in versatility of design, due to its heavier weight. it is usually used for window trims, wall edges and fence trims, and other exterior needs etc.

At the ENSIBUM market project, we decided to use skirting made from cement to add some mass to the already gigantic entrance gate. This post is dedicated to describe how we made these skirting in-situ and installed them.

STEP 1: MATERIALS REQUIRED; semi coarse sand, soft texture sand, water, cement, a custom mould. 

STEP 2: PREPARE THE BASE : start by making a mound of about 4ft. length and about 6" high  using the semi-coarse sand. this will serve as base for the skirting, as well as separates it from the ordinary earth after the cement has cured and hence makes it easy to lift and shift. Use two range devices to protect the boundary on both sides of the mound. Using concrete nails to support the ranges along the lenght, making sure the space between them is even all through.  This will provide for a perfect edged skirting in the end.

STEP 3: MIX THE CEMENT: The skirting is made completely of cement mixed with water and a little fine texture sand.( when necessary).  A bag of cement can be properly mixed with about 15 - 20lts. of clean water. it should be stirred properly in a bucket or bowl or any open container that will allow for ease of scooping while molding.

STEP 4: MOULDING :
Pour the cement paste gradually onto the sand mound. Use the hand held, locally carved  mould to shape it into desired pattern (as shown here) and allow in same position for at least 12 hours before attempting to remove.
Remember to make nail size openings along the skirting to allow for nailing during installation.

STEP 5: INSTALLATION: 
By physical inspection, you can tell when the skirting is strong enough to be handled without breaking. You can then raise it neatly, and carry to point of fixing. The plumb device is used to mark straight positions along the wall. this is to ensure that the skirting is not slant at any point which will look bad to the viewer.
Nail the skirting onto the wall, siupported by wooden noggins and use cement to dress the edges neatly!


BEFORE CEMENT SKIRTING


AFTER CEMENT SKIRTING

WRITING QUOTATIONS FOR PROJECTS


As an Architect, you will be required to prepare work estimates in form of job quotations for proposed projects. Your ability to predict or forecast real life site requirements from your drawing board will be tested.
Whether you fail or succeed has serious functional implications through the project timeline. Some contracts do not leave room for future amendments while some do. Whichever the case is, it is advisable to predict and provide for as much as possible afore time.

AN AFFORDABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR THE PLUMB DEVICE

By kosi Emmanuel chukwujindu



Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
Architect: How to make your own Range device
As Architects and project supervisors we often require perfectly level/flat surfaces for floors, walls, lintels e.t.c. To achieve this, the practice is to make use of a device called the plumb. It is a horizontal steel pipe with a liquid trapped in a clear glass such that when the pipe is placed on a level surface, the air space is exactly at the center. This will indicate to the Architect or supervisor that the given job is okay. 
The challenge however is that for large  construction projects that have a lot of edges/surfaces to be confirmed, it may be quite expensive to procure the plumb device in large numbers. Moreso if there is no guarantee that they will all be returned after use. It becomes very wasteful to provide one plumb for each worker. In such case, about 2-3 workers can be assigned a plumb device while an alternative instrument -the range, is shared among all.
The range is similar to the plumb in shape. It is also a steel pipe which is about 6ft. Long x 1" wide. But it does not have the liquid trapped in clear glass. It is usually made of heavier metal than the plumb. It is especially useful in verifying how level a surface is. It can be used in the vertical or horixontal positions. And it is far cheaper than the plumb. It can be easily found at building materials markets or stores, but it is cheaper to make your own. 
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN RANGE DEVICE IN PLACE OF THE PLUMB.
STEP 1:
Visit your local welder or steel pipes vendor,and ask for the 2" x 1" x 24' hollow steel pipe. In Enugu state, This sells for about N900. 
Step 2: 
Ask him to cut same into three pieces each  of 6' lenght. (Nb: you may vary this according to how much length you require). 
Step 3:
Ask him to weld some scrap metal over the two open ends of each pipe to prevent sand and other debris from entering the pipes while in use at the site. 
Once this is done, congratulations you have your self made range device ready for site work!

AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING THE CONCRETE FASCIA

posted by
Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Concrete fascia detail sketch by Arc Jude Uche; M.D /C.E.O Geometrix Consultants
Conventional Nigerian builders will construct a wooden/metal formwork to the shape of the desired fascia right about the roof edge/building wall, install the reinforcement bars and cast the whole volume with concrete. well this is the 'text-book' thing to do, right?

Unfortunately, The problem with this method is that it typically consumes much more materials (steel, concrete and woodwork) and when the building(s) is a large one or are numerous, it becomes simply impractical and time consuming.

Goodnews is; the Architects at Geometrix have over the years through experience under the leadership of the meticulous Arc. Jude Uche, developed an alternative method of constructing the concrete fascia. This method (as in sketch above) involves a pre-cast moulding of the fascia and a systematic fastening on exposed reinforcemnet bars sticking out from already existing roof beam using 6mm binding wires.

step 1: ROOF-BEAM:  the traditional roof beam which is done right around on top of the last course of block, is done, but the 4- reinforcement bars are not completely covered with concrete yet, the top two are exposed in order to receive the binding wire that will be used to fasten the pre-cast fascia.

step 2: PRODUCTION: moulders are vigrously moulding the concrete fascia on site using only cement and sand. (NB: this eliminates the need for reinforcement bars in the curved concrete fascia (CCF). they are allowed to cure and set, on the ground before cutting and lifting to avoid breakages. the final product is quite heavy. tiny openings are provided at intervals to allow for passing of binding wires.

step3: CUTTING TO SHAPE: once the concrete fascia has set (usually 36 hours after molding) it can then be cut into desired lengths according to the building corners. a typical piece would be 4' - 6' long. The cutting is done with a concrete sawing machine. the same type used to saw through block walls.


step4: INSTALLATION: After the cutting, two workers lift up piece by piece, insert the binding wires and with the help of in-situ scaffolding, climb and actually fasten the wires on the
two top exposed bars in the already made roof beam.

step 5: STRAIGHTENING & FINAL CASTING:
the straightening is done externally using a long plumb device and then held in place by wooden supports along the body of the wall. The binding wire that has been passed through openings on the pre cast concrete fascia is tied onto the top exposed bars tightly and is then covered with a second layer of concrete to hold it in place forever. 

step 6: JOINT TREATMENT: 
The final step is to 'tack' the joints properly with same binding wires and short pieces of wood which help prevent the different piecs from shifting until the final casting is done. they will be removed once the concrete sets. the thin openings at these joints will be covered with neat mortar and painted.


ADVANTAGES OF PRE-CAST CONCRETE FASCIA:
i). reduced volume of concrete.
ii). elimination of reinforcement bars in the fascia.
iii). reduction in overall weight of the fascia.
iv). same result as in-situ cast, sometimes even better!
v). If production begins early enough, Its installation takes less time.
vi). reduced cost of production due to elimination of materials such as reinforcement bars and wooden form work.

LIMITATIONS OF PRE-CAST CONCRETE FASCIA
i). shortage of trained staff, may delay work
ii). curing time may delay work where production is not started early enough.


ARCHITECTS PROPOSE TWIN SKYSCRAPERS THAT CASTS NO SHADOWS

originally posted by
cnnnews.com

CNN) - An architecture firm is shedding new light on building skyscrapers, literally.
A concept for a "No Shadow Tower" was recently put forward by the London branch of NBBJ architects. The ambitious structure would be built to reflect light between two high-rises to ensure more sunlight can reach ground level.
It works by using an algorithm in the design phase to calculate which panels on a building will be in view of the sun at certain hours of the day depending on its location, shape and the time of year.
These panels can then be strategically placed during construction to bounce light down into public spaces at the foot of the buildings.
"You can't remove the shadow from one building," said Christian Coop, design director of NBBJ London.
"(But) if you have two buildings, one to the north and one to the south, you could form the building to the north to act like a mirror that would reflect the light in complete sequence to track the shadow from the south."
Promotional literature from the architects says this technique can help reduce shadows by about 60%.
NBBJ submitted the concept for a recent competition run by New London Architecture (NLA) think-tank that aimed to discover how skyscrapers could benefit public spaces.
 


ARCHITECT: HOW TO MERGE SEVERAL .PDF FILES INTO A SINGLE .PDF FILE WITH MANY PAGES

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Architects in dealing with distant clients are often requested to send and receive drawings through or over the internet. these drawings may be pictures, .dwg or .pdf files. pdiles are however the most widely used formats for several reasons. This is due to its light weight, versatility, non-edit-ability (in some cases). Compared to the .dwg, .jpeg or any other file formats,  the .pdf file format has come to be known as the business file format.

This post is dedicated to teach the Architect how to convert a CAD drawing (.dwg) file into a  .pdf file as well as how to merge these .pdf files into one in case this is required.

Lesson 1: How to save a drawing from AutoCad as .pdf

Step 1: Open the drawing file on your AutoCad workspace.

Step 2: go to file - print - under plotter select .dwg to .pdf plotter (How to install PDF plotter) if its not found in your list of plotters.

Step 3: select desired paper size iI.e a4, a 3 or other.

Step 4: using the window tool marquee the drawing from your model workspace and cluck preview to see how it is positioned on paper.

Step 5: click OK and set save folder for the new .PDF file. You may repeat the process to create several sheets of your drawing eg floorplan, elevation, sections e.t.c.

LESSON 2: HOW TO MERGE MULTIPLE .PDF FILES INTO ONE WITH MANY PAGES

Once you have finished saving those different drawings as different .PDF files, you can either send them individually or merge them into one .PDF file. This has the advantage that the mail you will be sending to your client will be compact and scrollable as against the open- view-close, open - view - close .....method of viewing single .pdf files.

Step1: (dont laugh) please dont bother touring the web scavenging for apps that promise the whole world and deliver nothing. Just download an app called "PDF merger" (from playstore) on your android phone. You may also find it under the name "PDF Utils"

Step 2: once you have this simple but very efficient app installed on your desktop you can copy all the  pdf files to your phone using your usb cable.

Step 3: open the app interface and add the files which you need to merge and click merge.

Step 4: specify the file name and save location.

Step 5: you are done!

PROJECT ARCHITECT - RESOLVING STAFF CONFLICTS ON SITE

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

SAT. 21-02-15
Today there was a fight at the site. An Ibo worker fell out with an Hausa worker. The Ibo worker was working on the site for the first time after a long while. He was brought in by the site foreman. He was asked to construct the form work for one roof beam in the fourth line because our resident carpenter was absent on that day.  The Hausa worker was a mason; one of our most loyal. He would do whatever he was asked to do with smiles and never complained about anything other than wage related issues.

He was rounding off his block work, when the counting supervisor came to record his work. The Ibo man who had finished his roof-beam, and so was feeling good about himself came over and joined in counting the blocks. Jos, as the Hausa guy was popularly called, asked him to please not count his blocks as it was not his duty. He had no right to count blocks, there was a designated supervisor who handled that. The Ibo man, failed to listen and in fact insisted on doing the same. This led to a rough exchange of abuses, and ignited a bloody fight between the two.


AUTOCAD 2014; WORKSPACE SWITCHING

by kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Launching the new AUTOCAD 2014 interface was a great experience. it looked and felt fresh. I hadn't used a latest version software recently. my last was autocad 2012 but I had to revert to 2010, when I experienced some sluggishness in paning and zooming functions...smh!

Just YEsterday, my Autocad 2010 wont open. When I tried, it displayed the following error message:

"the application has failed to start because its side by side configuration is incorrect. please see the application event log or.....bla bla bla!!"

I hadnt used the app in a long while, so I was thrown off when I saw this. But as usual I went online, Thanks to google, I found some Autocad user forum where someone suggested the solution could be uninstalling and re-installing a program called microsoft  c++ redistributable. I ran this by my local system administrator, he didnt know anything about it, rather he advised me to simply install AUTO CAD 2014 and do my work.

AUTOCAD 2014 - Autocad Classic Workspace
When we eventually did, the first time screen looked strange. I was uncomfortable with the new positions of the tools. I loved my previous classic workspace back at 2010. I had a bit of trouble finding the switch. but I did and here above is a  screenshot from my beautiful Autocad 2014-classic workspace. I think it looks amazing!! The red circle near the down right corner in the image points to where YOU can also find and switch yours.

ARCHITECT?...HAS YOUR HP PAVILION G6 KEYBOARD STOPPED WORKING?

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu 

KOSI EMMANUEL CHUKWUJINDU
HP-PAVILLION G6, KEYPAD LOCKED
might sound funny but, it happened to me.  first I thought it was a joke, I tried typing  harder, till i was hitting the keys hard and it still wasn't working. Then it occured to me there was a problem. 

what was it? 
someone had been trying out wrong passwords on the system which apparently locked the keyboard as a defense mechanism - The day before , I had left my PC in the care of a neighbor who was visiting with his younger brother. In my absence, the kid was the culprit.

I went online and found a gracious blog where the problem had been solved and documented. I tried it exactly how it was prescribed and it worked. 

click here for information on how to solve "HP PAVILION G6 KEYBOARD STOPPED WORKING" problem.

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE PROGRAM - ARCHITECT

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu - Geometrix
from right: Geometrix studio head aikay,kosi, anele, mamman salaudeen
The one year national youth service program NYSC - is an initiative by the federal government of Nigeria to help integrate graduates of the country into the workforce. It requires the graduate to serve the nation under any parastatal of the government at a state other  than that of his origin for a period of 12 months. This interstate arrangement ensures that young people from different ethnic backgrounds mix-up, exchange and learn social values.

Asides this sociological dimension, there is also an economic implication to this. During the service year,  the young graduates are subjected to rigorous enterpreneur training programs which aim at imbibing the need to be self employed as a remedy to the un-employment rocking the nation. 

For graduates of Architecture, who want to pursue a career in the field, the service year is a time to gain relevant experience in the profession. One should endeavour to get into an insightful Architecture firm where he can build a future after the service year.

I was attatched to Geometrix consultants and builders ltd. Abuja during my service year. It was a very educating experience. I had the opprtunity to participate in two MAJOR projects The first is the ENSIBUM market; Enugu where I took active part in the design stage, presentation, and now the construction. The second is the Oranto international hotel project Enugu. This particular project afforded me the opportunity to meet a very influential politial figure - Chief Dr. Arthur Eze. He was interested in investing in the hospitality industry and Geometrix was priviledged to be his consultants. with guidance of my principal consultant Arc Uche J. Uche, I developed the initial deaign concept and produced the renderings for the presentation. I accompanied him to the said presentation and am still involved in its construction as the assistant project cordinator.

Generally, my service year was full of  enlightening experiences. I attended a lot of meetings  with my principal and some alone. I collaborated with project Engineers on site, surveyors and artisans. The pay was argood. I also started my own: MealsWorth Restaurant & Bar. and I thank almighty God for all this, I know his hand is in my sucess and he has more in store for me.

For the younger ones coming up  and planning to make a good time out of their service year, I say be dilligent, keep working smart, and trust in God. he wont fail you!



Young Architects collaborating with Engineers


kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
left-right svyr. Chinedu Bekee ,Arc Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
Posted by
Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Collaborating with Engineers is an unavoidable part of an Architect’s work. It begins with having to convert your beautiful Architectural renderings to construction/specification dawings which the Engineers will understand and use better; and lasts up to actually meeting and working with them on site. This usually requires a lot of: precision, measurability, scale conformity, accuracy, legibility of specification characters, disambiguation of terms and conditions, punctuality, a good sense of responsibility and clearly designated functions for everyone.

For me at Geometrix, It was a learning and un-learning period. There were times I was required to translate my original Architectural renderings (I was more of the presentation guy) into precise, unambiguous construction details. Initially I had tough times at this because prior to the time, I did mostly presentation drawings -In this, slight variations from reality are condonable. There was a time when I had supplied an Engineer a drawing with few dimension statements and a lot of half-baked design elements that needed more specification. The drawings were returned in request for more clearity. I then had to sit and actually explain what I meant. I had to make the final construction decisions then or forever live with the consequences.

Below is a summary of what I have learnt while working with Engineers and other professionals:

1.) Every Drawing leaving the studio needs precision, because they will just be built the way you have indicated: No matter what great 3-D software you use for your presentations, a good knowledge of AutoCAD will help while sending and receiving drawings from Engineers.

2.) Always Be ready to improvise: think faster than every other member of your team, carry them along by teaching and encouraging them; don’t expect everyone is as knowledgeable as you are. Be proactive.

3.) It is the real deal: the wealth of experience you will gather from such collaborations is actually the real deal! And surpasses any school teachings you have received.

4.) Be humble: Even though you’ve been placed in charge of a construction team, (as a project Architect) never forget that you didn’t secure the commission, your boss did; You didn’t contract the Engineers, your boss did; and you don’t pay them, your boss does; so you will be wise not to fall out on a personal note with anyone. Report any misunderstandings to your boss and let him take action, not you!
Make the period Worthwhile: while working with a senior Architect, establish cordial relationships with the contractors and Engineers, friends and associates. You never know who will be there for you during the ‘rainy days’.

THE ORANTO HOTEL PROJECT

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
http://www.scribd.com/doc/235624549/Proposed-ORANTO-Hotel-by-Geometrix-Consultants
Proposed Oranto Hotel Abuja, by Geometrix Consultants.
Proposed Oranto Hotel Abuja; Prototype Suite Bedrooms
Typical Floorplan




Proposed Oranto Hotel; Terrace Bedrooms
Proposed Oranto Hotel; Standard Bedroom

 
¢  















       Oranto petroleum is an independent Nigerian company with operations since 1991 and the company is an active operator in 14 blocks in West Africa and Gulf of Guinea. Its CEO is prince Dr. Arthur Eze of Ukpo in Anambra State of Nigeria.

¢  The CEO recently expressed interest in developing an epitome of Hospitality in the form of a Hotel and has bestowed the task of doing this to the Architects at Geometrix.
¢ The city of Abuja being the nation’s seat of power, hosts hundreds of conferences domestic and international and as such is a viable ground for the Hotel business. The choice of Asokoro, Abuja; only complements this.

¢  This is a presentation of our initial design submission. Hope you like it.
View of the Proposed Terrace Garden

View Of The Main Auditorium
You can find full powerpoint slide presentation live at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/235624549/Proposed-ORANTO-Hotel-by-Geometrix-Consultants

FILING IN THE ARCHITECTURE OFFICE

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

File-store, Geometrix Consultants & Builders ltd. Abuja.
photo credits: Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
files are the backbone of every office. In an Architecture office, these files will typically contain drawings, contract papers, bidding arrangements, quantity estimates for proposed construction works, and the list continues...

My first task as an intern at Geometrix back in 09' was to clean and arrange dusty file jackets, the likes of which can be seen in the image to the left. I remember I was thrilled by the experience. I wondered how one man and one office could have accumulated such hefty portfolio in one life time - and still counting... I was inspired. But that is only a bubble compared to the filing ingenuity that was in-place at the office. The system was solid and error proof. This post is dedicated to helping Young Architects, interns or project managers, with a glimpse into what filing should be in an Architecture consortium.

First: There are A4 and A3 files. They are seperated in location. Then there is a list for each of them. This list is printed and handy. In this print-out, the file name eg: 'ORANTO Hotel Asokoro' as well as the file number eg: 'DS 757' are indicated. It is also standard practise that all presentation drawings made before the project is awarded, are stored in the A4 file, while all eventual working drawings which were prepared and sent for approval from the office are stored in the A3 folder of the same project.

TO- AND -FRO ABUJA ON A MONTHLY

by Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Once every month, I go to Abuja from Enugu and back. I go to the office, to report for the previous month's work at Enugu. Then I go to NYSC secretariat to sign for my monthly stipend clearance. I go by bus all the time except on few occasions when my boss requires me to be faster or earlier, in which case I fly Arik.
I enjoy the intermittent sleep while in the bus, and its usually another time to meet new people as well as my old classmates; chike ben, egbons etc. who live and work in Abuja.
This time, I travelled with Ikenna, my friend's brother. He is also an Architect from my school. He is done with his NYSC, and is now searching for a part-time job to keep him busy till he resumes his M.Sc. I offered to introduce him to my boss - maybe they could work something out.

...okay, so how is Abuja?

Abuja is not as sunny as before, this time. I think its the rain. but the rush is the same. Everyone still rushes out in the mornings and back at night, tired. one could smell the fear of 'Boko Haram' in the air everywhere. They have claimed responsibility for most recent terrorist killings, and still counting. So even I am in a hurry to get out of the city!
As if ignorant of this, the politicians are going about their usual activities, we were even held up for close to 5mins this morning for the president to pass. yea that's what happens when you live in Abuja!

and while here?

while am here,  I intend to see as much old friends as possible, and oops! i also have family here. Outside this, take a good rest and plan about the restaurant period!

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE SCHEME


Every graduate of a higher institution in Nigeria has a mandatory one year service to render to the nation. This is also binding on Nigerians who studied oversees but who wish to return home and make a practice here. Within this one year, you are regarded as government property and treated as such. You are deployed to a state other than that of your origin, and assigned a job at any parastatal where you are expected to devote the next one-calendar-year of your life. You receive monthly stipends from the government, and a lot of business-motivational lectures. The government wants the Youth to be more enterprising than employable – and this is good. The thing however is that, for an Architecture graduate, One year is a lot of time!  You cannot afford to be away from Architecture for that long.
The Nigerian Institute of Architects, NIA is the governing body of Architecture practise in Nigeria. Working together with the Architects registration council of Nigeria, ARCON they regulate who can and who may not practise Architecture in Nigeria. As such there are laid down set of rules. In this, a very important requirement is a minimum of two years practise experience after obtaining the master’s degree. This may include your service year, - If you were attached to a registered Architecture firm with a financially registered Architect as the principal. After these two years is completed you may apply and sit for the professional practice examination, PPE. If you excel in this, then you are conferred the title of “Architect”, and you are entitled to a professional seal, a practise license (subject to annual financial renewal) and are now eligible to practise Architecture within the state of Nigeria.
This is why you cannot allow the service year pass you by.
-So what do you do? You act smart!
Find out which Architecture firms in town are hiring youth corpers. From them, find out which have NIA financially registered Architects as the principal. Get in touch with them early enough and inform them of your coming service and how you would like to serve with them. If they agree and possibly employ you before the service, you are lucky, you may get a package that is a bit higher than the regular service year stipends. But if they request you to commence only during your rightful service duration, then that’s still okay.
When you resume working there, you have just stepped into the next step to becoming an Architect, after the formal education. Your service year is just like your internship with higher responsibilities and much more maturity-on your part. You are also there to learn, but this time you are grown and have learnt a lot more than you knew then. The biggest challenge at this level is making ends meet. You typically earn little compared to all your dreams, so you are in a haste to get rich.
I was a victim of this misunderstanding. I was indeed carried off by monetary ambitions that I almost couldn’t keep up with my fundamental duties. It took a lot of re-evaluation and re-positioning to call me back.

IGBO CENOTAPH PROJECT

By Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
Architect, Geometrix Consultants, Abuja.

Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu
Proposed Igbo Cenotaph Project, Enugu
What makes a particular design stand out in an Architect's heart?  After all he does a lot of them in a very random order and in no stipulated time intervals. could it be the amount of work he put into it? ..but he invests just as much time in other projects too. Or is it the Kind of client, How they met or how he got commisioned to the job?..Very many things could influence what project an Architect gets emotionally attatched to.
For Me, It is that abstract self fulfillment, That feeling I get when I have just created something out of the blue, In general; I value projects which I created the original concept from my own scratch. It gives me the feeling of a creator!..and when you have all it takes (in terms of Visualization) to convey this idea to another human being, It is so much Hilarious.

It was a special sunday. Sabby was around and we were together at jerry's. we had just finished having lunch and relaxing when my boss called. My heart jumped, I was supposed to be in Abuja, and the E.N.S.I.B.U.M site plan was supposed to be near completion by now. But It wasnt and I was states away from the office #chilling#

At first I ignored the call, but she persuaded me to get it. When I picked up, he informed me that I was to pause the market job and start developing a presentation for a CENOTAPH. I had never heard the word before. T'was new, I needed some bringing up to speed. #Google# (but behind him, of course).
Not just that, I had to meet him, in the office the following day with the sketches. This meant I had less than 12 hours to come up with something! - welcome to Architorture.

Well, the first thing you should do, when you're under this kind of pressure is to make sure you understand WHAT you are required to do. Once you have this clear mental picture, you have almost solved the problem.
This was exactly what I did. I went and read up about Cenotaphs.I learnt It was a memorial structure usually erected in honor of dead soldiers lost in a war or natural occurence. I studied other cases around the globe, and once sure, I began making conceptual sketches. I spent the next day on the road back to Abuja. When I got there, I learnt I was to do a presentation In Enugu on wednesday, which means I had just Tuesday to package the presentation.
The image you see above is what we came up with after short deliberation together. It is so far my best project, because I developed the idea from No-THING!

go here to see full IGBO CENOTAPH PROJECT presentation ppt.

THE BOOK; LEARNING TO BE AN ARCHITECT


Welcome, thankyou for your interest in purchasing the book 'Learning To Be An Architect'.
We are pleased to inform you that we can send you either hard copy and/or a softcopy of the book after you have met with our simple payment method.


For hardcopy orders
Book cost :                               N500.00 only
Delivery charge (Nigeria) :   N1,000.00
TOTAL :                                    N1,500.00


For soft copy orders: 
Book cost : N500.00 only.


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Account Name:   Nwabuike Chika Nnedi
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You will receive your book(s) within 48 working hours.


Please be informed that the team is working together with school bookshops to make the book readily available in your campus. Kindly check this page frequently for updates on such pick-up locations in your school or contact us.


CONTACT: 
for Further Inquiries on any  difficulties sending your payment teller, or If you would like us to make the book "learning To Be An Architect' available at your seminar or workshop, or you would love the author (s) to speak at your school or organisation, kindly send an e-mail to: k.chukwujindu@gmail.com or call : Chika  on : +234-70-648-116-61

Thankyou.
The LTB.AR. team.