REFLECTIONS ON THE CURRICULUM FOR STUDY OF ARCHITECTURE IN NIGERIA

As a licensed Architect and now a lecturer, reflections on the curriculum and duration for the study of Architecture in Nigeria comes naturally to one. This is mostly necessitated by the observed deficiencies revealed through interaction with some Nigerian university graduates including Architecture graduates in the past.

As a student of Architecture, this nature of thought never crossed my heart, because all we thought about was how to become the next graduate with first class honors. However now, that we have achieved that and moreso even joined the academia as a key player (lecturer) one cant help but speak out about this.

My personal opinion is that the four year duration for the award of Bacherlors degree in Architecture (B.Sc. Architecture) is grossly insufficient; considering the volume of work required to be done. I would expansiate more on the reason for this in my next post, but suffice it to say now that; I would move for an adjustment to a total duration of five (5) years - at least.

Also, the two-year mandatory Master programme which must be done in order to qualify for licensure amongst other things is non-negotiable.

However there are suggestions from some meaningful stakeholders that the practise licensure examination which is currently taken as a seperate exam after a minimum of two years puppilage under a licensed Architect, should be integrated as part of the MSc. final exam and administered by the Architects Registration Council Of Nigeria (ARCON) at the university level.

What do you think about this? Let us discuss your opinions in the comment section below.

CLIMATE, WEATHER AND BUILDING COLLAPSE

ABSTRACT

Climate change has become a reality and so has building collapse. Global Reports have already shown serious changes in rainfall volume and timing resulting in heavier floods or in other situations more intense temperature waves.  The science that deals with understanding and employing ethical processes in our daily activities in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change caused by man's activities is referred to as Green Building or sustainable development. It is sometimes also called sustainable building/design. The idea of sustainable comes in three forms; Environmental sustainability, Economic/ Financial/cost sustainability and Social sustainability i.e. User friendliness/comfort/ health. The challenge of building collapse in  Nigeria is clearly an issue that traverses these three aspects.  This paper examines the occurrence of building collapse in Nigeria from the consultant's view point with a view to highlight the importance of adopting green building practices by Architectural Consultants as the leaders of the building team. Documented cases of building collapse in Nigeria within the past decade are reviewed, the stated causes are highlighted. Furthermore, industry bespoke practises on building collapse mitigation across the globe are studied. These include specifically America, Europe and Asia. A comparative analysis of the sustainable approaches adopted in these climes is drawn. In conclusion, it is recommended that the Nigerian Architect must imbibe these methods to see a future with less or absolutely no cases of building collapse. Keywords: climate change, building collapse, sustainable design, professional ethics, consultants' responsibilities.

48 LAWS OF ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING

e-book review

by Author

The book 48 Laws of Architectural Consulting is an all-time classic collection of industry codes and ethics made for the sound and meticulous Architect who is eager to make an undying mark in his profession.

This book is a sequel to the main title; Learning to Be an Architect (published 2014). Both titles have the welfare of the aspiring Architect as the underlying theme.

Much controversy however have surrounded the release of this second part, 48 Laws of Architectural Consulting owing to it's large volume and frantically auto-suggestive mode of instruction to the reader. You will find it an interesting read, while you'ld love to make reference to it every now and then.

Ever wondered why you lost a potential client right after the first meeting? Do you think it was chance or Is there something you didn't get right? These and more are answered in this unique, book rendered with several real-life examples