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.

MANAGING A CREATIVE START-UP BUSINESS IN AFRICA

In Africa, the way business is conducted is quite rigorous because one is literally up against a lot. Talk about high illiteracy rates, poor infrastructure like power supply, access roads, multiple taxation, etc -  the list continues.

The mere decision to embark on a journey of entrepreneurship frightens most Africans to their bones. Parents are more often than not alarmed at a decision by their ward(s) to tow this unfamiliar and unpredictable path. It is usually a sore topic to discuss in family meetings and is a phenomenon usually associated with people who are not able to secure white collar jobs.

But where are the jobs??
Are there enough jobs in the world to go round everyone??

KEEP WORKING EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES

LAW: Excerpt from the book
48 Laws Of Architectural Consulting

KEEP WORKING EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES

Don’t hire staff to replace you, hire people to help you keep being great at what YOU do.

As is very common with every business owner or professional practitioner, the moment they find someone who can stand in for them at work, they become lazy and start skipping their own CEO duties. The tendency to become slack with tasks that they ordinarily would have attended to keenly sets in and this is a natural human feeling often fueled by the belief that they (employees) are being paid to do ‘the work’ therefore we don’t have to do anything, any more.

JUST3DIT - NIGERIA'S #1 SPEEDO 3D ENGINE - A Review

Just3dit.com.ng is an innovative platform where Architects and Builders are allowed to order a very speedy rendering of their on-going projects after signing up with their basic information. The idea of such a platform is to challenge the time factor attributed with production of Architectural three dimensional views to its barest possible - 24 hours. 

One can initiate such order from a personalized dashboard by uploading floorplans of the work in any format available. The accepted file types include .dwg, (preferred) .rvt, .skp, .jpg .png .pln After uploading the floorplan the customer is prompted to make an advance payment after receiving a quote. On receipt of the payment, the model is generated within 12 hours and submitted to the customer for his review and approval before rendering which is the final step. The excellent shot 3D views are generally ready in less than 24 hours of receipt of payment.

TANSLA ESTATE EMENE ENUGU

Project Synopsis:

The project is a proposed commercial real-estate development to be situated in the Emene Residential Layout of Enugu state, approximately 1km from the New Enugu International Airport (Akanu-Ibiam domestic Airport). The client is UK based civil servant who intends it to become his family's retirement plan.

14th June 2017

P-E consultants have been commissioned to be the technical project consultants producing and compiling all relevant Construction drawings and supervising construction works under Architect Chukwujindu K.E

7th Oct. 2017

Stages 1 and 2 of Architectural services have been fully delivered. This includes production of conceptual sketches, checking with Quantity Surveyor for estimates, meetings with client and his represenative(s) to obtain approval on conceptual sketches, cost estimates and finally, production of coordinated detail drawings and  Architectural and Engineering specification drawings.

Additional Services 

Client requires a proposal document to be prepared for him that will enable him apply for a loan facility from the bank of Infrastructure. This has been produced and submitted at the bank. A template of it can be made available on request.

Any inquiries regarding sales and purchase should be directed to:

tanslainvestmentltd10@gmail.com

For more information on Architectural design or other Technical details, kindly contact the technical consultants here. If you are an Architect and you desire to improve your professional practice with sure-fire techniques that have worked for me; you may like to consider the e-book: 48 Laws of Architectural Consulting.

IN THE WAKE OF AN UNDESIRABLE WAR - NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE EXAMINATION (P.P.E) VS. ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA ARCON (A.C.P)

The Nigerian institute of Architects N.I.A professional practice examination P.P.E held in two diets annually has just been concluded for the year 2017. No other exams organised by the institute will be held in the year 2017. In the wake of the growing impasse between the veteran examination conducting body and its national cousin; the Architect's Registration Council of Nigeria ARCON,  mixed feelings engulfed almost every examinee this year. The disagreement which has been described by many as everything including 'embarrassing' is rumored to be hinged on major administrative, tribalist and financial related prejudices. 

The Nigerian Institute of Architects, N.I.A set up in April 1960 has been the body responsible for pre-qualification of candidates and conduction of professional practice competence examination in the country, while the Architects registration council of Nigeria had hitherto relied on her for advice on successfully qualified candidates to be furnished with a practice license and a seal. This meant that once one scaled through the notoriously revered N.I.A exams, he/she was expressly admitted by ARCON and is deemed qualified to practice the profession of Architecture within Nigeria.

While this bi-laterral qualification requirement/proceedure had been questioned by many due to its rigorous nature, it had been accepted to be the 'norm' for over twenty (20) years.

Sadly, this amiable,

BUILDING DECONSTRUCTION - ISSUES & METHODS

Originally Posted By 

Stephanie Nneoma Okoye

When its time for an old or defunct building to go down, many think of demolition as the first option. There is however an alternative method that has gained recognition for its green characteristics. It is called Building De-construction.

Demolition is the Traditional method of simply destroying a building or structure, reducing it down to a pile of rubble and waste which is collected and removed from the site. This is a hazardous process because it fills the nearby air with harmful dust, vapors and other compounds that are harmful to human beings. With this method, 'everything' goes to 'waste'.

Deconstruction on the other hand advocates for a more careful process of dis-assembly of buildings to recover the maximum amount of re-useable and or recycleable materials in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. The materials thus recovered can be reused on the same site for a new construction, sold or donated to another site.

How To Prepare For Nigerian Institute Of Architects- Professional Practice Examination

Preparing, entering for and passing the Nigerian Institute of Architects (N.I.A) Professional Practice examination P.P.E is the dream of every young Architect in Nigeria. If you have completed your Bacherlor's and master's degrees  from an accredited Nigerian university or a recognized foreign university, and you have worked actively under a registered Architect in Nigeria who is already registered with the N.I.A, for a minimum of two(2) calendar years, then you may apply for the Professional Practice Examination. It is organised twice every year, in March and in September. It is the only examination that qualifies you to become a chartered Architect in Nigeria. It is dreaded by many for a number of obvious reasons. 

The process(es) required to be followed by an aspiring registrant have been called everything including 'rigorous' 

Some of the Most Important Requirements for Entry include :

1. A completed logbook shewing professional practice experience duly signed by the Supervising Architect.
2. A Project Report of 2,000 words. Projects are chosen for candidates after the assessment of their submitted logbooks. The submission of an acceptable logbook, curriculum vitae of Supervising Architect(s)  and a Report on a designated Project is a pre-condition for admission to the NIA-PPE.

Read More About Becoming a Registered Member of the Nigerian Institute Of Architects and understand the various levels of membership available. 

Or you can also sign up instantly for the Educative preparatory course CGRNIA - PREP by the Academy For Supportive Technical & Business Internships A.S.T.B.I  Admissions are on now.

What is your experience in applying for the NIA-P.P.E so far?
If you are an Architect and you desire to improve your professional practice with sure-fire techniques that have worked for me; you may like to consider the e-book: 48 Laws of Architectural Consulting.

ARCHITECTURE YEAR - 2016 AT A GLANCE

Posted by 

Kosi Emmanuel Chukwujindu

Project Architect

This post is dedicated to God, my beautiful girl, Chinonso,  and to all Architects who did their very best in the year 2016 and landed those juicy projects. Here, I have listed all the projects I directly (or indirectly) worked on in the year 2016. The list is not Chronological. 

For each project, I have put up a picture that tells the story as well as brief comments on them. I also endeavoured to mention the client and location including the status of the project, who worked on it with me and what exactly I did while on it. The duration of the projects have been left out as some are yet underway.

Feel free to leave your comments under this post. Details of the projects are always available for discussion/review anytime! Thank you.

1.0 De-World University Admin Block (Architectural Consultancy)

A private University located at Awgu local government area of Enugu State. Owned by a retired priest. Massive construction is underway. Under supervision of Arc. Eskay.

1.1 De-world university faculty of management sciences (Architectural Consultancy)

As built measurement was taken after which complete working drawings were produced. construction is underway. The medical Center and Cafeteria are also included in the developing projects.

2.0 Open Havens Estate Akpuoga-Nike, Enugu State (Architectural Consultancy & Supervision)

The client Emach Global Synergies, is desirous to develop a gated community style residential layout and thus commissioned us to develop the comprehensive master plan featuring four building prototypes and infrastructure design. Cheers to the Architects at Cadright! who worked with us on the project. A link to the animation video will soon be updated here.

US-BASED FIRM TO STAKE N22.62 IN NIGERIA'S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Pleased to learn about this. Was actually planning a satellite township for Abuja, and was contemplating going high rise, and the effects it will have on the local skyline and vernacular Architecture, I was beginning to settle for a predominantly Low-rise dwelling, But after learning about this proposal, am happy some other people are finally thinking in same line with me. Now I have an accomplice (so to say) I just might go ahead and pierce the relatively virgin sky-anyway!!!

Read more:
US-based firm to stake N22.62bn in Nigeria’s real estate market

THE MAKING OF A MODEL SATELLITE TOWN FOR ABUJA NIGERIA (intro)

OK..so am just a semester away from a masters degree, with my Thesis being the only separation. The journey which started some 18 months back somewhere in the south of Conservative India, was about to end. my academic performance so far has been wonderful; with a cgpa of 8.5/10, it has really been a swell outing.

but you know what they say, that the end is always the hardest part of any task, seems to be quite true in this case with the planning of a satellite town for Africa's fastest growing city, Abuja.

For a start, I think its important to mention that I didn't choose anything on this level,myself, in fact  the first synopsis i submitted was a proposal for an intercontinental restaurant, a hotel or a ...i cant remember the third,but you get the level.I just wanted something i could finish off easily because i was  writing my first book  and was also working at the time.

It certainly didn't get approved, when dean Thirumeni asked me to consider transit-oriented developments, I was excited though but never imagined it on a Town scale, which brings us back to HOW I MADE IT?