8 things to know about architecture (II)

5. True architecture is not insensitive Architecture is widely considered a social art. It should connect and inspire people. Even more importantly, it should consider the needs and perceptions of the communities it finds a place in, and helps shape because it is social.Yes, you want your building to stand out and speak out. Fine. […]

5. True architecture is not insensitive
Architecture is widely considered a social art. It should connect and inspire people. Even more importantly, it should consider the needs and perceptions of the communities it finds a place in, and helps shape because it is social.
Yes, you want your building to stand out and speak out. Fine. Do that. Still, the contrast between the look and purpose of your building, and that of neighbouring ones, shouldn’t be so absolute as to distort the visual harmony of the community, or disrupt the activities of other people. Why should a large, five-story complex, completely clad with ultramarine-blue panels, be sited in the midst of a long line of red-brick bungalows? Will that not look bizarre? Why should a nightclub or drinking joint be sited next to a church or mosque, or sandwiched between houses occupied by families still raising kids? Architecture is a vehicle for peace and prosperity. It shouldn’t foster hostilities.

6. Architecture ‘tortures’ its disciples for a reason
This noble profession has earned the unenviable nickname ‘architorture’ in several higher institutions of learning because of its physically and financially demanding curriculum. On the average, a student spends six years rigorously studying to be an architect. Yet, the public will view his skill set and knowledge as something to be quickly acquired by scanning through glossy pictures in a magazine, or reading some books or commentary on the subject. This can never suffice.
There are climatic, technological, psychological, social, ecological and spiritual dimensions to architecture that those who have passed through architecture’s rigorous system of apprenticeship, can help articulate into a functional and beautiful whole. Unfortunately, most Nigerians are more concerned with getting the building on its feet, forgetting that its soul, its character, its relationship with other buildings and the individuals it shelters, are of vital importance.

 7. Architecture is not a profession for only men
It is true that ‘architorture’ is a physically and intellectually demanding profession, one that traditionally, men have dominated. However, before you try to dissuade your beloved daughter from studying architecture, you might want to know that one of the greatest architects of this century is a woman. Her name is Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect who in 2004, won the Pritzker prize, the highest and most respected prize for architecture, globally. She has designed buildings that many never imagined could be built. But many of her incredible designs have materialized into equally stunning structures like the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi which some believe is the most intricate bridge ever constructed. The Beko Building, the Opus Building and the Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre are equally stunning testaments to her creative prowess.

8. Architecture can express the character of a nation
It is important for architecture to be taken seriously by a nation because it tells what that country and its people are like, and gives a visual idea of their history. When houses lack creativity in their form, or look very much like foreign houses, it shows the people are not in the business of creative development and do not believe in their own capacity to truly develop indigenous ideas and products.
It has become very common in Nigeria to equate good architecture with the number and style of columns used in the building. So, we see the columns of classical architecture littered over our cityscape, most of them incorporated in really ridiculous ways. Most sadly, a huge percentage of design inspiration captured by the average Nigerian architect, is from the West. No innovation. No inward search for inspiration.
This is exacerbated by Nigerian clients blindly insisting that the architect designs exact replicas of foreign buildings.
I will conclude by saying that Nigerians, and the governments and corporate bodies of Nigeria, should engage with architecture more seriously. Architecture is a powerful force for change, for the betterment of life, and for the expression of identity. Those who court it well have much to benefit, just as the great cities of the world, and their peoples, have shown.

Okopi has a Masters degree in Architecture from ABU, Zaria. He engages with architecture and nature on his website www.samuelokopi.com