Ife Owolabi_portfolio

1

Ife Owolabi - Resume

ifeoluaowolabi@gmail.com

734.882.9573

Summary

Work Experience

Creative designer with an architecture and urban design background, 7+ years of professional practice in North America & Africa across the residential, commercial and real estate sectors. Seeking highly creative design roles and opportunities in the AEC industry.

April 2021- Till date

Architectural Designer II Dahlin Group Architecture, Planning & Interiors, Pleasanton, California • Provides architectural consultation from design development through building permit submittal and construction administration, with knowledge of jurisdictional codes in California and Arizona (IRC, IBC, CRC & CBC), and other California supplemental requirements.

• Reviews drawings and designs to ensure adherence to established client/ company specifications and standards.

• Manages RFI’s, client changes and code updates on custom and complex library plan/prototype projects.

• Coordinates and collaborates with consultants from initial site planning phase and throughout construction.

Jan 2020- April 2020

Graduate Student Instructor Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning • Led discussion sessions to assist the students on assignments, projects and help them better understand the lectures on an interactive basis.

• Assisted students with software learning needs in completing their projects.

Oct 2019-Jan 2020

Research Assistant President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor • Supported principal researchers on environmental justice research project.

• Prepared and edited reports, presentations, and articles.

Oct 2018- Aug 2019

Project Architect Ultimus Construction Company: Subsidiary of Ultimus Holdings, Lagos, Nigeria

Education 2019-2020

Master of Urban Design Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

2013-2015

Master of Science in Architecture Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria 1st place, Pro-chancellor’s Award for Best Design for EDM building, Obafemi Awolowo University

Skills Software

Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, ArchiCAD, Adobe Premier, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, ArcGIS, MS Project, Microsoft Office Suite, Revu Bluebeam, Ajera, Sketchup

Technical

Architectural drawings, 3D modelling, Rendering, Interior elevation and detailing, Creative writing, Project documentation, construction drawings,

Recent Leadership 2022-2023

2023

Docent/ House Captain AIA East bay Home Tours Committee • Assisted in coordinating the event, and leading guests through the curated homes.

DAHLIN College Ambassador Taubman College Career fair • Represented DAHLIN at the University of Michigan Taubman College career fair, helped recruit summer interns and documented useful feedback for stronger relationship with the architecture school.

2021

Designer/ AIA UTAH Empowered Living Competition Grand prize winner • Design team member responsible for conceptualizing affordable and accessible tiny home concepts and site layout.

2020

New Students Orientation leader Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning • Moderated virtual orientation events for new student groups in Urban design.

• Organised meet and greet sessions and software

2019

Master of Urban Design Representative Taubman College Student Council

2017-2018

Volunteer Instructor on Green Design MIT Impact-Labs Summer Workshop: (Annual Tech workshop led by instructors from MIT for African university students)

• Responsible for preparing architectural design proposals, Interior Architecture renderings and construction details for building approval and construction.

• Managed construction projects from design stage through construction to completion using MS Project.

• Interfaced with clients, interpreting briefs and developing weekly progress reports for current projects.

• Managed and coordinated pre-development activities inclusive of obtaining all requisite approvals, permits, design customization and other required protocol.

June 2016- Sept 2018

Project Architect Homework Design & Development: Architecture & real estate firm in Lagos, Nigeria • Led a team of 4 junior architects in the design and development of Architectural drawings and in realizing other organizational objectives.

• Prepared investment proposals and represented in presentation and negotiation meetings with clients that led to N80M ($262K) in investment.

• Coordinated construction in a team of Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and Quantity surveyors.

• Carried out market research and analysis required by the Senior Management Team in making real estate business decisions.

July 2015- June 2016

Graduate Architect RedGrey Associates: Project Management firm in Lagos, Nigeria.

• Produced working drawings and made contextual adjustments to architectural drawings for buildings under construction.

• Accountable for drafting architect’s instructions on site and preparing minutes of site meetings.

Ife Owolabi - Resume

ifeoluaowolabi@gmail.com

734.882.9573

Summary

Work Experience

Creative designer with an architecture and urban design background, 7+ years of professional practice in North America & Africa across the residential, commercial and real estate sectors. Seeking highly creative design roles and opportunities in the AEC industry.

April 2021- Till date

Architectural Designer II Dahlin Group Architecture, Planning & Interiors, Pleasanton, California • Provides architectural consultation from design development through building permit submittal and construction administration, with knowledge of jurisdictional codes in California and Arizona (IRC, IBC, CRC & CBC), and other California supplemental requirements.

• Reviews drawings and designs to ensure adherence to established client/ company specifications and standards.

• Manages RFI’s, client changes and code updates on custom and complex library plan/prototype projects.

• Coordinates and collaborates with consultants from initial site planning phase and throughout construction.

Jan 2020- April 2020

Graduate Student Instructor Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning • Led discussion sessions to assist the students on assignments, projects and help them better understand the lectures on an interactive basis.

• Assisted students with software learning needs in completing their projects.

Oct 2019-Jan 2020

Research Assistant President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor • Supported principal researchers on environmental justice research project.

• Prepared and edited reports, presentations, and articles.

Oct 2018- Aug 2019

Project Architect Ultimus Construction Company: Subsidiary of Ultimus Holdings, Lagos, Nigeria

Education 2019-2020

Master of Urban Design Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

2013-2015

Master of Science in Architecture Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria 1st place, Pro-chancellor’s Award for Best Design for EDM building, Obafemi Awolowo University

Skills Software

Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, ArchiCAD, Adobe Premier, Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, ArcGIS, MS Project, Microsoft Office Suite, Revu Bluebeam, Ajera, Sketchup

Technical

Architectural drawings, 3D modelling, Rendering, Interior elevation and detailing, Creative writing, Project documentation, construction drawings,

Recent Leadership 2022-2023

2023

Docent/ House Captain AIA East bay Home Tours Committee • Assisted in coordinating the event, and leading guests through the curated homes.

DAHLIN College Ambassador Taubman College Career fair • Represented DAHLIN at the University of Michigan Taubman College career fair, helped recruit summer interns and documented useful feedback for stronger relationship with the architecture school.

2021

Designer/ AIA UTAH Empowered Living Competition Grand prize winner • Design team member responsible for conceptualizing affordable and accessible tiny home concepts and site layout.

2020

New Students Orientation leader Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning • Moderated virtual orientation events for new student groups in Urban design.

• Organised meet and greet sessions and software

2019

Master of Urban Design Representative Taubman College Student Council

2017-2018

Volunteer Instructor on Green Design MIT Impact-Labs Summer Workshop: (Annual Tech workshop led by instructors from MIT for African university students)

• Responsible for preparing architectural design proposals, Interior Architecture renderings and construction details for building approval and construction.

• Managed construction projects from design stage through construction to completion using MS Project.

• Interfaced with clients, interpreting briefs and developing weekly progress reports for current projects.

• Managed and coordinated pre-development activities inclusive of obtaining all requisite approvals, permits, design customization and other required protocol.

June 2016- Sept 2018

Project Architect Homework Design & Development: Architecture & real estate firm in Lagos, Nigeria • Led a team of 4 junior architects in the design and development of Architectural drawings and in realizing other organizational objectives.

• Prepared investment proposals and represented in presentation and negotiation meetings with clients that led to N80M ($262K) in investment.

• Coordinated construction in a team of Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and Quantity surveyors.

• Carried out market research and analysis required by the Senior Management Team in making real estate business decisions.

July 2015- June 2016

Graduate Architect RedGrey Associates: Project Management firm in Lagos, Nigeria.

• Produced working drawings and made contextual adjustments to architectural drawings for buildings under construction.

• Accountable for drafting architect’s instructions on site and preparing minutes of site meetings.

Contents Selected Professional Works 1 4600 PHOENIX

4600 sq.ft luxury homes Dahlin Group Architecture & Planning Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona 2022

Selected Academic Works 7 SEEDING CHANGE

Ahmadabad, India MUD Year 1 Propositions Studio 2020 page 10

page 4

2 MOD-HIVE

Grand prize winner, AIA Utah competition Dahlin Group Architecture & Planning Salt Lake City, Utah 2021-2022 page 5

3 24 Bryant

2600 sq.ft Single Family Home Dahlin Group Architecture & Planning Palo Alto, California 2021 page 6

4 LAGOS TERRACES

Schematic Architectural Drawings Ultimus Construction Company Lagos, Nigeria 2019 page 7

S 09

3d-1

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

5 THE SPADE

Banana Island Luxury Home Ultimus Construction Lagos, Nigeria 2019

8 FARMTOPIA

Detroit MUD Year 2 Studio 2020 page 12

9 NIMBY-QUIMBY Chicago MUD Year 1 Studio 2019 page 14

10 NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT Detroit Essentials of Real Estate development 2019 page 16

11 EPIPHANY

Monumental church design Master of Architecture Studio 2015 page 18

page 8

6 INTERIOR DESIGN Residential Kitchen Lagos, Nigeria 2018 page 9 C11

Perspective view 2

12 CREATIVE WORK Fashion Illustration Creative writing page 19

Contents Selected Professional Works 1 4600 PHOENIX

4600 sq.ft luxury homes Dahlin Group Architecture & Planning Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona 2022

Selected Academic Works 7 SEEDING CHANGE

Ahmadabad, India MUD Year 1 Propositions Studio 2020 page 10

page 4

2 MOD-HIVE

Grand prize winner, AIA Utah competition Dahlin Group Architecture & Planning Salt Lake City, Utah 2021-2022 page 5

3 24 Bryant

2600 sq.ft Single Family Home Dahlin Group Architecture & Planning Palo Alto, California 2021 page 6

4 LAGOS TERRACES

Schematic Architectural Drawings Ultimus Construction Company Lagos, Nigeria 2019 page 7

S 09

3d-1

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

5 THE SPADE

Banana Island Luxury Home Ultimus Construction Lagos, Nigeria 2019

8 FARMTOPIA

Detroit MUD Year 2 Studio 2020 page 12

9 NIMBY-QUIMBY Chicago MUD Year 1 Studio 2019 page 14

10 NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT Detroit Essentials of Real Estate development 2019 page 16

11 EPIPHANY

Monumental church design Master of Architecture Studio 2015 page 18

page 8

6 INTERIOR DESIGN Residential Kitchen Lagos, Nigeria 2018 page 9 C11

Perspective view 2

12 CREATIVE WORK Fashion Illustration Creative writing page 19

1 This project is a set of library plans for 4600 luxury products in Arizona. The design challenge was creating two different elevation styles from one base plan, and also creating an array of options that future buyers could pick from.

The technical challenge was working within interior and exterior groups in Revit, and also managing client changes across all the drawings through out the life cycle of the project.

This prototype was also reused in Scottsdale, and Design development, consultant coordination, implemented a 2021 IRC code update from 2018 change management, construction IRC to meet up with the City of Scottsdale unique documentation, RFI’s, city check correspondence, requirements.

2022 code update for Scottsdale reuse.

Revit, BIM 360, Pyrevit, Ideate, Unifi, Bluebeam Submittals 2018 & 2021 IRC

4600 PHOENIX Single family development Phoenix, Arizona DAHLIN Group 2022 My contribution:

Software: Status: Codes:

Farmhouse elevation

Modern elevation

4

1 This project is a set of library plans for 4600 luxury products in Arizona. The design challenge was creating two different elevation styles from one base plan, and also creating an array of options that future buyers could pick from.

The technical challenge was working within interior and exterior groups in Revit, and also managing client changes across all the drawings through out the life cycle of the project.

This prototype was also reused in Scottsdale, and Design development, consultant coordination, implemented a 2021 IRC code update from 2018 change management, construction IRC to meet up with the City of Scottsdale unique documentation, RFI’s, city check correspondence, requirements.

2022 code update for Scottsdale reuse.

Revit, BIM 360, Pyrevit, Ideate, Unifi, Bluebeam Submittals 2018 & 2021 IRC

4600 PHOENIX Single family development Phoenix, Arizona DAHLIN Group 2022 My contribution:

Software: Status: Codes:

Farmhouse elevation

Modern elevation

4

2

MOD HIVE Grand prize winner, AIA UTAH Empowered Living Competition DAHLIN Group 2021 My contribution: Software:

Conceptual development, schematic design & production AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop

This tiny home prototype’s flexible design maximizes its adaptability to a variety of sites and contexts to create cost efficient tiny home villages. By identifying an actual block of lots in Salt Lake City that is typical of the city, we ensured appropriateness to real world local conditions resulting in a design solution that responds to the existing character and context while paving the way for a future of increased housing diversity capable of supporting and serving the needs of a more inclusive community.

Inward looking site plan creates a tiny village with space for a community garden, outdoor gathering space, and BBQ/firepit to create a sense of place that encourages community. Our design respects the overall feel and rhythm of a single-family detached neighborhood with 2-story homes by starting with a complementary lower density at the front while higher densities are placed at the rear. Density can be adjusted down or up according to solar angles, access to views and other site constraints while never sacrificing the outdoor communal spaces by stacking units. A designated drop-off space for ride share services, such as Lyft and Uber, and bike parking storage are provided to de-emphasize cars and encourage alternative transportation options, a component that will work best on sites close to transit. However, parking is still provided for sites far from transit and in understanding that complete reliance on alternative transportation options is not aligned with current real world conditions. Designed in response to an actual site in Salt Lake City that is typical of the city to ensure its replicability anywhere in the city.

LILY: FIRST FLOOR PLAN Area: 308 sq.ft

LILY: LOFT FLOOR PLAN Area: 103 sq.ft.

ASTER: FIRST FLOOR PLAN Area: 322 sq.ft.

PRIMROSE: FIRST FLOOR PLAN Area: 376 sq.ft.

5

2

MOD HIVE Grand prize winner, AIA UTAH Empowered Living Competition DAHLIN Group 2021 My contribution: Software:

Conceptual development, schematic design & production AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Photoshop

This tiny home prototype’s flexible design maximizes its adaptability to a variety of sites and contexts to create cost efficient tiny home villages. By identifying an actual block of lots in Salt Lake City that is typical of the city, we ensured appropriateness to real world local conditions resulting in a design solution that responds to the existing character and context while paving the way for a future of increased housing diversity capable of supporting and serving the needs of a more inclusive community.

Inward looking site plan creates a tiny village with space for a community garden, outdoor gathering space, and BBQ/firepit to create a sense of place that encourages community. Our design respects the overall feel and rhythm of a single-family detached neighborhood with 2-story homes by starting with a complementary lower density at the front while higher densities are placed at the rear. Density can be adjusted down or up according to solar angles, access to views and other site constraints while never sacrificing the outdoor communal spaces by stacking units. A designated drop-off space for ride share services, such as Lyft and Uber, and bike parking storage are provided to de-emphasize cars and encourage alternative transportation options, a component that will work best on sites close to transit. However, parking is still provided for sites far from transit and in understanding that complete reliance on alternative transportation options is not aligned with current real world conditions. Designed in response to an actual site in Salt Lake City that is typical of the city to ensure its replicability anywhere in the city.

LILY: FIRST FLOOR PLAN Area: 308 sq.ft

LILY: LOFT FLOOR PLAN Area: 103 sq.ft.

ASTER: FIRST FLOOR PLAN Area: 322 sq.ft.

PRIMROSE: FIRST FLOOR PLAN Area: 376 sq.ft.

5

3

24 BRYANT Single family development (Urban Infill) Palo Alto, California DAHLIN Group 2021 My contribution: Software: Status: Codes:

Design development, consultant coordination & construction documentation AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revu Bluebeam, Excel Completed 2019 CRC, 2019 California Green Building Standard code

This 2600 sq. project is a single-story residence with a Napa farmhouse elevation style with stylish minimalism, the subtle trims, stone accents, and clerestory windows. This 3-bedroom Palo-alto home responds smartly to its immediate location context through the highly efficient floor plan, compact design for the small sized lot, and a single car garage as an incentive for walkability and proximity to downtown.

This lack in scale presented an opportunity to include and emphasize experiential features in the interiors. There are clerestory windows strategically placed in a dramatic volume ceiling, providing architectural character, and introducing natural daylighting to the living room and kitchen space. The clean design on the exterior also seamlessly flows into the interiors using delicate grey accents which contrast with the brilliant whites.

6

3

24 BRYANT Single family development (Urban Infill) Palo Alto, California DAHLIN Group 2021 My contribution: Software: Status: Codes:

Design development, consultant coordination & construction documentation AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revu Bluebeam, Excel Completed 2019 CRC, 2019 California Green Building Standard code

This 2600 sq. project is a single-story residence with a Napa farmhouse elevation style with stylish minimalism, the subtle trims, stone accents, and clerestory windows. This 3-bedroom Palo-alto home responds smartly to its immediate location context through the highly efficient floor plan, compact design for the small sized lot, and a single car garage as an incentive for walkability and proximity to downtown.

This lack in scale presented an opportunity to include and emphasize experiential features in the interiors. There are clerestory windows strategically placed in a dramatic volume ceiling, providing architectural character, and introducing natural daylighting to the living room and kitchen space. The clean design on the exterior also seamlessly flows into the interiors using delicate grey accents which contrast with the brilliant whites.

6

4

LAGOS TERRACES Residential Design for Real Estate Lagos, Nigeria Ultimus Construction 2019 My contribution:

Brief taking, Conceptual development, schematic design and construction documentation.

Revit, Revit rendering plug-in

Software:

The project brief required me to design a 10-unit terrace luxury residential project to be built in the Ikeja Area of Lagos, Nigeria.

The peculiarities of Lagos demands a challenging management of scarce land. I enjoyed the challenge of working within these constraints without compromising the functionality of the spaces and the aesthetics of the building.

I also enjoyed the thorough exercise of completing the entire project in Revit; from the schematics stage to the construction drawings and detailing.

CB3529

CB3530

S 11

3d-3

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

8400

1199

5050

4200

S w i m m i ng p o o l

8900

6300

W at er f o u n ta i n

G at e h o u s e

5250

10050

FM

C h i l d r e n' s p l a y g r o u n d G e ne r a t o r

Water tr e a tm e n t

C3274

R e f us e

1

C8262

-

1'

---

2 2' x Roof plan evel 15800

S 01

Site plan

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT third floor 9900

second floor Level 25 6750

S 09

3d-1

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

S 12 S 07

Typical side view

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

7

3d-4

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

4

LAGOS TERRACES Residential Design for Real Estate Lagos, Nigeria Ultimus Construction 2019 My contribution:

Brief taking, Conceptual development, schematic design and construction documentation.

Revit, Revit rendering plug-in

Software:

The project brief required me to design a 10-unit terrace luxury residential project to be built in the Ikeja Area of Lagos, Nigeria.

The peculiarities of Lagos demands a challenging management of scarce land. I enjoyed the challenge of working within these constraints without compromising the functionality of the spaces and the aesthetics of the building.

I also enjoyed the thorough exercise of completing the entire project in Revit; from the schematics stage to the construction drawings and detailing.

CB3529

CB3530

S 11

3d-3

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

8400

1199

5050

4200

S w i m m i ng p o o l

8900

6300

W at er f o u n ta i n

G at e h o u s e

5250

10050

FM

C h i l d r e n' s p l a y g r o u n d G e ne r a t o r

Water tr e a tm e n t

C3274

R e f us e

1

C8262

-

1'

---

2 2' x Roof plan evel 15800

S 01

Site plan

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT third floor 9900

second floor Level 25 6750

S 09

3d-1

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

S 12 S 07

Typical side view

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

7

3d-4

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

5

THE SPADE Schematic Architectural Drawings Lagos, Nigeria 2019 My contribution:

Brief taking, conceptual development, schematic design

Software:

Revit

The challenge was to design a luxury duplex on a 450 sq m lot size in Banana Estate, Lagos. My previous experiences working in fast-paced real estate development environments contributed to my efficiency to deliver the task on time.

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Pent floor plan

The semi-outdoor swimming pool is a major focal point in this design; with most of the communal spaces across the three floors are oriented towards the view of the swimming pool.

8

5

THE SPADE Schematic Architectural Drawings Lagos, Nigeria 2019 My contribution:

Brief taking, conceptual development, schematic design

Software:

Revit

The challenge was to design a luxury duplex on a 450 sq m lot size in Banana Estate, Lagos. My previous experiences working in fast-paced real estate development environments contributed to my efficiency to deliver the task on time.

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Pent floor plan

The semi-outdoor swimming pool is a major focal point in this design; with most of the communal spaces across the three floors are oriented towards the view of the swimming pool.

8

6 6 75

6 75

9 00

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25 8 75

Lagos, Nigeria 2018

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G ranite countertop

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Optional TV s creen

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INTERIOR DESIGN: KITCHEN

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General Kitchen Layout

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Perspective view 1

9

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1 02

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Lagos, Nigeria 2018

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W all-hung cabi nets

Internal Elevation 1

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G ranite countertop

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Opens hel ves

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Optional TV s creen

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INTERIOR DESIGN: KITCHEN

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Wall unit

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Built-in m icrowave oven

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Break fast countertop overl aps base cabi net

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Perspective view 2

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9

INTERIOR DESIGN: LIVE MUSIC STUDIO Ultimus Construction Company Lagos, Nigeria 2018 Initial schematic drawings prepared to show the interior details of a live music studio. The brief required a floor plan drawings, interior elevations and renderings showing the digital screen fittings and lighting design.

All drawings and renderings created by me; with Revit software.

INTERIOR DESIGN: LIVE MUSIC STUDIO Ultimus Construction Company Lagos, Nigeria 2018 Initial schematic drawings prepared to show the interior details of a live music studio. The brief required a floor plan drawings, interior elevations and renderings showing the digital screen fittings and lighting design.

All drawings and renderings created by me; with Revit software.

7

Complete project video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0641EX-inTU

SEEDING CHANGE Ahmadabad, India MUD Year 1 Propositions Studio 2020

Learning from the Gandhian’s ideals about basic education and socio-political activism practiced in the Harijan Ashram, my project approaches the adjacent Ramapir No Tekro community as a place of action for social transformation.

Ramapir No Tekro is an informal settlement located on the Western Bank of the Sabarmati river. It is the largest slum in Ahmadabad. This deplorable physical and socioeconomic situation is a pointer to the inequalities existing in India. Many NGO’s have tried to intervene by bringing schools and empowerment programs to the Ramapir No Tekro community. Unfortunately, in most cases these organizations are political instruments used by the government to keep the people comfortable in poverty.

My proposal introduces a social network which challenges the docile nature of these NGO’s; and facilitates meaningful informal education among the residents, raising awareness of their citizen rights while fulfilling their daily physical and social needs.

The resulting distributed organizational structure of sheltered spaces is embedded within the physical and social fabric of the community and builds opportunities for citizen action.

In India, where the government threaten citizen actions with threats of arrests and jail time, these interventions provide inconspicuous opportunities for socio-political action that are embedded within the daily life of this community.

Design Taxonomy

Ramapir no Tekro is constantly under demolition threats and it lacks proper roads. Consequently, my design strategies employ extend-able structures, mobile devices and impermanent structures to penetrate through the informal paths in this neighborhood, while providing impermanent, adaptable venues to gather together for permanent change in the city.

“Memorializing Gandhi should not be about the biggest statues or buildings, but about touching the lives of individuals, families and communities- one simple intervention at a time”

10

7

Complete project video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0641EX-inTU

SEEDING CHANGE Ahmadabad, India MUD Year 1 Propositions Studio 2020

Learning from the Gandhian’s ideals about basic education and socio-political activism practiced in the Harijan Ashram, my project approaches the adjacent Ramapir No Tekro community as a place of action for social transformation.

Ramapir No Tekro is an informal settlement located on the Western Bank of the Sabarmati river. It is the largest slum in Ahmadabad. This deplorable physical and socioeconomic situation is a pointer to the inequalities existing in India. Many NGO’s have tried to intervene by bringing schools and empowerment programs to the Ramapir No Tekro community. Unfortunately, in most cases these organizations are political instruments used by the government to keep the people comfortable in poverty.

My proposal introduces a social network which challenges the docile nature of these NGO’s; and facilitates meaningful informal education among the residents, raising awareness of their citizen rights while fulfilling their daily physical and social needs.

The resulting distributed organizational structure of sheltered spaces is embedded within the physical and social fabric of the community and builds opportunities for citizen action.

In India, where the government threaten citizen actions with threats of arrests and jail time, these interventions provide inconspicuous opportunities for socio-political action that are embedded within the daily life of this community.

Design Taxonomy

Ramapir no Tekro is constantly under demolition threats and it lacks proper roads. Consequently, my design strategies employ extend-able structures, mobile devices and impermanent structures to penetrate through the informal paths in this neighborhood, while providing impermanent, adaptable venues to gather together for permanent change in the city.

“Memorializing Gandhi should not be about the biggest statues or buildings, but about touching the lives of individuals, families and communities- one simple intervention at a time”

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Temple

Vocational center

Communal kitchen

Mobile library

A simple basic box with extend-able flaps which add to the floor area when extended.

Each box is fitted with collapsible furniture and fittings suitable for the specific programme.

Each typology supports informal education, social gatherings and obscures the political activation from plain sight.

11

Temple

Vocational center

Communal kitchen

Mobile library

A simple basic box with extend-able flaps which add to the floor area when extended.

Each box is fitted with collapsible furniture and fittings suitable for the specific programme.

Each typology supports informal education, social gatherings and obscures the political activation from plain sight.

11

8

FARMTOPIA Urban Farm Mega Block Detroit MUD Year 2 Studio

My proposal borrows the model of Charles Fourier; that is, the Bounded Encampment. In his words, Charles Fourier says, “...let the author (designer) try to associate families, reconcile households in the same dwelling to social union to arrangements of purchases and expenses, to perfect harmony in passions, character and authority...”

He also says, “... the land should be provided with a fins stream of water, intersected by hills, adapted to varied cultivation. It should be contiguous to a forest but not far removed from a large city but sufficiently as to escape intruders...”

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8

FARMTOPIA Urban Farm Mega Block Detroit MUD Year 2 Studio

My proposal borrows the model of Charles Fourier; that is, the Bounded Encampment. In his words, Charles Fourier says, “...let the author (designer) try to associate families, reconcile households in the same dwelling to social union to arrangements of purchases and expenses, to perfect harmony in passions, character and authority...”

He also says, “... the land should be provided with a fins stream of water, intersected by hills, adapted to varied cultivation. It should be contiguous to a forest but not far removed from a large city but sufficiently as to escape intruders...”

12

Site Plan

New Adjacencies

This project responds to Detroit’s crisis of food access, and is inspired

by Grace Lee Bogg’s perspectives on urban agriculture as a vehicle that might help transform economies, ecologies and community.

Shortage of food in Detroit will require some 3602 acres to meet the current consumption demand. In my project, I explore the conditions of extreme vacancy in the Mack Avenue neighborhood in Detroit as a staging area to assemble lands and propose a collective farming superblock as a model for contemporary utopia integrating principles of permaculture and sustainable farming.

The project takes the form of a highly densified perimeter encampment wall which varies in thickness, programmatic occupations, and porosity.

Sometimes, this wall opens to invite, sometimes it closes off to secure livestock, sometimes it opens partially to give you a glimpse of the good life through transparent envelopes like fences. In most cases, this wall houses people, livestock and equipment.

This double-sided wall serves the phalanstery from within and the city on the outside. On the inside, humans engage with the crops and animals, the animals retreat into the wall, the farm is serviced, and food is processed. On the outside, the wall is a place-making tool, mirroring the varied concentration or absence of housing units on the adjacent neighborhoods; densifying the perimeter and activating the city with outward facing programs - retail stores, housing units, farmer’s markets, parks and front facing car parks.

Another highlight of the project is the principle of permaculture, humans living in harmony with plants and animals. Food waste is converted to fertilizer for plant cultivation; animal waste and human waste is processed into energy using the bio-gas energy conversion system. Cyclical processes determine cycles of occupancy across the farm.

13

Site Plan

New Adjacencies

This project responds to Detroit’s crisis of food access, and is inspired

by Grace Lee Bogg’s perspectives on urban agriculture as a vehicle that might help transform economies, ecologies and community.

Shortage of food in Detroit will require some 3602 acres to meet the current consumption demand. In my project, I explore the conditions of extreme vacancy in the Mack Avenue neighborhood in Detroit as a staging area to assemble lands and propose a collective farming superblock as a model for contemporary utopia integrating principles of permaculture and sustainable farming.

The project takes the form of a highly densified perimeter encampment wall which varies in thickness, programmatic occupations, and porosity.

Sometimes, this wall opens to invite, sometimes it closes off to secure livestock, sometimes it opens partially to give you a glimpse of the good life through transparent envelopes like fences. In most cases, this wall houses people, livestock and equipment.

This double-sided wall serves the phalanstery from within and the city on the outside. On the inside, humans engage with the crops and animals, the animals retreat into the wall, the farm is serviced, and food is processed. On the outside, the wall is a place-making tool, mirroring the varied concentration or absence of housing units on the adjacent neighborhoods; densifying the perimeter and activating the city with outward facing programs - retail stores, housing units, farmer’s markets, parks and front facing car parks.

Another highlight of the project is the principle of permaculture, humans living in harmony with plants and animals. Food waste is converted to fertilizer for plant cultivation; animal waste and human waste is processed into energy using the bio-gas energy conversion system. Cyclical processes determine cycles of occupancy across the farm.

13

9

NIMBY-QUIMBY (Close study of parks in cities & Urban Interventions)

San Fransisco Lombard street

New York The High-line

Detroit Campus Martius

MUD Year 1 Studio Mapping Cities

1mile X 1 mile

The project started with the study of cities; Chicago, New York, Detroit, San Francisco. How do urban dwellers respond to parks? How do they interact? What are the differences in the impact of a rectilinear park and a square park? How important are the edge conditions of a park?

What are the markers of a successful public park? What are the markers of gentrification triggered by a new park?

How do parks increase or decrease crime rates?

Tools applied in the study are 2d maps drawn in ArcGIS; and 3d-maps drawn in Rhino at different scales.

Block size

Lot size

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9

NIMBY-QUIMBY (Close study of parks in cities & Urban Interventions)

San Fransisco Lombard street

New York The High-line

Detroit Campus Martius

MUD Year 1 Studio Mapping Cities

1mile X 1 mile

The project started with the study of cities; Chicago, New York, Detroit, San Francisco. How do urban dwellers respond to parks? How do they interact? What are the differences in the impact of a rectilinear park and a square park? How important are the edge conditions of a park?

What are the markers of a successful public park? What are the markers of gentrification triggered by a new park?

How do parks increase or decrease crime rates?

Tools applied in the study are 2d maps drawn in ArcGIS; and 3d-maps drawn in Rhino at different scales.

Block size

Lot size

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606 Market

Gentrification occurs when a NIMBY feature is renovated to a public good, then everybody wants a share of “Quality-In-My Backyard”The 606 park in Chicago comes with its own share of gentrification, similar to the Highline in New York.

The East side appears to be more gentrified; marked by new modern apartments while the West side is flanked on both sides by abandoned buildings and a deafening silence.

606 Arts & Culture center

606 Fitness center

My proposal involves the activation of the East side by urban acupuncture; introducing new public spaces at strategic points along the 606 corridor. These programs will improve the community socially, physically and economically.

This program leverages on the rectilinear form of the 6060, integrating place-making programs and devices to transform the east side of the 6060 from 606; the corridor to 6060-the place.

The architecture component of the Urban design strategy used here involves the use of new connections, ramps, vertical circulation, horizontal circulation, overflow spaces, outdoor spaces, semi-outdoor spaces to invite the public and engage with them.

This anti-gentrification story is from Not-In-My-Backyard to Quality-In-My backyard to Quality-In-Our-Backyard.

15

606 Market

Gentrification occurs when a NIMBY feature is renovated to a public good, then everybody wants a share of “Quality-In-My Backyard”The 606 park in Chicago comes with its own share of gentrification, similar to the Highline in New York.

The East side appears to be more gentrified; marked by new modern apartments while the West side is flanked on both sides by abandoned buildings and a deafening silence.

606 Arts & Culture center

606 Fitness center

My proposal involves the activation of the East side by urban acupuncture; introducing new public spaces at strategic points along the 606 corridor. These programs will improve the community socially, physically and economically.

This program leverages on the rectilinear form of the 6060, integrating place-making programs and devices to transform the east side of the 6060 from 606; the corridor to 6060-the place.

The architecture component of the Urban design strategy used here involves the use of new connections, ramps, vertical circulation, horizontal circulation, overflow spaces, outdoor spaces, semi-outdoor spaces to invite the public and engage with them.

This anti-gentrification story is from Not-In-My-Backyard to Quality-In-My backyard to Quality-In-Our-Backyard.

15

10

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT Detroit Essentials of Real Estate development with Peter Allen 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE STRATEGY: Stanton Lofts is ideally located in the midst of a redevelopment wave surging from Detroit’s Midtown/ Downtown growth. We believe that with the excitement of growth in the area through Motown Museum’s expansion along with new medical positions at the Henry Ford’s Cancer Pavilion, there will be a significant increase in demand for luxury housing.

THE PROPERTY: The building is a vacant historic apartment complex on the outer edge of the bustling New Center neighborhood. This 32-unit structure was built in 1919 and encompasses characteristics unique to Detroit’s art deco-style architecture. Through adaptive reuse, we plan to develop an LEED certified, mixed use development combining luxury lofts with a community-enhancing coffee shop and co-working space.

THE RENOVATION: Our renovation goal is to elevate expectations for the surrounding neighborhood with a fresh look for Stanton Lofts both inside and outside the building. With an renovation estimate of $7.1 million we will renovate the exterior while also updating the apartment units to luxury lofts with exposed brick walls, high-end granite finishes, in-unit washer/dryers and a second half bathroom for the spacious 2-bedroom units.

THE STANTON DIFFERENCE: Our historic rehab will incorporate aspects of sustainability, afford-ability, and accessibility while creating a sense of place in the community. As the concern for affordable housing increases in Detroit, we plan to allocate 20% of the units to those making 50% of the area median income (AMI). By renting the remaining 80% of units at a market-rate premium, and we believe that our mixed-income development will be both profitable and equitable.

Along with our coffee shop and co-working space, we plan to bring several new transit options to the community by incorporating emerging mobility options such as MoGo bike and Spin scooter stations as

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10

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT Detroit Essentials of Real Estate development with Peter Allen 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE STRATEGY: Stanton Lofts is ideally located in the midst of a redevelopment wave surging from Detroit’s Midtown/ Downtown growth. We believe that with the excitement of growth in the area through Motown Museum’s expansion along with new medical positions at the Henry Ford’s Cancer Pavilion, there will be a significant increase in demand for luxury housing.

THE PROPERTY: The building is a vacant historic apartment complex on the outer edge of the bustling New Center neighborhood. This 32-unit structure was built in 1919 and encompasses characteristics unique to Detroit’s art deco-style architecture. Through adaptive reuse, we plan to develop an LEED certified, mixed use development combining luxury lofts with a community-enhancing coffee shop and co-working space.

THE RENOVATION: Our renovation goal is to elevate expectations for the surrounding neighborhood with a fresh look for Stanton Lofts both inside and outside the building. With an renovation estimate of $7.1 million we will renovate the exterior while also updating the apartment units to luxury lofts with exposed brick walls, high-end granite finishes, in-unit washer/dryers and a second half bathroom for the spacious 2-bedroom units.

THE STANTON DIFFERENCE: Our historic rehab will incorporate aspects of sustainability, afford-ability, and accessibility while creating a sense of place in the community. As the concern for affordable housing increases in Detroit, we plan to allocate 20% of the units to those making 50% of the area median income (AMI). By renting the remaining 80% of units at a market-rate premium, and we believe that our mixed-income development will be both profitable and equitable.

Along with our coffee shop and co-working space, we plan to bring several new transit options to the community by incorporating emerging mobility options such as MoGo bike and Spin scooter stations as

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11

THE EPIPHANY Monumental Church Design Nigeria M. Sc. Architecture studio 2015

Default Horizontality

Man’s activity on the earth is ideologically horizontal.

All he sees within his horizontally oriented senses is within the confines of the Terrestrial.

Whenever he gazes into the vertical distance beyond the curtain of the sky, his paradigm shifts to the celestial and the supernatural.

Whenever you are forced to look up, to gaze into the sky, what comes to your mind?

You become more aware of your spiritual being, you behold the lightening herald, the thundering; you ponder on the wonder in the realization that a tiny start up there in this vertical distance is way, way bigger than the sun; let alone the earth.

All these wonders bring man closer to the reality of a Deity existing vertically above us.

Poetic Verticality

The spire in this design does as much to shift the gaze of the horizontally-oriented human being to the high, eternal, unknown, mysterious realm up above.

The spire is saddled on 3 pedestals, reminding those who believe about the 3 persons in the God-head.

The main structure of the system is an eternal circle, representing the design concept which is the confluence of time, eternity and the metaphoric.

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11

THE EPIPHANY Monumental Church Design Nigeria M. Sc. Architecture studio 2015

Default Horizontality

Man’s activity on the earth is ideologically horizontal.

All he sees within his horizontally oriented senses is within the confines of the Terrestrial.

Whenever he gazes into the vertical distance beyond the curtain of the sky, his paradigm shifts to the celestial and the supernatural.

Whenever you are forced to look up, to gaze into the sky, what comes to your mind?

You become more aware of your spiritual being, you behold the lightening herald, the thundering; you ponder on the wonder in the realization that a tiny start up there in this vertical distance is way, way bigger than the sun; let alone the earth.

All these wonders bring man closer to the reality of a Deity existing vertically above us.

Poetic Verticality

The spire in this design does as much to shift the gaze of the horizontally-oriented human being to the high, eternal, unknown, mysterious realm up above.

The spire is saddled on 3 pedestals, reminding those who believe about the 3 persons in the God-head.

The main structure of the system is an eternal circle, representing the design concept which is the confluence of time, eternity and the metaphoric.

18

12i

JUMPSUIT The Architecture of Plus-size Fashion Independent Commission 2019 “I believe that my architecture education taught me how to learn to design... anything”

Brief

Design a jumpsuit for a curvier woman

Design Strategies Emphasized vertical lines (darts, v-neck, 3/4 sleeve) to help achieve a slimming effect.

Contrasting colour on the sides of the jumpsuit, to give the waist, bust and hip a slimmer look. (If you look closely, the model’s actual waist is a few inches wider than what it appears to be at the first glance) Wide belt on the waist line. This will create a cinching effect. The same fabric and contrast pattern is used to create a belt, so that there is no interruption in the pattern.

This trick will work especially for the rectangular- shaped silhouette women.

(I would recommend that the belt is reinforced with a strong interfacing material so that it can create a cinching effect).

A 3/4 sleeve design which adds to the ‘verticality’ of the jumpsuit, and also comfortable for women who prefer not to expose their upper arms.

The pants of the jumpsuit are straight- cut to make the legs look longer (compared to flared patterns). However, the straight-cut or pencil pattern may not work for a pearshaped person, rather, I’ll use a pattern that adds volume to the pants.

Sturdy fabric (except for the ‘false-inner’ at the v-neck which could is a softer fabric e.g. tulle). I chose to use a sturdy fabric because they are better to for achieving structured dresses, where you can apply darts to create effects.

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12i

JUMPSUIT The Architecture of Plus-size Fashion Independent Commission 2019 “I believe that my architecture education taught me how to learn to design... anything”

Brief

Design a jumpsuit for a curvier woman

Design Strategies Emphasized vertical lines (darts, v-neck, 3/4 sleeve) to help achieve a slimming effect.

Contrasting colour on the sides of the jumpsuit, to give the waist, bust and hip a slimmer look. (If you look closely, the model’s actual waist is a few inches wider than what it appears to be at the first glance) Wide belt on the waist line. This will create a cinching effect. The same fabric and contrast pattern is used to create a belt, so that there is no interruption in the pattern.

This trick will work especially for the rectangular- shaped silhouette women.

(I would recommend that the belt is reinforced with a strong interfacing material so that it can create a cinching effect).

A 3/4 sleeve design which adds to the ‘verticality’ of the jumpsuit, and also comfortable for women who prefer not to expose their upper arms.

The pants of the jumpsuit are straight- cut to make the legs look longer (compared to flared patterns). However, the straight-cut or pencil pattern may not work for a pearshaped person, rather, I’ll use a pattern that adds volume to the pants.

Sturdy fabric (except for the ‘false-inner’ at the v-neck which could is a softer fabric e.g. tulle). I chose to use a sturdy fabric because they are better to for achieving structured dresses, where you can apply darts to create effects.

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12ii

CREATIVE WRITING Architecture of Survival: Lagos’ Architectural Response to Nigeria’s Socio-Political Climate 2021

3 units of detached “Boys’ Quarters” Also called “maids’room” (usually rented out to single tenants) Water tank and Bore-hole system

To live in Nigeria, you have to survive. To survive in Nigeria, you have to be your own personal government. You provide your household security, you provide your water supply, you supply your cooking gas, you generate your power supply, install and maintain your sewage disposal system.

4 units of 3-Bedroom flats

One added feature after the other, the architecture of Lagos has gradually metamorphosed into a style that reflects the resilience and tenacity of Nigerians. No, not in response to natural disasters; but in response to political and socio-economical disasters. Over the past four decades, residential development built in Lagos tend to have the following features: Fence and gates: It is a given that every new development has a fence and a gate. Usually these fences are at least 6ft(1.8m) high, and further fortified with electrical barbed wires. In some cases, less privileged homeowners plant broken glass shards on the coping of those fences. These barrier system is usually very opaque in volatile neighborhoods.

However, high brow neighborhoods tends to have some transparency in the gate and fence system to showcase the facade of the building on the lot.

Multiple units: Lagos is a high density populated city. Rental property owners usually maximize whatever the zoning laws allow, and even most times over populate their plots with individual family units.

“Mai-guard”

Generator shed

Parking: As a consequence to over populated lots, parking space becomes the opportunity cost for the affected residential developments. As shown in the diagram, each car owner wakes up early in the morning to rouse the neighbor blocking him. Sometimes, they rearranged their parking before going to bed at night. Parking is a major part of everyday logistics in rental units similar to this.

Parking

Cess pool

“Mai-Guard” (gatehouse): This is a small lean-to unit built into the fence which usually houses the domestic staff who guards the house. He is usually unarmed; and nicknamed “Mai-guard”. Sometimes, your Mai-guard is also responsible for operating your stand-by generator, interrogating visitors, and operating the gate.

Generator shed: This is another lean-to unit built into the fence, usually station close to Mai-guard’s unit. The generator shed houses all the individual generator units owned by the different family units living in the compound.

Water tanks: Every homeowner installs a bore-hole system by default. He digs a well, install a pumping machine and supports the water tank on stanchions. In some cases, the water tank is installed in the roof system which could be chaotic if the supporting slab is not properly designed to carry the dead weight, or sufficiently water-proof.

Opaque fence

Gate

Ledges and Balconies: These features are not just aesthetic, they also serve a pragmatic function of concealing the individual gas cylinders and air-condoning units from ruining the building facade.

Hardscaping: Most modern Lagos homes are 100% hardscaped. Homeowners prefer a neater and easy to maintain appearance of concrete pavings to greenery and shrubbery. Green landscaping is also the opportunity cost for providing parking space within the property. Of course, the adverse effect of this gradual accumulation of green-stripped plots is a warmer micro-climate , and also an increase in flooding.

Flooding: Discontinuous drainage channels, excessive impervious surfaces and sea-level rising are three main reasons why Lagos floods badly. In response to this, new homes are built at least 3 feet higher than the existing street levels.

An illustration of a compound of my former apartment on Alpha Beach road, Lekki Lagos

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12ii

CREATIVE WRITING Architecture of Survival: Lagos’ Architectural Response to Nigeria’s Socio-Political Climate 2021

3 units of detached “Boys’ Quarters” Also called “maids’room” (usually rented out to single tenants) Water tank and Bore-hole system

To live in Nigeria, you have to survive. To survive in Nigeria, you have to be your own personal government. You provide your household security, you provide your water supply, you supply your cooking gas, you generate your power supply, install and maintain your sewage disposal system.

4 units of 3-Bedroom flats

One added feature after the other, the architecture of Lagos has gradually metamorphosed into a style that reflects the resilience and tenacity of Nigerians. No, not in response to natural disasters; but in response to political and socio-economical disasters. Over the past four decades, residential development built in Lagos tend to have the following features: Fence and gates: It is a given that every new development has a fence and a gate. Usually these fences are at least 6ft(1.8m) high, and further fortified with electrical barbed wires. In some cases, less privileged homeowners plant broken glass shards on the coping of those fences. These barrier system is usually very opaque in volatile neighborhoods.

However, high brow neighborhoods tends to have some transparency in the gate and fence system to showcase the facade of the building on the lot.

Multiple units: Lagos is a high density populated city. Rental property owners usually maximize whatever the zoning laws allow, and even most times over populate their plots with individual family units.

“Mai-guard”

Generator shed

Parking: As a consequence to over populated lots, parking space becomes the opportunity cost for the affected residential developments. As shown in the diagram, each car owner wakes up early in the morning to rouse the neighbor blocking him. Sometimes, they rearranged their parking before going to bed at night. Parking is a major part of everyday logistics in rental units similar to this.

Parking

Cess pool

“Mai-Guard” (gatehouse): This is a small lean-to unit built into the fence which usually houses the domestic staff who guards the house. He is usually unarmed; and nicknamed “Mai-guard”. Sometimes, your Mai-guard is also responsible for operating your stand-by generator, interrogating visitors, and operating the gate.

Generator shed: This is another lean-to unit built into the fence, usually station close to Mai-guard’s unit. The generator shed houses all the individual generator units owned by the different family units living in the compound.

Water tanks: Every homeowner installs a bore-hole system by default. He digs a well, install a pumping machine and supports the water tank on stanchions. In some cases, the water tank is installed in the roof system which could be chaotic if the supporting slab is not properly designed to carry the dead weight, or sufficiently water-proof.

Opaque fence

Gate

Ledges and Balconies: These features are not just aesthetic, they also serve a pragmatic function of concealing the individual gas cylinders and air-condoning units from ruining the building facade.

Hardscaping: Most modern Lagos homes are 100% hardscaped. Homeowners prefer a neater and easy to maintain appearance of concrete pavings to greenery and shrubbery. Green landscaping is also the opportunity cost for providing parking space within the property. Of course, the adverse effect of this gradual accumulation of green-stripped plots is a warmer micro-climate , and also an increase in flooding.

Flooding: Discontinuous drainage channels, excessive impervious surfaces and sea-level rising are three main reasons why Lagos floods badly. In response to this, new homes are built at least 3 feet higher than the existing street levels.

An illustration of a compound of my former apartment on Alpha Beach road, Lekki Lagos

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“Architects spend an entire life with this unreasonable idea that you can fight against gravity.” – Renzo Piano

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“Architects spend an entire life with this unreasonable idea that you can fight against gravity.” – Renzo Piano

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Thank you for your consideration

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