NIA to strengthen collaboration with sister institutes on low costing housing.
By: Tijani Salako
The Nigerian Institute of Architecture has identified more reason why the NIA is strengthening their bond with other sister’s institute of built environment in providing a low costing housing.
The built sector is a complex industry that requires the expertise of various professionals, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, urban planners, builders, and land surveyors among others to achieve the same shared goals of promoting safe, sustainable, and high-quality building practices through industry collaboration.
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arch Abiodun Fatuyi, made this ascertion in an interview that the NIA is committed to fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration with our allied professionals in the built industry.
However, one platform that has been instrumental in knowledge sharing among built environment professionals is the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG). The NIA has been actively involved in the BCPG, and our members have been participating in the guild’s activities.
In essence, the BCPG has established cells in different locations, which serve as hubs for information dissemination and education. We’re working closely with the BCPG to amplify our message and promote awareness about the importance of safe and sustainable building practices.
Meanwhile, the NIA boss further said “we’re developing an Action Plan (AIP) to guide our efforts and ensure that we’re working towards a common goal. By working together and speaking with one voice, we can create a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous built environment for all.”
More so, on affordable construction, it’s essential to acknowledge that the term “affordable” is relative. What one person considers affordable might not be the same for another. To address this challenge, we use the term “low-cost construction” instead.
The Low-cost construction tend to reduce the cost of building without compromising on quality or safety. Achieving this goal requires innovation, which is a key area of focus for the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA).
Major strategy to this is the use of locally produced materials. However, this approach requires attention from relevant stakeholders, including standards organizations (SON), to ensure that these materials meet the required standards for safety and quality.
“By promoting low-cost construction methods and materials, we aim to make building more accessible and affordable for a wider range of people, without sacrificing the integrity and safety of the built environment”. Arch Fatuyi affirmed
