The GEN Z Series travels from the Middle-East nation of Saudi Arabia to the African Continent’s Nigeria to meet a 2021 M. Arch graduated Nigerian architect Rose Chigozie Njoku. Her thesis ‘Trade Fair Complex, Onitsha’ takes us to Nigeria’s Anambra State’s largest city. Located on the eastern bank of Niger River, Onitsha is known as a river port city. It is one of the most significant cities in Nigeria and is known for its commerce regional hub, industries and education centre. Onitsha also happens to be popular as the largest market in Africa in terms of its geographical size and volume of goods traded.
Rose Chigozie Njoku reveals, “I grew up in the Eastern part of Nigeria. My parents are both civil servants and work in the Nigerian government institutions. Having completed my bachelor’s degree, I completed M. Arch from Imo State University in 2021. My grandfather was a great sculptor and artist. My uncles too followed my grandfather’s occupation. I have watched my grandfather and uncles creating amazing sculptures and paintings from my early childhood. I have been inspired by them to follow their paths in art and architecture (smiles).”
Rose Chigozie Njoku comes across as a warm individual and possesses amazing humility and concern for her nation’s citizen. She enthuses, “The desire to see people live in healthy environments governed my interest in architecture; with an interest in sustainable designs geared towards finding lasting solutions to challenges facing the built environment. I am enthusiastic about architectural research, for I believe research improves design, with an emphasis on bringing creative concepts into practical and feasible reality.”
Trade Fair Complex, Onitsha
Johnny D interacts with Rose Chigozie Njoku to explore her interesting journey into the field of architecture and her fabulously designed thesis ‘Trade Fair Complex, Onitsha’.
What was your childhood ambition? Did you always wanted to become an architect?
I have always longed to be an architect since childhood. Growing up within a middle income neighbourhood, I got the opportunity to see and experience children living in environments that were not very conducive for learning and upbringing. This birthed the desire to make a difference in people’s lives through architecture.Since I was very good at maths, my favourite subject, while I loved arts and crafts, Architecture was the perfect fusion of both interests.
Complex Aerial View
How has architecture influenced your life as a student?
Architecture has influenced my life greatly, from the way I think to the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of my life. As a student, I barely had the time to associate with other people from other departments as architecture school was really demanding and every second counted. My experience studying architecture also shaped my perspective of the world, as I find nature really inspiring. To me, it is not just design and construction of buildings, but rather a deeper understanding of people, their emotions and immediate environments and how each space affects their well-being. This makes me see architecture as the imaginative lens through which problems are discovered and solved.
Site Plan
Briefly tell us about your University and Master’s Course.
I had my university education (Bachelor’s and Master’s) in Architecture, from the prestigious Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, and graduated top class. During my studies, each studio had studio masters, who over-saw the students and they never tolerated any mediocre attitude towards education. The Course work was demanding, which included building materials and components, structures, landscape architecture, interior design amongst others. Through this curriculum, graduates are equipped to navigate the intricacies and complexities of life after school, which enables one to diversify in different areas of architecture.
Main Building Complex
Briefly describe the significance of your project with the ‘Title of the Project and Site Location’.
Title: Trade Fair Complex, Onitsha
Location: Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
My project aimed at incorporating design criteria for seamless manipulation of spaces for varied functions in exhibition centres. Onitsha, which is the major commercial hub of Africa is the only gateway between South-eastern and South-western Nigeria. It has a need for organization of Trade fairs to exhibit/ advertise products from the State, in order to accelerate economic growth in the city.
Problem: In Nigeria, Trade fairs are annual events; which makes the venues lie vacant after use and facilities lay dormant for almost a year till the next trade exhibition leading to high maintenance cost in cleaning and refurbishment in each year’s event, hence cutting off market segments, loosing profits and investors.
Expansive View of the Complex
Design Response: For the purpose of the above-stated problem, the exigency for designing flexible spaces that will harbour a number of functions in order to respond to the changes of space use was essential; such that the building would be receptive to the varying needs of users, without the need for a total new construction.
Design concept: The mixed method of research was used to extract data in a bid to answer the question “what approach can be adopted in this study to accommodate an all-year cycle event of different uses?” This was where the study looked at how nature has been able to solve problems regarding flexibility of spaces, which brought about the use of polygonal forms of hexagon, pentagon and octagon in this study. Therefore, the concept of flexibility/ adaptability was achieved through geometrical patterns (pattern thinking) via mimicking nature (Biomimicry) in the Beehive, Turtle Shell, Radiolarian (bone structure) and Onion bulb.
Design Concept
Which National or International architect has inspired / influenced you? Please specify as to why?
Zaha Hadid’s curves and radical deconstructivism designs has been my first inspiration in architecture. I love the way her forms flow in harmony with reckless abandonment, thereby bringing concepts to life. I have always wished to visit one of her structures and see first-hand how each line transforms to reality, while, my lecturer Prof. M. U. Okafor is my mentor and a man I look up to and respect so much for his contributions towards research and architecture. He would always say, “Every design project comes with its own challenges. Every design is unique, find the problem and solve it.” He changed my perspectives towards architecture and research. I admire him for making me see it from the light of solving a problem, and not just doing random designs.
Outdoor Corridor for multiple activities
As an Intern, what is the most important lesson(s) you have learned from senior architects, while being a part of a project?
Amidst effective communication and teamwork, one thing I learned is paying attention to every single detail, and having knowledge of other aspects of the built environment as the architect being the leader of the built environment. This is because in construction, even something as minor as the placement of wall-sockets in the building can alter the functionality of each space or how users perceive the space.
What role do you perform as an Architect at Architects Corner in Nigeria?
I am the Founder of Architects Corner, Nigeria. It is an ecosystem for interaction amongst professionals in the built environment, especially architects, bridging the gap between theory and practice and creating awareness in ‘Architectural Practice and Education’. The idea of Architects Corner was birthed as a result of observing the disconnection between theory (architecture in school) and practice. So, I interview architects who share their journey and educate younger architects how to navigate their architectural journey. This also led me to go on the journey of publishing my first book in architecture “from studio to practice”.
South Elevations
Hostile architecture is an eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Architecture is meant to benefit them people / users at large, but the effects of hostile architecture are targeting people and depicting wickedness of the society and is against the ethos of architecture field. Elucidate your perspective about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.
Hostile architecture is a disturbing trend that runs counter to the fundamental goal of architecture: to improve the lives of the people. This trend worsens social inequality and reveals a dark side of society. To address this issue, our mindset and attitude towards architecture requires a paradigm shift towards creating spaces that are functional and inclusive. Understanding and raising awareness of the implications of hostile architecture are essential for promoting a more compassionate, people-centric approach to urban landscape.
Evolution of Design
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
I like the fact that younger professionals are given voices through the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ It is a great initiative, as it shines the spotlight on architectural professionals across the world and shows how diverse and broad this field actually is. I particularly like the concept behind the GEN Z Series, as it features young people doing amazing things to contribute to the profession.
East Elevations
The time to save Planet Earth from climatic catastrophes / human greed crisis has already slipped away from humans’ hands. Elucidate your views how the future of your generation and coming generation are going to rise above the past generations to tackle this existential crisis?
I firmly believe that the future of our generation and those to come can rise above the mistakes of the past. Collaboration is essential in tackling climate change as it requires a global effort. It is only by working together across borders, cultures and industries that we can truly make a difference. By fostering collaboration and partnerships, we advocate for the health of our planet. Our generation has access to more information than ever before with the advent of technology, which comes the responsibility to understand the gravity of the situation and the urgency for action and meaningful change.
Aerial View of the Site
Local charm of cities has diminished due to Modern Architecture as every city looks alike and similar. How should architects / urban planners /landscape architects modernize cities, while maintaining the local charm intact?
A thoughtful approach is necessary from architects, urban planners and landscape architects to integrate aspects of the environment, culture and identify into planning and design.
Looking at the past in the current present, what are the futuristic architectural changes you would like to see in your home city / town? Elucidate the reasons for your vision.
I would like to see the integration of tradition and modernity in a technology dominating world into our cityscape. This is because, currently in the city I live in, even in my hometown Ihitte / Uboma, Imo State, most new building constructions springing up have western attributes, rather than telling the story of the people and community. I envision a city architecture used to represent what a people stand for. I imagine a world, whereby travelling from one city to another one could tell the place’s identity just by its architecture.
Concept Development
Honours and awards related to architecture, if any.
2022 Honorable mention – Lagos: Flooding City Architecture Competition conducted by The Arc. Eddy Eguavoen (VOEN) Foundation;
2020 Runner up position – Green Housing Innovation Challenge (GHIC) conducted by Pulcher
Image Courtesy: Rose Chigozie Njoku