Environmental resilience, climate adaptation in focus as architects host a forum

When built environment professionals and various stakeholders gather tomorrow for the Lagos Architects Forum (LAF), organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Branch, the discussions will focus on environmental resilience and changing climate conditions and adaptation.

The forum, which is an annual event and is already in its 15th edition, is one of the thriving marketplaces for ideas on industry trends, new construction methods and the latest input materials showcased on the sidelines of the conference by investors, manufacturers and material marketers.

At a press conference recently to announce the forum and highlight its benefits, David Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Department, together with Biodun Fatuyi, the Vice Chairman and other Exco members, assured that this year’s edition of the forum would be unique.

“The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Lagos Resilience and Climate Adaptation’. We will look at how Lagos as a city deals with challenges such as flooding, rapid urbanization and pressure on infrastructure due to climate change,” the chairman said.

“It’s about understanding sustainable developments such as green infrastructure, coastal protection and community engagement to build resilience against future climate impacts. Absolutely, Lagos faces numerous challenges, but it is also implementing innovative approaches to enhance its resilience and adapt to climate change,” he added.

Majekodunmi pointed out that strategies such as green infrastructure, including rain gardens and permeable sidewalks, help manage stormwater and reduce flooding, noting that coastal protection measures such as seawalls and mangrove restoration are essential to safeguarding against rising sea levels and storm surges.

“Additionally, community engagement programs allow residents to participate in efforts to build resilience and promote a sense of ownership over their environment. These multifaceted approaches are crucial to ensuring Lagos can thrive in the face of climate challenges,” he assured.

To highlight and deepen conversations around the focus of the forum, Fatuyi announced that a series of speakers have been assembled, including Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), who will serve as keynote speaker and special guest of honor.

Others, according to the vice-chairman, are Desmond Majekodunmi, an environmentalist; Danjuma Waniko, a surveyor and environmentalist; Olasupo Shashore, former Attorney General of Lagos; Folayinka Dania, Chief Resilience Officer, and Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.

Fatuyi assured that all discussions and resolutions to be reached through the forum will be communicated to the Lagos State Government through a communiqué to be issued at the end of the three-day event during which the participants will also visit project sites of iconic buildings . buildings in the state.