The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has said global warming and climatic factors must be considered before designing buildings to enable their sustainability for a minimum of 50 years.
The NIA chairman, Lagos State chapter, David Majekodunmi, who spoke during an awareness walk, lamented that most structures did not stand the test of time, causing frequent building collapses across the country that have claimed lives.
He said due to the increase in pollution, carbon dioxide emission and global warming, some of the buildings erected about 50 to 100 years ago are no longer sustainable.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Every building must have an architect: who is your architect?’, Majekodunmi charged architects to look out for factors that would affect sustainability of buildings.
He also called on Nigerians to employ services of qualified architects in every of their building projects, noting that it is necessary to avoid future disasters.
“We want to let people know that they need an architect for every building project and the public have to know the importance of architects in the country,” he said.
According to him, quite a number of architects, both locally and internationally trained, were up to the task and could match the best global practices.
Majekodunmi also frowned on the move to engage foreign architects while there are qualified professionals within the country.
“There has been an inculcation of bringing architect from abroad when we have what you are looking for with you,” he said.
Majekodunmi further encouraged young architects not to deviate from their field due to the economic challenges of the country.
