Ep. 299 - Architecture as a Citizen with James Inedu George

We're delving into the exciting yet complex world of African architecture, with a particular focus on Nigeria. We'll explore trends that hold valuable lessons for India, a nation grappling with similar challenges. Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanization, with the urban population projected to reach over 200 million by 2050. A significant portion of this urban population lives in slums and informal settlements due to housing shortages. Many urban areas lack proper infrastructure like sanitation and water supply.

We discuss all this from a Designer’s lens, I have James Inedu George with me on Audiogyan. James is one of the most eminent and influential West Africa architects and designers of recent decades recognized for his innovative approach to solving complex urban challenges, and most famously his brilliance with space and design. He is the founding partner and Design Lead at HTL Africa Ltd, Tao South Africa, and HTL Asia Plus, which works on projects around the world and is widely considered “among the most significant in contemporary architecture”.

Questions

1. Why and how does architecture empower people?
2. What do you mean when you say, “Buildings become citizen”? You also say, architecture should become land pads. Tell us more about it?
3. What are metro houses? What are some successful examples of involving local communities in the planning and construction process for metro housing projects in Nigeria or around the world? yes, it’s innovative and radical but are their any proof of concepts?
4. What is the main reason that government choses to provide housing and not land? Is it easy to manage given the state capacity?
5. What makes you believe in so decentralised and democratic way of thinking in Africa or Nigeria? Can you share examples of successful projects that bridge the gap between urban centers and rural communities in Nigeria?
6. India’s per capita GDP is 2.4K USD and Nigeria’s is 2.1K. Nigeria’s literacy rate is also almost in the similar range of 75-78%. What gives you hope that Mama Ya Bo, she generates employment, produce energy, distributes, build stuff for future generations and become part of the main economy?
7. Can you unpack the word Affordacity in context of architecture, urban design and planning?
8. In your TED talk, you said, ‘cities are dying’. In India, especially the financial capital, Mumbai, we see a lot of ghost buildings where they are either not in use or built illegally. With the city growing vertically and no land to build, What would be your advice to repurpose architecture.
9. Cities are economic power hubs where people migrate for better life and opportunities. But few thinkers in India believe that life is truly in small towns and villages. How do you see this as a designer and urban planner?
10. Can you share few tips for young designers who wish to get into this profession of architecure?
11. When you see all problems, I can understand that you see opportunity. But being a designer, you also see solutions. Tell us more to wrap this episode. What insights have you got as a designer?

Reference reading

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Inedu-George
2. https://www.instagram.com/jymsig/?hl=en
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-inedu-george-2ab80a24/
4. https://x.com/unfolding_arch?lang=en
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Next1LJHCVU
6. https://www.htlafrica.com/
7. https://www.ted.com/talks/james_george_introducing_the_future_of_african_cities?subtitle=en
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxCIrCwmv70