Institute Of Advanced Architectural Studies. Abuja

Architecture — in Nigeria is in a serious dilemma,especially when it is evaluated as one of the oldest andforemost vocations in the country- There are lots ofthreats to the existence of successful practice of the"High—Art". The threats range from professionalMalpractices to gross misrepresentation andmisinterpretation by laymen as well as other professionalsin the building industry- This is not all!A greater problem lies in the architect considering hisgraduation from a recognised school of Architecture as wellas membership of the Architectural body (NIA) to beexhaustive for learning.In fact, some architects do not readbeyond casual glances of newspapers and journals-Lack of commitment by the practising architect toproperly and adequately inform himself — and consequentlythe public of the Myriad of architectural alternatives andoptions are highly disappointing.Architecture, from the earliest times, is known to begiving direction to Technology- However, for architectureto be acceptable to both the rich and the poor, thepractitioner Must understand the complex variables, userneeds and requirements, as well as options and alternativesfor a descent and habitable environment.No architect can lay claim to exhaustive understandingof the various problems in the society- The problems aremore noticeable in the large population — the low—incomeearners- It has been shown that over 70 per cent ofNigerians are in the low—income group. Since the low—incomegroup characteristically have large family sizes, theirhousing demands are usually higher.Moreover, if architecture has to lead technology totrue greatness, learning and doing architecture has to takea new dimension.With due regards to the modest efforts of the NigerianInstitute of Architects, the Nigerian Building and RoadResearch Institute, and the various schools of Architecturein the country, a lot more need to be done.The Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, Abujashall function as a social and intellectual focus for theprofession and the building industry in general.A centre for architectural excellence, the Instituteshall lend itself to intensive research, development andinformation dissemination on issues of architecture.Architects, engineers, surveyors, scientists, andclients shall contribute and benefit from the variousprogrammes of the Institute.The design being proposed shall be of an institutionaltypology, with a slight accent of cultural facilities- Theemphasis of the design is to encourage continuing educationthrough informal learning process.

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