Lanre Olusola, Anton Larsen Payá and Mukire Aimable
Reflections on 2024: A Year of Collaboration and Growth
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of progress, partnerships, and shared vision for the architectural profession across Sub-Saharan Africa. This newsletter highlights key achievements and collaborations that underscore our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in Architecture.
Participation at the Big 5 Construct Nigeria Conference
September 2024
The 2024 Big 5 Construct Nigeria Show, held from September 24–26 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, provided an invaluable platform for networking with industry stakeholders. Attendees explored cutting-edge construction technologies, exchanged insights on green building practices, and underscored the importance of sustainability in the built environment.
AIA SSA President, Olanre G. Olusola, FNIA, contributed to a distinguished panel discussion on “Capacity Building and Green Building Education: Empowering the Next Generation.” He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between academia and practice, advocating for “town and gown” partnerships to bridge the gap and create a sustainable future.
MOU with the Namibia Institute of Architects
October 2024
AIA SSA marked a historic milestone with the signing of its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Namibia Institute of Architects (NIA). This agreement underscores a shared commitment to:
Fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
Exploring alliances and cooperation in architecture, building materials, and emerging technologies.
Partnering on conferences, forums, seminars, and exhibitions.
This groundbreaking partnership was made possible through the dedication of AIA International Country Representative in Namibia, André Christensen, with the support of NIA President, Vernon Mwazi. Special acknowledgment goes to AIA International President, Yew Kee Cheong, FAIA, MSIA, for his guidance; AIA SSA Secretary, Ahmad Naibi, MNIA, Int'l Assoc. AIA, for his contributions; and AIA International Executive Director, Genie Khmelnitski, for her administrative expertise and efforts. Together, these leaders have paved the way for meaningful contributions to the architectural landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Representation at the AIA International Conference in Hong Kong
October 2024
AIA SSA was well-represented at the AIA International Conference in Hong Kong, with delegates from Nigeria, Kenya, and Cameroon joining counterparts from around the world. This event provided an invaluable opportunity to share ideas, foster cross-border collaborations, and strengthen the global architectural community.
Visit to the African Design Centre, Kigali
October 2024
During his time in Rwanda, AIA SSA President Olanre G. Olusola, FNIA, visited the African Design Centre, a key initiative of MASS Design Group, located at Kigali Heights. This visit built on the momentum of the 2024 AIA International Spring Conference and served as an opportunity to express gratitude to Anton Larsen Payá and Mukire Aimable for their engaging presentations at the event.
Discussions during the visit focused on youth engagement, equitable access to architectural services, and strategies to grow AIA membership in Rwanda and the broader East Africa region. The visit reinforced AIA SSA’s commitment to enhancing member services and fostering regional collaboration.
Meeting with the Holcim Foundation
November 2024
AIA SSA leadership met with Ms. Melanie Schwarz of the Holcim Foundation to explore potential areas of collaboration. The key outcomes of this meeting include plans to:
Promote the Holcim Foundation Award 2025 throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Encourage AIA SSA members to participate in the competition for global visibility.
Strengthen advocacy for the architectural profession while creating meaningful opportunities for members.
This partnership underscores AIA SSA’s dedication to delivering value-added initiatives and advancing professional advocacy in the region.
Upcoming Event: 2025
"Architecture Built on Solid Rock – 3x3 Fold"
In collaboration with the Namibia Institute of Architects, AIA SSA will host a landmark event at the United States Embassy titled "Architecture Built on Solid Rock – 3x3 Fold." This event will emphasize people-centered design and feature key themes such as:
User engagement
Accessibility
Comfort and well-being
Social interaction
Sustainability
Flexibility
This initiative reflects AIA SSA’s commitment to designing spaces that prioritize occupant needs, foster social connection, and offer sustainable, adaptable solutions.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to advancing architecture across Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, we look forward to a transformative 2025!
Lanre Olusola, FNIA, FNIM, FIMC, Int'l Assoc. AIA
President, AIA Sub-Saharan Africa
At-Large Director, AIA International
Country Representative I (Nigeria) AIA International
