Event Description
Rapid urbanization and climate change are two of the most significant forces shaping cities today. Coastal and waterfront communities, in particular, face increasing challenges; rising sea levels, heavier rainfall, and frequent flooding, threatening both livelihoods and infrastructure. At the same time, African cities are experiencing unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation.
This session explores the concept of African Water Cities; a vision for adaptive, resilient, and forward-thinking urban environments that embrace water as an asset rather than a threat. It redefines the way people live, build, and thrive in harmony with water.
By examining the intersections of water, cities, and our collective intelligence, we highlight innovative approaches to designing and building the relationships between humanity and the environment.
Speaker
Kunle Adeyemi, Founder and Principal, NLÉ
Moderator
Sam Oboh, FAIA, FRAIC, LEED AP BD+C; Principal and Vice President, Ensight+
CES: Estimated 1 LU/ HSW for AIA Members
Speaker Bio
Kunlé Adeyemi is an architect, professor and development strategist whose works are internationally recognised for originality and innovation. He is the founder and principal of NLÉ – an architecture, design and urbanism practice founded in 2010, for innovating cities and communities. Adeyemi’s notable works include ‘Makoko Floating System (MFSTM)’ - a groundbreaking, prefabricated, building solution for developments on water - deployed in 5 countries across 3 continents, with the latest iteration Mansa Floating Hub in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. This acclaimed project is part of NLÉ’s extensive body of work and new venture - Water Cities® Group and the African Water Cities Centre – focused on the intersections of rapid urbanisation and climate change. Other projects include A Prelude to The Shed in New York, USA, the Black Rhino Academy in Karatu, Tanzania and the Serpentine Summer House at the Royal Kensington Gardens in London, UK. Alongside his professional practice with multiple prestigious awards, Adeyemi is an international speaker and thought leader. He is one of UNDP’s Africa in Development Supergroup member. Adeyemi was an Adjunct Visiting Professor at the University of Lagos, following appointments in various institutions including Harvard, Princeton, Cornell and Columbia Universities, where he leads academic research in architecture and urban solutions that are closer to societal, environmental and economic needs.
Moderator Bio
With an expansive career spanning over a quarter of a century in both private and public sectors (in Canada and internationally), architect Samuel (Sam) Óghalè Oboh, FAIA, is the principal and Vice President of Ensight+, an architecture and creative design intelligence outfit headquartered in Canada. Licensed in multiple jurisdictions – including the State of Texas, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia, Sam is an alumnus of the University of Alberta and Ahmadu Bello University with dual master degrees in architecture and Communication and has served in various capacities - including senior architect, associate, principal and vice president - in a handful of practices such as AECOM (a fortune 500 company), Kasian, IBI Group and FMA.
A distinguished Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and recipient of AIA Presidential Medal, Sam is respected for his knowledge, expertise, community service and commitment to excellence. He combines practicing architecture with his diplomatic appointment (as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Botswana in Canada) to inspire passion for creating environments that are valued and vital to enhancing quality of life in our communities. His varied background has enabled him to bring valuable perspective to his role as an architect committed to innovation, stewardship and achieving excellence for the greater public good.
Renowned for his passion in integrating architectural practice with research and academia, Sam has served as adjunct lecturer and design studio reviewer at various universities in Canada, South Africa, and Nigeria and served as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences across the world. Named as one of the 150 Extraordinary Canadians in 2019, one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People and President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 2015, Sam became the first Canadian of African descent to lead the prestigious 113-year-old professional organization and is committed to strengthening the architectural profession and as well, enhancing its standards of excellence.
