DECOR NIGERIA: REVITALIZING DERELICT BUILDINGS FOR THE COMMON GOOD

Due to a rise in population and urban migration, there is increased pressure on the housing market globally, with the rate of demand being consistently higher than supply. The ongoing housing deficit in Lagos is a case in point. For supply to match demand, or at the very least increase significantly, abandoned and derelict buildings need to be revisited. There are various factors that result in the sprawl of derelict buildings across cities. These factors include, but are not limited to, court orders, land disputes, deceased owners, high building costs etc. Unfinished buildings can be revitalized through a process known as adaptive reuse, which gives new purpose and function to old and/or existing buildings.

 

The adaptive reuse of buildings could either be for private or for public purposes such as libraries, art galleries, community centers, offices, to name a few. Some of the benefits of adaptive reuse include reduced carbon emissions, curtailed urban sprawl, energy conservation, organized urban landscape, and ultimately, preservation of historical heritage.

 

Rehabilitating and retaining existing buildings create a physical link to the past whilst meeting the growing demands of urbanization. In comparison to new build construction where the location, market, and building are novel, reuse developments are responsive to the local market demands with sensitivity to the features of the building and its state, which is essential in highlighting the uniqueness and marketability of the space.

 

In summary, in order for cities to rise to the challenge of a fast growing populace, which is estimated to be 24.2million by 2035, cities need to readapt master plans and do so efficiently by revitalizing abandoned buildings to give these spaces new purpose(s) and owners.

 

For this residence, we went with a contemporary look and feel that was both light and fresh. Our theme was 'Green' and we built up the ideas for the space from that.

Decor Nigeria

23, Agodogba Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.