Introduction:
Architectural
practice has been witnessing tremendous developments since inception, but more
vigorously since the early 1990s. This period witnessed continued rapid
expansion in the provision of cross-border services in architecture. The
globalization of the businesses, investments and interests of what had
historically been domestically limited brought about new moves in architectural
training and practice. The entire world became a global village.
The
process of globalization which creates multiplicity of linkages and inter-connectivity’s
across the global space brought about this arrangement. International
organizations like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund and World
Trade Organisation (WTO) have constantly exerted increasing measure of
influences on inter-state relations (Aina 2005). There are increasing inter
boundary influences through the socio-political governance and economic
institutions of most nations. All these developments brought about an increasing
use of architectural competitions to select and award major public and private
commissions has also made a contribution to this increased global activity. Architecture
has thus been increasingly transformed through what Keune (2004) described as
jet plane travel, computers, the internet, non-stop advances in computer
programming, digital cameras, and cell phones.
The application of these technologies has invariably put architects in a
more precarious situation. He could no longer afford to be complacent or obsolete
else he would be out of job. Cross-boarder architectural partnership has now
increased and this has enabled architects to provide services around the
world. Many architectural offices, with
their expanding network of off-shore offices, now operate on a virtual 24 hour
per day basis. This indeed is a trend.
This out-sourcing syndrome whereby architectural production services
seek partner offices in foreign countries is fast becoming a significant trend
with much promise in the future. The UIA (Union of International Architects) specifically
stated that to measure up with this global dispensation, a measure of architectural
maturity is demanded from the architects. Daramola, (2005) buttressed this
point by suggesting that the most appropriate stage of instilling this instinct
is in the student pupilage stage. He mentioned that every bit of discipline
must be inculcated in the life of the architects while in they are still in
school.
To this end, UIA specifies that the balanced acquisition of knowledge
and skills cited in point 3, requires a long period of maturation ; the period
of studies in architecture should always be not less than five years of
full-time studies in a university or an equivalent institution, plus two years
experience in an architectural practice. At least one year must be devoted to
professional practice following the conclusion of academic studies. This
incidentally agrees with the Nigerian Institute of Architects standards (NIA).
Under the UIA education Charter 1, Section 1:3, immense appreciation
is given to cultural variability in architecture vis-à-vis its quality. It
emphasises the fact that compliance with methods of education and training for
architects must be varied, for the preservation of cultural richness in
architecture. Among other factors UIA emphasises a training scheme that
considers a decent quality of life for all the inhabitants of human settlements
- a
technological application which respects the people' social, cultural and
aesthetic needs of people
- an
ecologically balanced and sustainable development of the built environment
an architecture which is valued as the property and responsibility of
everyone.
The UIA considers very carefully the increasing mobility of
architects between the different countries calls for a mutual recognition or
validation of individual diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal
qualification all over the globe. It critically observe that there is a need to
revisit some programmes in most of the countries in view of the fact that a
number of national accreditation bodies in some countries are grossly deficient
in quality, standards and organisation Keune (2004). This development is
particularly evident in countries which have become newly independent and are
moving towards a free market economy. Most of the UIA member nations are not
the national regulatory body for the licensure of architects in their countries. There are a number of member nations that do
serve both functions. Such regulatory
bodies are separate legal entities established by public law.
Approximately fifteen percent of the countries represented in the Union do not have national laws or regulations requiring
the domestic licensure of architects. There is no international organization
that brings together the national regulatory bodies Keune (2004).
Finally to ensure
uniformity of the curriculum, UIA Architectural education involves the
acquisition of the following:
- “an
ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and
technical requirements,
- an
adequate knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and the
related arts, technologies and human sciences,
- a
knowledge of the fine arts as an influence on the quality of architectural
design,
- an
adequate knowledge of urban design, planning and the skills involved in
the planning process,
- an
understanding of the relationship between people and buildings, and
between buildings and their environment, and of the need to relate
buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale,
- an
understanding of the profession of architecture and the role of the
architect in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account
of social factors,
- an
understanding of the methods of investigation and preparation of the brief
for a design project,
- an
understanding of the structural design, constructional and engineering
problems associated with building design,
- an
adequate knowledge of physical problems and technologies and of the
function of buildings so as to provide them with internal conditions of
comfort and protection against the climate,
- the
necessary design skills to meet building users' requirements within the
constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations, UIA
Education Charter, section II.3.
- an
adequate knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations and
procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and
integrating plans into overall planning.“
In 1947, representatives of national professional bodies came
together to form the International Union of Architects. As at 2004 with a Paris
secretariat, the Union consists of 92 Member
Sections representing over one-million architects throughout the world. In this
rapidly changing global economic environment, there are too many UIA sections
that have little, if any, history of dealing with their national trade
ministries. While the UIA is working to
change this situation, it is still dependent on the individual UIA sections
taking the initiative in their own country.
Fortunately there are several sections that have been aggressive in
establishing a working relationship with such ministries. With the goal of
stimulating more such activity, the UIA Commission has begun a series of
published case studies to document how they have done it and the results it has
produced. A few architects are now
included within their WTO delegations.
On the issue of trans-boarder architectural discipline, the UIA
recognises the on-going free market economy as postulated under the WTO, but
also identifies the intriguing regulation that guides such practises. For
example it is illegal for a foreign
architect to go to another country, without a project commission, and seek
architectural commissions without being legally registered as an architect in
that country (Keune, 2004). The registration of architects in different
countries would be made easier with the streamlining of architectural
programmes along the globe.
Validation under the CAA
regulations,
The Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) was formed in 1965 to represent
the interest of architects in member countries. It aims at advancing the course
of architecture, particularly to share and increase architectural
knowledge, it currently has 37 members, promoting co-operation amongst its
members and enhance an increased contribution. The Association
convenes multilateral visiting boards to schools to assess courses in
architecture against set criteria. This invariably results in a list of
qualifications recommended for recognition by members. The CAA works with the
world's living conditions and to ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
The built environment has a key part to play and CAA's current programme 'Cities and Sustainability' works to ensure the maximum
participation of the architectural profession at all levels.
The basic concept of the CAA/UIA validation of
accredited programmes is to enhance the portability of architectural education
within the commonwealth region of the world. This invariably is aimed at harmonising the
curriculum of architectural training within the region. This development tends
to reinforce the vantage position of globalization. However two issues should
be considered first is the issue of affordability of the scheme in view of the
dwindling funding of education in Nigerian universities. The second is the reliability of the scheme
under the diverse cultural and socio/economic realities of most commonwealth
nations.
On the 19th
September, 2005 , the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and the
Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) held a validation seminar for all
the schools of architecture in Nigeria Abuja
The 1988 meeting was organised as an international symposium with
the theme ‘Towards a New Direction in Architectural Education in Africa at the
Sheraton Hotels, Lagos Britain
1.
The
political emphasis of Africa and its sub
regions should aim at improving the general standard of the rural dwellers.
2.
Re-focus
on the plight of the economy of African states.
The major objective of the symposium was to broaden the roles of the
architects, thereby making them proficient not only as designers but largely
gaining understanding of the allied professionals in the building industry
(Odeleye, 1991).
Armed with this communiqué, and going by the fundamental quality it
holds, on the 8-9 March, 1991, the Commonwealth Association of Architects, in
collaboration with the Congress of Heads of Schools of Architecture in the
African Region, organised another conference to drive home the resolution
reached at the 1988 symposium. At the conference Arc Mbanefo, the president of
Nigerian Institute of Architects (1988), urged the conference to critically
concentrate on the major points of the 1988 communiqué. The meeting also
reviewed among others; that there is definitely a strong need for change in the
training of Architects in Africa to produce
the right calibre manpower for Africa ’s
architectural needs. Consequently, the conference agreed to revisit the drawing
boards and redesign appropriate direction of architectural education for Africa . The design was to consider the socio-economic,
cultural environment of the region in the design. This is aimed at making them
more versatile, more relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the
changing environment and thus play and keep his role as the head of the
building team (Odeleye, 1991).
The September, 2005 meeting was clearly a seminar, targeted at
updating the schools of architecture in Nigeria with the 2002 approved criteria
of validating architectural programmes in schools of architecture in amongst
the commonwealth member nations. Prior to September 2005, Nigerian Institute of
Architects (NIA) sponsored Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA)
validation seminar in Nigeria, the strategic committee of the Nigerian Institute
of Architects, had just returned from a business retreat in Lokoja the capital
city of Kogi state of Nigeria, where they had gone to map out strategies for an
improved performance. At the retreat, deliberations were targeted on strict
measures that would keep the profession atop. The internationalisation of the profession
was the highlight. Towards this, the NIA reconsidered the accreditation
procedures of schools of architecture and also mapped out strategies towards
the membership of the profession.
In all honesty, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has a
very novel intention. This paper is of the opinion that until Nigerian
architectural practice is taken outside the shores of the nation especially
beyond the Africa continents, the job creation
sensitisation would be unachievable. It is a common fact that most Nigerian
architects could hardly practice architecture outside the shore of the country.
In some cases where they are able to secure jobs in design offices, they are
not trusted with serious projects and commissions. The essence of CAA
validation is at least to enhance the mobility (portability) of the architects
beyond the shore of the country as well as technology transfer.
UIA / UNESCO Compatibility
In order to
facilitate the universality of the education scheme, the CAA procedures and
criteria was made to conform to those set out in the UIA / UNESCO Charter for
Architectural Education June 1996. In order to avert any sign of prejudice,
membership of the (Commonwealth Association of
Architects)
CAA Validation Panel
maintain and reflect as far as reasonably practicable the balance of the
interests of the architectural profession, and have, as near as possible equal
representation from education and practice.
Each Commonwealth Association of Architect’s (CAA) Region can nominate up to 20
suitably qualified candidates via its Vice President, reflecting the nature of
the region, from which 10 people will be appointed to sit on the Validation
Panel, which in total should not exceed fifty persons.
Programme Validation and the Neo-Imperialist Tendencies.
One of the potent schools of
thought in the recent accreditation scheme in architectural programmes is the
neo-colonial tendencies it carries. The argument is based on the fact that
every national accreditation body must be given the autonomy to carry out the
accreditation programme and forward the list of such accredited schools to the
international body for validation. If the international body recognizes these
national bodies, they should in turn acknowledge their recommendation. All that
is required is that there is an acceptable standard to follow. The school of
thought is of the opinion that the sovereignty of a country is in ridicule if
it is not availed with the right of accrediting her own programme.
This school of thought was further corrected by
the section 3.3d of the CAA validation procedures that stipulated that the
validation team is carried out largely by members from the individual country’s
national body. In which case, the
presence of the CAA officials is purely advisory. The question is what
constitutes “advisory” in the real sense. The cost of transportation and
accommodation of the team is targeted at the barest minimum and borne by the
school to be accredited.
Another school of thought believes that an
international validating team of UIA/CAA
would add credibility to the exercise as well as boost the quality of the
exercise. This school of thought believes very strongly that the CAA /UIA validation exercise has nothing to do with
the sovereignty of the host country simply because the graduates are prepared
for overseas countries and as such both CAA
and UIA should have a saying in the training of architects that would end up
practicing in their land.
According to Samir Amin (2001), imperialism is not a form of
capitalism not even at its highest level, but inherently, in capitalism’s
expansion. The import of Amin’s appraisal of imperialism is that it is the most
brutal weapon of dehumanization. According to him, the destruction of the
Indian civilizations and their Hispanicization- Christianization, or simply the
total genocide on which the United
States
The industrial revolution which began in the 18th century
marked the second phase of imperialist devastation as manifested in the
colonial subjugation of Asia and Africa and the unsolicited opening of African states. The
so called “open the markets” syndrome was more targeted at establishing a forum
where European products were forced on African states and thus, the beginning
of indoctrination. The dastard activities of the Puritans of England as well as
their intractable greed to seize the natural resources of the globe were the
real motives of imperialistic manoeuvres. Unfortunately, this has this day
transformed into a neo imperialistic tendencies that see nothing appreciable in
African character. Today, it is a common thing to see various confusing
architectural design concept based on the indoctrination of the minds of both
the team of designers and executors. The infamous
“civilization mission”, the sojourn of which was targeted at civilizing the
black race was only aimed at further alienating the glorious African values as
against the unguided western traits. In order to win and arouse the interest of
the people, a handful of the blacks were given privileges of growing into the
bourgeoisie class. These cynical bourgeoisies without clear sense of reasoning,
imbibed the imperialist doses and went ahead to further subjugate the rest of
their people. This was done to aid the colonial conquest.
Rodney (1973) in his book, How Europe Underdeveloped
Africa, wrote to say that capitalist struggle to keep off the challenge of
Socialism mode of production and general way of life, played at least two key
roles – one being to provide for the capitalist militarists, and the other
being to provide a wide range of raw materials essential for modern armament
industries. It is a general feeling that the CAA /UIA
moderation of the professional standard would only go further to enhance the
future requirements of the validating nations.
There are claims that time and time again,
evidence points to the contemptuous use of Africa
to buttress capitalism economically and militarily, and therefore in effect
forcing Africa to contribute to its own
exploitation. The move is seen as an incentive to recruit more and more cheaper
labour from African nations to meet the requirement in the western nation’s
architectural practices.
Going by the stated scenario, there is every tendency
that the world power would gradually work its way back into controlling the global
practice of architecture after the initial setting. Colonialism
was not merely a system of exploitation, but one whose essential purpose was to
repatriate the profits to the so-called ‘mother country’. Through this medium,
Colonial African was grossly decimated with the sole target of expatriating it
surpluses.
The expatriation of African surplus for European development was
indeed the target, and this is dated back to the colonial era. For example
Rodney, 1952 reported that in 1906, King Leopold of Belgium Congo
Rodney (1973) stated further that the cheap labour obtained in
African society made the Colonial Africa fall within that part of the
international capitalist economy from which surplus was drawn to feed the
metropolitan sector. It was quite clear that the amount of surplus extracted
from the African cheap labourer was enormous, and was the basis of the human
labour required for the development of their cities. In Istanbul , Turkey Istanbul
The employer under colonialism paid an extremely small wage – a wage
usually insufficient to keep the worker physically alive – and, therefore, he
had to grow food to survive. The exploitation of land and labour was essential
for human social advance, From an African view-point, which amounted to
consistent expatriation of surplus produced by African labour out of African
resources. It meant the development of Europe
as part of the same dialectical process in which Africa
was underdeveloped. The most pathetic of this development is that much more
after feudalism in Europe had ended; the
worker had absolutely no means of sustenance other than through the sale of his
labour to capitalists. This continued over years. Therefore, to some extent the
employer was responsible for ensuring the physical survival of the worker by
giving him a ‘living wage’.
In today’s Africa , there seems to
be leverage above what it used to be. A Nigerian architect (Arc Femi Majekodunmi)
holds a record of being able to rise to the topmost position as the president
of the International Union of Architects (UIA), as a number one architect in
the world. He also doubled as the first Secretary of AUA in 1981. Another
architect (Arc Wale Odeleye) also rose to the number one position as the
president of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA ). As well as Arc Charles Majoroh, One can not
possibly appreciate such a dignity that surrounds such positions until
privileged to attend one of the triennial World congresses on Architecture. All
these are laudable accomplishment in the field of architecture. Having gone
through a measure of inhuman treatment under the colonial tutelage, there is
the phobia that any further attempt to embrace the CAA
validation agenda would further humiliate the profession in Nigeria
It is the general belief that African integrity would further be
soiled in such an alignment. Finally the school of thought concludes that once
a national accreditation body (example NIA) is recognised the entire accredited
schools of architecture under its jurisdiction should be validated.
Conclusion:
This paper concludes that there should be no fear where no fear
exists. A visit to a number of Schools of Architecture in the United Kingdom
especially, Cambridge School of Architecture, reveals that there is virtually
no special standard that could not be easily attained by a moderately organised
school of architecture in Nigeria. Cambridge UK Nigeria
References
1
Aina , O.
O. (2005) Colonisation, Globalisation and the Nigerian Built Environment, in
Fadare, Wale et al (ed) Globalisation, Culture and the Nigerian built
Environment, Ile-Ife, Obafemi Awolowo University Vol. II, pp 2-5.
2
Amin,
Samir, 2001 Imperialism and Globalisation talk delivered at the World
Social Forum meeting in Porto Alegre ,
Brazil
3
Daramola
S. Adedeji, Alagbe, Wole, Aduwo, Bridgette (2005) Globalisation and
Architectural Education in Fadare, O. et al (2005) Globalisation, Culture and
the Nigerian Built Environment, Faculty of Environmental Design and Management,
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Vol. II pp 65-69.
- Odeleye, W (1991) Address by
- Rodney, W (1973) How Europe Underdeveloped Africa Bogle-L'Ouverture Publications, London and Tanzanian Publishing House, Dar-Es-Salaam 1973, Transcript from 6th reprint, 1983
- Russell V. Keune, (2004) Wider Applicability of the Accountancy Disciplines?)
Applicability of the accountancy
disciplines to other professional services, World Trade Organization,
Geneva
5. Etok-Akpan, V. R (1981) African Union of Architects Launched, in Nigerian Institute of
Architects Journal (NIAJ) November.
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