₦airaland Forum

Beaf:
Mandela is a very old man. He did his bomb making to fight for freedom as a young man. Let the man rest. Wetin!

I seriously agree, the author of this thread is trying to spark a flame in a middle of a hail storm. He is a symbol for peace in the world(He did more than the few things you mentioned), he did his part and that is that so what more do you want. Let him rest besides he is too old to take in modern day politics. However the person you should question is Mbeki.

My point is, a poor/rich guy doesnt care what sort of architectural backround it is all he see is a building. When he walks in a neighborhood that has buildings like Lavez houses(trust me there is are alot in america) he wouldnt even tell the difference between the previous and the next. So whats the use of looking at your building if it is done before.
If you look at the Minnesota Stadium, a random guy would probably think its a 'government building' because of its historic reference in the aesthetics of the building.(It is the type of buildings that adds to the depression of the society), where as buildings like Allianz Arena, Birds nest(By the way its called Contemporary Architecture) etc. are good to marvel at because they are aesthetically pleasing to look at also are innovative (in terms of their technical solutions) and not been done before.(in tern the entire society has pride for that structure)
Architects should remember that they are not only designing buildings but are designing an environment, and should step away from there own point of view(like Larez definitions) and start taking users and non-users into consideration. Imagine putting a contemporary house in a neighborhood full of Larez's houses, people start to appreciate that house because of its difference and the users feel comfort because it is designed according to there needs.
A piece of advise, Modern Architecture refers to the 1960 Architecture(le Corbusier, minimalist etc) and Allianz, Birds nest and Valencia stadiums are examples of Contemporary Architecture
And Im waiting for you(Larez) to show me your awards and articles.

Nadal, plays good attractive tennis and plays with passion

Yoruba - I could only find ONE book on Nigerian architecture in my university library, and that was written in the 1940s (if I remember correctly) and it was written by an englishman who wanted to discuss the differences between architecture of the different tribes at the time. As for contemporary architecture, I'm not sure if I'll find anything on Amazon (I've searched. . nothing I could order).

I have the same problem, when I search contemporary buildings in the world in Africa I only get South African Buildings and Architects.

To show you how much Americans are lagging behind in Architecture, notice this is just a simple example.
The first Stadium is for the University of Minnesotta, 70 000 capacity.
The Second stadium is for Valencia fc, 60 000 capacity.
You probably thinking why should I compare a university stadium and a football club, you will notice that the university stadium is alot expensive than the Valencia stadium(The stadium cost for this stadium is cheaper than expected). I could have shown you other stadiums and buildings done in America(even recent) and compare it with the rest of the world but this is just an example.(Even South Africa 2010 football stadiums look alot better than Americas newly built stadiums).

@Larez

This is to show you, you have no clue what talking about I'd like you to read through my post:

Beautiful homes but they contradict your post where you stated the importance of architecture relevant to our history and country.

I highly agree, at least someone notice that and among other things.

reading through your posts confirms how clueless you are. Nothing you can ever come up with can be as thermally efficient as any of my designs. If you had any idea, you will realize that purity of design rarely has anything to do with recent technological applications. The R-ratings of the walls in every building I design are still high up there with the applications of today's technology. The windows are double insulated with some of them including trapped argon gas.

Again you are proving to me a point, all you are stating is technical specifications and Ive said nothing regarding to the architectural technology you've placed in, that is not Architectural theory(you still cannot tell the difference)
As I said, you one of those old architects who doesnt know how to be innovative and hence if you study architecture at any top university in the world(yet alone in SA) you wouldnt even make through first year with those sort of buildings.
I would like to read articles about your buildings and see your Architectural Awards(seriously). And I beg you please sir, show me your innovations in your buildings(you copy and paste and call it stylish?).

Innovation does not equate to marketability. maybe you should learn the difference. A successful design is relative to the existing target market.

Hmmmm, thats why you copy and paste and say it is innovative.

For some reason, I knew I was gonna bump into people like larez, old Architects who are non-innovative designers, I could go on the whole day but probably you wouldnt understand because you were taught historic architecture as a principle of design and they dont know the meaning of contemporary

It's about a lifestyle that you would obviously never understand

and I am sure you would understand(give me a break)

You speak about Tuscan with no idea that it evolved from a Mediterranean style popular in historical Tuscany which is a place that exists until today, and has a historical column proportional sytem from the classics.

I have studied History and Appreciation of Architecture(Just so that I should let you know and I know it is tuscan is Mediterranean), with regards to tuscan in South Africa, my point is tuscan doesnt fit into the South African climate conditions(creating alot of waterproofing problems regardless of waterproofing technology being placed) so tuscan is not a good solution for SA.  

Reading through your post again, I can see that you are indeed unenlightened, and would rather throw out cliches rather than focus on study

You highly doent understand what is the difference between Architectural theory and Architectural history. Do you understand Architectural theory(i.e site analysis, use of materials, designing contemporary architecture to suit the clients every day needs and so on)

Transitions of forms and how they connect are still basics in Architecture. Orientation and considerations of Negative space exploration of forms are still basics of Architecture.

Architecture is forever evolving, let me say it again evolving none of your buildings are energy efficient(Green Architecture is now the in-thing)

Talent is mostly showcased in Residential design than in commercial properties which have a range of scopes for consideration

What talent are you showing when you do redundant buildings like yours?

My Clientele and Multiple awards (always first place) of my designs in competitions in America bear me witness and not just talking Architectural jargon

Hmmm please I'd like you to show me.

Contemporary Architecture that is practised in South Africa is called Southern African Architecture(Not venacular, contemporary , based on good site analysis, choice of materials, good understanding of clients needs and reflective to its surroundings also highly stylish.

@Larez
I think your buildings are all crap(just a personal opinion) and shows typical american residential homes.
You take a pre-designed style(i.e English Todor / French Manor style, Early American, Classical French Country etc) and you build from there(Its like you havent designed anything kinda like copy n paste) those are the sort of buildings that makes architecture all boring(because they have been done before i.e templates).  
What happened to doing a proper site analysis, use of materials, designing contemporary architecture to suit the clients every day needs. Designers all across the world know that most Americans do not understand style. Good examples of contemporary residential architecture is Australian Sandcastles, Japanese, Swiss, European architecture which they have left post-modern architecture(like yours) a long time ago.
Im currently in South Africa, where there is alot of tuscan houses being built, but the few architects designing contemporary buildings that suits there needs(clients) are very successful and making alot of money.  
Architects like you make the environment look crap because of the redundancy in the buildings and I have no respect for buildings. (sorry thats how I feel)
Nowadays Architecture is moving away from your style and I think you will be left behind.

conducting free and fair election alone cannot make Ghana better than us, after all Nigeria have had free and fair election in 1966 and 1983.

South Africa is the only country in africa to have free and fair elections four times consecutively in 15 years, with 4 different presidents and peaceful transition of power. Does that answer your question?

Archicad/Art*lantis Studio

I guess I was underestimating the power of Archicad, those 3d's are very good!

kuramo:
Is Ghana a Giant of Africa ?

Let's look at the facts,

In terms of the relative strength of the economies of Ghana, Nigeria,Egypt and South Africa.

South Africa has the most robust economy on the African continent and Ghana has the weakest ( smallest ) amongst these four countries.

The Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) which represents the market value of all final goods and services in a given year shows that in 2008,

South Africa's GDP was  $ 277,188 Million ( 277.188 Billion USD )
Nigeria's GDP  =  $ 214,403 Million ( 214.403 Billion USD )
Egypt's  GDP =  $ 162,164 Million ( 162.164 Billion USD )
Ghana's GDP =  $ 16,124 Million  (  16.124 Billion USD )

This clearly shows that Nigeria has the second largest economy in Africa and it terms of growth potential, one needs to take into account the population figures.

Nigeria's population is estimated at 148,235,170 ( roughly 150 Million ) , Ghana has only about 30 Million whereas Egypt has about 76 Million.

I believe these facts should speak for themselves in answering the question about which country is the true giant of Africa.  Ghana is a darling of a lot of European countries because
they like the fact that Ghana( in a lot of instances) is a charity case, Ghana is a top recipient of overseas aid from Europe and the US.  

Nigerians should worry more about growing our own economy instead of discussing Ghana.
Our true goals should be how to overtake the South African economy and that is where the challenge lies.

Thats when I disagree, the fact is Angola is the fastest growing economy in africa(6th in the world) and at the rate they're going, they will take over South Africa By 2035.
Angola is Africa's potential Giant and South Africa is Africa's current Giant, end of topic.

In my opinion, Egypt(North Africa) was the most powerful region in the ancient times, Ghana(West Africa) was the most powerful region in the medieval ages, Ethiopia(East Africa) was the most powerful country in the colonial days, South Africa is now the powerful country in all of africa

@Topic
What amazes me is, in Southern Africa is the most politically and economically stable area in Sub-Saharan Africa(except Zim) with efficient government (i.e botswana, namibia, some areas in SA) but nobody over there cares whether he is coming there or not and it does mean the area is a disaster.

Here is some interiors and the final presentation(done on Photoshop)
Hope u like them

mahal:
The combination of Sketch up and V-ray?

This is simple project that I did on sketchup and v-ray

adconline:
Anglo gold was the first African company to be on new york stock exchange by Sam jonah of Ghana.

(needs a citation)
I dont know where you get your facts from but Anglo Gold is a South African Company.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AngloGold_Ashanti

To my opinion, Johannesburg will become africa's New York and Cairo will be Africa's London

Johannesburg stock exchange is by far the largest in Africa with a market capitalization volume $280 billion

Indeed it is true, the JSE is planning to create a pan-African exchange by initially enabling investors to trade in shares from Ghana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Later it will expand this across the rest of Africa.
source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JSE_Securities_Exchange

Nigeria has been rated among countries that be in the G20 thats why the government started the vision 2020 by OBJ.
We are the best on this continent,we have a very very solid economy

Without Nigeria there is no black africa. Sadly while these false assertions may frightened away potential investors and foreign visitors from Nigeria the bright side of it may be that the rich cultural heritage will remain undiluted for longer. We'll remain Africa’s best kept secrete

As they say, empty cans makes the loudest noise.

Nigera is a potential Giant but whether we will ever take that word Potential out of the word Giant is a matter for posterity or a sudden realisation from our leaders that we should change our ways, the latter I am skepitical about but the former we live with, with the hope that it will be better sometime tommorrow when and what time is anyone's guess

A country that has the true potential to become Africa's Giant is Angola. Angola is one the fastest growing economies of the world(based on growth rate), read for yourself:

1. Angola

GDP Growth Rate (%): 16.30 Global Rank: 4
One of the fastest growing economies in the world, Angola's high growth rate is driven by its oil sector, with record oil prices and rising petroleum production. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons has led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Angola is currently rebuilding the country's infrastructure, which is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war, with lines of credit from China, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU. Corruption, especially in the extractive sectors, and the negative effects of large inflows of foreign exchange, are major challenges facing Angola.
2. Sudan

GDP Growth Rate (%): 12.80 Global Rank: 6
Sudan's economy is blooming on the back of increases in oil production, high oil prices, and large inflows of foreign direct investment. GDP growth registered more than 10% per year in 2006 and 2007. The Darfur conflict, the aftermath of two decades of civil war in the south, the lack of basic infrastructure in large areas, and a reliance by much of the population on subsistence agriculture remain major challenges to the country.
3. Equatorial Guinea

GDP Growth Rate (%): 12.70 Global Rank: 7
The discovery and exploitation of large oil reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth in recent years and Equatorial Guinea now has the fourth highest per capita income in the world, after Luxembourg, Bermuda, and Jersey. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. A dominant subsistence farming culture, underdeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold as some of the key issues facing the economy. Other key issues include the distribution of wealth and corruption as government officials and their family members own most of the businesses.
4. Ethiopia

GDP Growth Rate (%): 9.80 Global Rank: 14
Ethiopia's poverty-stricken economy is based on agriculture, accounting for almost half of GDP, 60% of exports, and 80% of total employment. The agricultural sector suffers from frequent drought and poor cultivation practices. Drought and Ethiopia's land laws, the state owns all land and provides long-term leases to the tenants, continue to hamper growth. The drought which struck late in 2002 led to a 3.3% decline in GDP in 2003 but normal weather patterns helped agricultural and GDP growth recover during 2004-07.
5. Liberia

GDP Growth Rate (%): 8.50 Global Rank: 20
Civil war and government mismanagement destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around the capital, Monrovia. However since the conclusion of fighting, steps have been to reduce corruption, build support from international donors, and encourage private investment. Embargos on timber and diamond exports have been lifted, opening new sources of revenue for the government.
6. Mozambique

GDP Growth Rate (%): 7.50 Global Rank: 34
Since embarking on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy in the late 1980s and achieving political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, Mozambique has had dramatic improvements in the its growth rate. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains, Mozambique remains dependent upon foreign assistance for much of its annual budget, and the majority of the population remains below the poverty line. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt has been reduced through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives, and is now at a manageable level.
7. Egypt

GDP Growth Rate (%): 7.20 Global Rank: 39
In 2005, the Egyptian government reduced personal and corporate tax rates, reduced energy subsidies, and privatized several enterprises. This led to a boom in the stock market, an increase in direct foreign investment and GDP grew about 5% per year in 2005-06, and topped 7% in 2007. Despite these achievements, the government has failed to raise living standards for the average Egyptian, and has had to continue providing subsidies for basic necessities. The subsidies have contributed to a sizeable budget deficit - roughly 7.5% of GDP in 2007 - and represent a significant drain on the economy. However, Egypt's export sectors - particularly natural gas - have bright prospects.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo

GDP Growth Rate (%): 7.00 Global Rank: 40
The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is slowly recovering from two decades of decline. The government reopened relations with international financial institutions and international donors, and has begun implementing reforms, although progress is slow. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of most export income, boosted the government's fiscal position and GDP growth. Government reforms and improved security may lead to increased government revenues, outside budget assistance, and foreign direct investment, although an uncertain legal framework, corruption, and a lack of transparency in government policy are continuing long-term problems.
9. Cape Verde

GDP Growth Rate (%): 7.00 Global Rank: 41
This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for about three-fourths of GDP. In 2007 the United Nations graduated Cape Verde from the category of Least Developed Countries, only the second time this has happened to a country.
10. Gambia

GDP Growth Rate (%): 7.00 Global Rank: 42
Gambia has no confirmed mineral or natural resource deposits and has a limited agricultural base. Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain extremely high with small-scale manufacturing activity featuring the processing of peanuts, fish, and hide.
source: http://www.clickafrique.com/Magazine/ST014/CP0000002790.aspx

The 6th largest Telecom company in South Africa invested in Nigeria, the money they made just after 2 years was more than they made in South Africa in 10 years.

Sorry, I meant where did you get your info?

The 6th largest Telecom company in South Africa invested in Nigeria, the money they made just after 2 years was more than they made in South Africa in 10 years.

Where did you your info?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failed_state
If you go through this site, it shows that SA was the last african country to be under 'moderate state', I hope that should answer your question.

Sam Milla:
Election. It is called the process of chosing the leader .

IN GHANA, You never hear them making noises.
The last time i checked, The SA presient resigned.
Zuma te current one was dragged to court many times.

E.T.C.

IN GHANA.

you dont hear them making noises

Ofcourse, SA election was a one way election but it was free, fare and peaceful

The last time i checked, The SA presient resigned

You dont even understand the circumstances in which he resigned but yet you judge, he was forced to resign by his own party and there was a peaceful transition of power.

Zuma te current one was dragged to court many times

Is the prosecution of a particular person affects the stability of the entire country?
What is your definition of Stability because personnally i would say that Botswana is the most stable country and because SA(even though it has high crime) has more laws(the laws of SA are considered to be comparable to conservative first world countries) than any other african country I would say Ghana is no different to SA.

Its obvious, SA is the Giant of Africa.
SA's economy is the most diverse economy in africa(Apart from the the fact that it is big and comparable to Developed countries) .
Permanent member of the G8+5(SA doesnt need invites).
Former member of the UN security council.
and the list goes on,
The fact is, in terms of business, politics, infrastructure etc. you would hear more things from SA than the entire Africa.
SA is the Giant of africa whether you like it or not.

Sam Milla:
Economically , South Africa leads.

Ghana is more stable though.

Nigeria is the giant in Population and Corruption/embezzlement

What makes Ghana more stable than SA?

malaika:
okay Mukina somehow this seems to be the best answer for you becoz u sound like a broken record already, vuvusela, xenophobia, vuvusela, xenophobia, at least be creative while you're at it and by the way you sound way more xenophobic than any south african I know

I heard that the stadium builders are on strike, apparently in Cape Town they have turned violent. Its the violent nature of the poor class that Im afraid of, because seemingly violence is everywhere whenever they strike ie. xenophobic strikes last year, taxi drivers strike, service delivery strikes in poor areas etc. Violence is a common thing in SA since the 1980s which is why I dont wanna be another statistic in their victim list.

mahal:
How flexible is Sketch up??, it's a good thing it's compatible with Vray.
What's graphisoft waiting for? haven't they heard bout Vray?

Sketchup is very easy, I say it is flexible in terms of presentations, components, materials and export/imports.
You can download it for free on Google.

I must admit it is very technical but there is some tutorials in the net that you can download and they have helped me alot.
As I said, Ive tried Revit but Im a huge fan of Autocad 2d and Im not willing to let go.

Fredique:
It depends, I use all three. You ommitted Revit Architecture, which in my opinion is the 'end of discussion' in the autodesk family. Archicad is also as good as revit, but I use more of autodesk products.

Unlike AutoCAD which is a CAD software, ArchiCAD and Revit Architecture are BIM softwares (BIM means Building Information modelling). BIM should be your best bet since in the final analysis you would want make your life easier and generate architectural drawings, schedule and rendering automatically from a building model.

Ive used Revit for a short while but I thought in terms of precision especially when doing details (i.e spiral staircase, ramps, customized design)BIM softwares arent as flexible and precise as Autocad 2d but generally I think BIM software gets the job done alot faster. For 3Ds I use sketchup and render the model with Vray. What I like about sketchup is, it is quick and easy and there is alot of plugins that you can add to make the model look photo realist(but at the moment Im currently learning 3Dmax).