Oworonshoki Local Building Code Project

Lagos, Nigeria

1st workshop March 2023

Photo © FABULOUS URBAN

1st workshop March 2023

Photo © FABULOUS URBAN

Urban Developments

Architects: FABULOUS URBAN

Location: Oworonshoki Community, Lagos, Nigeria
Year: 2023
Client: Oworonshoki Women's Group on Housing
Team: Aro Ismaila, Fabienne Hoelzel
Partner organiization: Heinrich Böll Foundation Abuja

This Oworonshoki Local Building Code Project aims at building on the successes of the 2022 Fair Shared City Approach to Urban Community Development. Oworonshoki, Lagos.

Through the Fair Shared City Approach, women were able to recognize their activities – such as providing water, collective care work, etc. – as important contributions to urban development, whilst their families and neighbors accepted that they gradually will assume leading roles in the community.

The 2023 Oworonshoki Local Building Code Project will focus on developing a local “Construction and Building Code”, expected to regulate the building design and construction in the community. It is based on the 2022 recommendations of the women’s group on housing who complaine that many of their houses, whether built with cement or wood, often collapse during raining season due to indiscriminate and unauthorized extension of existing houses and/or the substandard quality of materials, used by the local construction industry. Considering that the construction industry (and also the majority of house owners) is male-dominated, diligent and reflective strategies need to be applied by the working group to keep the women in the drivers’ seat of this initiative. Obstructions due to cultural reluctances are expected and will need to be moderated. Where possible, female landlords and land owners will be encouraged to take the lead.