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Turning of the Sod Event for the Circular Glass Innovation Hub at UNILAG
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A team from Studio Elementals was at the official Turning of the Sod for the Circular Glass Innovation Hub project, the first of several United Nations International Year of Glass Legacy Projects, including a Glass Research Center and Glass Laboratory.
The Turning of the SOD event for the Circular Glass Innovation Hub took place at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos, and was aimed at enhancing the support for national research and innovation among Nigerian Universities through Circular Glass Innovation Hubs.
Studio Elementals director Stefanie Adisa Theuretzbacher gave a keynote speech highlighting the importance of the objectives of the University, affirming the hub would be the first of its kind both in Lagos and in Nigeria.
During the keynote speech, the concept of innovation was explored, emphasizing its transformation from idea to practical reality, its role in introducing change, and its embodiment in buildings. Studio Elementals presented their past projects and activities, delving into how innovation can be integrated into architectural design.
The design concept for the Glass Innovation Hub at the University of Lagos was discussed, focusing on its multi-functional rooms for innovative thinking, meeting rooms, rooftop terrace for urban farming and events, incorporation of solar panels, utility/technical space, and storage. The building will be conceived to embody green building principles, be energy independent/off-grid, serve as a living lab, provide innovative learning spaces, and explore the use of glass as a building material within the climatic context of Lagos, thereby differentiating it from other buildings.
The program commenced with an address by the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Modupe Omirin, followed by welcoming remarks from Arc. Adeolu Okulaja, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Arcline Beehive Design Foundation. During the event, Arcline Beehive Design Foundation announced their decision to appoint Studio Elementals as the architectural firm responsible for designing the Glass Innovation Center, the Glass Innovation and Research Center, and the Glass Innovation Laboratory at the University of Lagos.
The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, followed by the keynote address by Stefanie Adisa Theuretzbacher. The event also included goodwill messages from the Green Building Council of Nigeria, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and The Nigerian Institute of Architects.
One of the highlights of the event was the Turning of the Sod ceremony at the site of the Glass Innovation Centre, where the first block of the building were laid symbolically.
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Photos By: Deji Adejuyigbe, @deji_visuals
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