Student: Lilian Atunzu, NewSchool of Architecture and Design Master of Architecture program. Class of 2013.
Thesis Title: 7re-Define the Human Experience. Within the Concrete Jungle of Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria
Thesis Advisor: Mitra Kanaani and Dan Manlongat
Rendering Credit: Lilian Atunzu/NSAD

Thesis Summary: The goal of this thesis is to demonstrate how architectural design can create a more integrated, economically-dynamic society while increasing quality of life in regards to health, safety, density, and climatic issues.  These concepts are explored through the proposed designs for urban developments in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria. In order to resolve the growing disparity of housing in relation to population overgrowth, this thesis focuses primarily on designing vertical residential communities that create a space to work and play. The urban design also encourages locals to embrace waste management strategies and supports the concept of “less is more” while supporting the idea of community. Ultimately, the building vocabulary creates a sense of pride for the people of Nigeria, becoming the prototype for sustainability and efficiency. Well-planned communities such as the one proposed here also allow for better access from neighboring towns, resulting in the stimulation of the informal economic sector and the general well-being of life. 

See more: Work produced by graduating students from NewSchool of Architecture and Design, located in San Diego, will be displayed at the NSAD Student Thesis Exposition on June 21, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The school is located at 1249 F Street, San Diego, Calif. 92101. The event is free and open to the public. Contact PR Manager Anna Cearley for more information: acearley@newschoolarch.edu

About NewSchool of Architecture and Design
NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD), founded in 1980, is located in San Diego, California. For the past two years, DesignIntelligence has ranked NSAD among the top 10 undergraduate architecture schools in the western United States in its publication “America’s Best Architecture & Design Schools.” NSAD is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. NSAD’s Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Executive Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). NSAD also offers a pre-professional Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, along with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, a Master of Construction Management and a Master of Science in Architecture. The school’s expanding global design education offerings include a new Bachelor of Interior Design program available in 2013–2014. For more information, visit www.NewSchoolArch.edu.