On Friday, November 10th 2017, the International Federation of Interior Architects (IFI) commenced its congress at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The 3-day event, themed “World Class Design in Regional Market: Interior Architecture/Design into the Future”, which ended on 12th of November 2017, had over 200 participants from across the globe.

One of the highlights of the Congress was the “Defining Design Excellence for Identity Distinction” session facilitated by Kunle Adeyemi and David Adjaye.

In this session, Adjaye chronicled Nigeria’s pre- and post-colonial architectural phase with special emphasis on the landscapes of over 50 nations in Africa where he had been privileged to tour and offer services.

“It has been great to be here in Lagos, Nigeria for the IFI Congress. In any given craft, it always seems tough at the beginning but forward planning is crucial. Like a boat launching from the shore, always point yourself and craft in the right direction and stay true to your direction because how you start off determines your endpoint,” Adjaye said while speaking about his works and how the coming generation can stand out in their given craft.

Some delegates were taken on a tour of several landmark places in Lagos such as Lagos Island business district (Broad Street), the National Arts Theatre Iganmu, the National Stadium Surulere, Kalakuta Museum Ikeja, Nike Arts Gallery Lekki, Oniru beach and Terra Kulture.

In line with this year’s theme, the Congress embodied a panoramic view on the future of global art and design from various localized perspectives, especially in Asia and Africa.

Notable Speakers who were present at the event were: David Adjaye OBE- Principal, Adjaye Associates, Professor Alfredo Brillembourg – C0-Principal, Urban-Think Tank and Co-chair, Architecture and Urban Design, ETH, Professor Dr. Lou Yongqi – Dean, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Professor Dr. Carol Becker – Dean of Faculty and Professor of the Arts, Columbia University School of the Arts, Kunle Adeyemi – Principal/ Founder, NLE, Titi Ogufere – ACDF Exhibition Director and Design Pavillion Curator and the Executive Committee Member / Ex-Officio, IFI, and Demas Nwoko- Artist.

What you didn’t know about IFI

  • The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) is the global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects/Designers.
  • It was founded in 1963 as a non-governmental entity to expand the international network of professional Interior Architects/Designers.
  • IFI represents about a quarter million designers, educators and industry stakeholders in the international design community

Pictures from the event

L-R IDAN BOT Chairman Ekuah Abudu, IFI Past President Sebastiano Raneri, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Mr. Ikechukwu Enelamah, IDAN President Titi Ogufere and a Friend
IFI Delegates
L-R Iris Dunbar, IFI Past President Sebastiano Raneri Demas Nwoko and IFI President Steve Leung

Elsewhere on Ventures

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