Architect Kunlé Adeyemi:Growing Tides and Growing Minds, Chronicles of the Floating School in Makoko

Background
Over the past five decades, rapid urbanization has emerged as one of the most significant socioeconomic transformations worldwide. This phenomenon has introduced a host of challenges, with urban sprawl being a primary concern driven by rural-to-urban migration. As a consequence, new types of slums and informal settlements have proliferated. According to UN-Habitat's 2013 estimates, more than two billion people resided in urban areas within developing countries. In regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, 70% of the urban populations are dwelling in slums or informal settlements. Dealing with these challenges entails addressing issues like the provision of essential services such as basic primary education, infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and overall enhancement of environmental quality in slum areas, which have become pressing concerns for these authorities (Mitlin, 2019).
Slum or informal settlements are often refered to as 'ghettos' in the United States of America, 'favela' in Brazil, 'shantytowns' in Scottish Gaelic, 'squatters' in Australia and Makoko in Nigeria.

Makoko Slum Community
Makoko is a slum neighborhood located in Lagos, Nigeria, situated on the waterfront of the Lagos Lagoon. It is characterized by its unique architectural landscape of stilt houses built over the water, giving it the nickname "Venice of Africa" or "Floating Community." The settlement is densely populated, with estimates ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand residents, making it one of the largest slums in Nigeria. The community primarily consists of wooden structures, often constructed haphazardly, and lacks basic amenities such as proper sanitation, clean water, adequate waste management systems and education facilities such as primary and secondary schools. Many residents make a living through fishing and trading, relying on the water for their livelihoods.
Despite its vibrant cultural heritage and resilience, Makoko faces numerous challenges, including poverty, overcrowding and inadequate access to essential services. The area is prone to flooding, posing significant risks to residents, especially during the rainy season and in times of high tide.
Makoko has attracted attention from policymakers, urban planners, and humanitarian organizations due to its precarious living conditions and the need for sustainable development interventions. Efforts to improve living standards in Makoko have included initiatives focused on housing upgrades, sanitation improvements, educational opportunities, and community empowerment.

Associated Social Problems Of Basic Education In Makoko
In Makoko, a number of associated social problems related to basic primary and secondary education exist due to the challenging living conditions and limited access to resources. Some of these issues include:

1.Limited Access to Schools: Many children in Makoko face barriers to accessing formal education due to the lack of nearby schools or the inability to afford transportation to schools located outside the community. This results in a significant portion of the population being unable to enroll their children in primary and secondary education.
2.Overcrowded Classrooms: Schools that do exist within Makoko often struggle with overcrowded classrooms, making it difficult for teachers to provide individual attention to students. This overcrowding can hinder the quality of education and limit the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
3.Poor Infrastructure: Schools in Makoko typically lack basic infrastructure such as adequate classrooms, desks, chairs, and educational materials. The buildings may be poorly constructed or in a state of disrepair, posing safety risks to students and teachers.
4.High Dropout Rates: Many students in Makoko face challenges that contribute to high dropout rates, including poverty, family responsibilities, and the need to contribute to household income. Without adequate support systems in place, students may be forced to leave school prematurely, limiting their future opportunities.

Growing Tides, Growing Minds.
In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, Architect Kunlé Adeyemi embarked on a groundbreaking project that not only addressed the pressing issues of climate change and urbanization but also transformed the lives of the community members: the Makoko Floating School Project. Adeyemi, a Nigerian-born architect, is renowned for his innovative and sustainable designs that respond to the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in Africa. The Floating School project, completed in 2013, exemplifies his commitment to addressing urban issues with creativity and ingenuity.
At its core, the Floating School is a three-story structure built atop a floating platform, designed to provide a safe and adaptable learning environment for the children of Makoko. With rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns exacerbating the challenges faced by the community, Adeyemi saw an opportunity to create a solution that not only mitigated the impact of climate change but also empowered the residents.
One of the key features of the Floating School is its flexibility. Designed to withstand the fluctuations of the water levels and the harsh elements, the structure adapts to its environment, rising and falling with the tide. This adaptability not only ensures the safety of the students but also serves as a resilient model for sustainable architecture in flood-prone areas. Beyond its architectural innovation, the Floating School serves as a beacon of hope for the community of Makoko. By providing a modern and functional space for education, Adeyemi aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. However, the journey of the Floating School has not been without its challenges. In 2016, a devastating storm damaged the structure, highlighting the vulnerability of informal settlements in the face of climate change. Yet, Adeyemi remained undeterred, viewing the setback as an opportunity to improve and refine the design.

Collapse Of The Floating School
the Makoko floating school collapsed just seven months after its official opening. Built on a platform supported by plastic barrels, the school succumbed to heavy rains, though fortunately, none of its nearly 50 pupils were present during the collapse. Due to ongoing issues with the rainy season affecting classes, lessons had already been relocated to another site in late March. The collapse affected surrounding houses as well.
Building collapses are a common problem in Nigeria due to poor materials and lax enforcement of regulations. Designed to adapt to changing water levels and withstand storms, the school's architect mentioned plans to upgrade and rebuild an improved version. Makoko, initially a fishing village, faces threats from climate change and urbanization. Despite its short lifespan, the school had been operational for over a year before its official opening in November 2015 and played a crucial role in providing education to children in the area, who often traveled to it by canoe.

Rebuilding the Floating School 2.0
In the wake of the storm, Adeyemi and his team launched the Makoko Floating School 2.0, an updated version of the original structure that incorporates lessons learned from the past and integrates new technologies to enhance its resilience and sustainability. With the support of local authorities and international partners, the project continues to evolve, serving as a model for innovative solutions to the complex challenges of urbanization and climate change.

The story of the Floating School in Makoko is a testament to the transformative power of architecture. Through his visionary design and unwavering dedication, Kunlé Adeyemi has not only reshaped the skyline of Lagos but also inspired a new generation of architects and urban planners to think creatively about the future of our cities. As the world grapples with the urgent realities of climate change and rapid urbanization, the Floating School stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us that with innovation and collaboration, we can build a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. However, the future of Makoko remains uncertain, as debates persist over issues such as land tenure, urban planning, and gentrification. Balancing the preservation of Makoko's cultural heritage with the need for sustainable development and improved living conditions remains a complex and ongoing challenge for stakeholders involved in the area's transformation.

References
UN-Habitat, (2013). The Challenges of Slums. Global Report on Human Settlements.
Earthscan Publications Ltd. London.

Mitlin D. (2019). The Economic and Social Processes Influencing the Level and
Nature of Chronic Poverty in Urban Areas: Chronic Poverty Research Centre Working Paper No 29.

Aderogba, K. A. (2012). Qualitative studies of recent floods and sustainable growth and development of cities and towns in Nigeria. International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences, 1(3), 1-25.

Gilbert, K. M., & Shi, Y. (2023). Slums evolution and sustainable urban growth: A comparative study of Makoko and Badia-east areas in Lagos City. Sustainability, 15(19), 14353.