Okolie Uchechukwu o
The Ijede Ferry Terminal
Thesis Project
Masters degree student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Department of Architecture

The proposed ferry terminal is located in Ijede a small sub-urban area located along the coastal plains of the Lagos Lagoon but far from the central business district of Lagos State. It is a traditional settlement of the awori people. Ijede is one of the prominent communities in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. It is the host community of a thermal power plant, the Egbin Power Station, the largest power station in West Africa, it can generate over 1,000 MW of power.

Due to the ferry terminal is part of a wider and integrated urban design experience, with a distinct poetic character that complements proximity to the Lagoon front while offering spectacular views of the Lagoon. The design depicts a synthesis of architecture, Landscape and engineering, beyond the normal sustainable designs, with an adaptable system that allows for diverse responses to the site and provides for prefabrication and economy of scale. providing a safe, secure and friendly community space with commercial integrations.
The ferry terminal is efficient and adaptive while fostering functional interactivity between major components of the site. The incorporates the sloped nature of the site, with a concept based on operational efficiency, safety and accessibility to all. The beauty of the design is its absence of complication combined with its clarity of function and richness of the socio-cultural experience.
The building is organized in three vertical levels. The ground floor contains the transit, administrative and operational areas. The second floor contains restaurants, a bank, shopping and a mini cinema while the top floor contains the halls. The building has a fibre cement cladding framework, which resist all kinds of weather conditions, and forms an intricate artistic network that improves the aesthetical quality of the building.
The ferry terminal is predominantly self sufficient in energy. Having been sculpted by the forces of nature, the building was designed by carefully calibrating the path of the sun and wind to allow it achieve outstanding energy performance and making it stand as an environmental model for public construction. The terminal integrated on the roof beds of solar cells, utilizes low embodied energy, maximizes both solar and storm protection and incorporates rainwater collection that flushes toilets and other auxiliary functions.