Ahmadu Bello University Theater and New Abuja Gate City

By Asad Syrkett

Forward Thinking — In the 1960s, California architect Steven Ehrlich was a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, working for Morocco's Department of Urban Planning. After his service, Ehrlich traveled around the continent, living in Mali for a time and finally arriving in Zaria, Nigeria, to teach architecture at Ahmadu Bello University. In the mid-1970s he completed his first work on the continent, for the university, a clay-and-mud amphitheater that features bas-relief carvings in a traditional pattern.

Photo courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Forward Thinking — In 2009 Ehrlich won a competition to build the New Abuja Gate City, a 98-acre complex and symbolic entryway into the new Nigerian capital, Abuja. Commissioned by the government and designed to resemble a traditional bow harp, the gateway is meant to symbolize national unity. Its packed program includes a reception hall, children's zoo, gymnasium, and marketplace. It's not clear when construction will begin on the project.

Image courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Forward Thinking — New Abuja Gate City is a 98-acre complex and symbolic entryway into the new Nigerian capital, Abuja. Commissioned by the government and designed to resemble a traditional bow harp, the gateway is meant to symbolize national unity. Its packed program includes a reception hall, children's zoo, gymnasium, and marketplace. It's not clear when construction will begin on the project.

Image courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Forward Thinking — New Abuja Gate City is a 98-acre complex and symbolic entryway into the new Nigerian capital, Abuja. Commissioned by the government and designed to resemble a traditional bow harp, the gateway is meant to symbolize national unity. Its packed program includes a reception hall, children's zoo, gymnasium, and marketplace. It's not clear when construction will begin on the project.

Image courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Forward Thinking — New Abuja Gate City is a 98-acre complex and symbolic entryway into the new Nigerian capital, Abuja. Commissioned by the government and designed to resemble a traditional bow harp, the gateway is meant to symbolize national unity. Its packed program includes a reception hall, children's zoo, gymnasium, and marketplace. It's not clear when construction will begin on the project.

Image courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Forward Thinking — New Abuja Gate City is a 98-acre complex and symbolic entryway into the new Nigerian capital, Abuja. Commissioned by the government and designed to resemble a traditional bow harp, the gateway is meant to symbolize national unity. Its packed program includes a reception hall, children's zoo, gymnasium, and marketplace. It's not clear when construction will begin on the project.

Image courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Steven Ehrlich Architects

New Abuja Gate City is a 98-acre complex and symbolic entryway into the new Nigerian capital, Abuja. Commissioned by the government and designed to resemble a traditional bow harp, the gateway is meant to symbolize national unity. Its packed program includes a reception hall, children's zoo, gymnasium, and marketplace. It's not clear when construction will begin on the project.

Image courtesy Steven Ehrlich Architects

Ahmadu Bello University Theater. Click here to view more images.

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