Ahmadu Bello University Theater and New Abuja Gate City
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
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
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
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
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
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. |
