UPDC finally selects winners of 30-storey design competition

After a keen competition to get world-class architectural design for its proposed real estate project, the UACN Property Development Company Plc (UPDC) has eventually selected two firms for its ‘One Prime’ project, to be located within the neighbourhood of Ikoyi, Lagos State.

The selection of the duo, James Cubitt and Design Group, emerged after the developer recently organised a pitch to engage an internationally recognized Master Planning / Design Company that will undertake master planning and preliminary conceptual design work for its new project – a high‐end mixed use development.

According to UPDC, the architects invited for the pitch were chosen with the objective of working with local architects based in Nigeria, who are capable of creating and delivering the architectural designs to the high standards expected by their customers.

With the two architectural firms on board, UPDC says it is on the verge of unlocking the potentials in one of its assets in Ikoyi, Lagos.

One Prime is a mixed-use development comprising of retail mall, hotel, offices and residences. The development will include a tower of about 30 floors. The project site is located on land size of about three hectares along Alfred Rewane Road/Aromire/ Thompson Roads, in the affluent Ikoyi neighbourhood of Lagos.

Justifying the choice of the location, UPDC said: “This area of Lagos has some of the most valuable real estate in Africa and the location provides for a potential high-end landmark signature development.”

On the selected firms, real estate development firm said: “Two renowned architectural firms: submitted good quality design proposals during the hotly contested pitch, which was held in September 2014.

A team of seasoned professionals with significant real estate experience did evaluation of the presentations. The team subsequently agreed that both firms of architects should collaborate on the project.”

The firm says, it will work with the two architectural firms to deliver a stunning edifice, which will change the face of ikoyi and also re-affirm its position as a leader in the Nigerian real estate industry.

One of the winners, James Cubitt Architects (JCA) was established in Brisbane, Australia in 1986 and has successfully delivered projects throughout Queensland, Nationally and Internationally. The practice is independently owned, however, retains ties with James Cubitt offices in the UK, Nigeria, Dubai and Ghana.

It is recognised for providing innovative, sustainable design based on exceeding client expectations for each project. A rigorous design approach is applied to all projects, placing great importance on the context in which buildings are located, the way buildings function, how they are made, and the spaces they create.

Through its long established partnership with Government and University clients the practice has a strong quality management system (ISO 9001:2008) that is independently audited annually. JCA values its position in the design and delivery of the built environment and continues to forge a strong reputation within the construction Industry.

This item originally featured on Guardian news