INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE

NEW ABUJA CITY GATE

JURY REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Sequel to the decision by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to relocate the Abuja
City Gate to a new site, an international architectural design competition was organized.
Pursuant to this, and in accordance with the rules guiding international design
competitions, the Authority selected a Jury of experienced persons through the various
professional bodies and international organizations. The Jury was inaugurated by the
Executive Secretary, FCDA on 3rd June, 2009.

The jury was given a period of two weeks from 29thJuly, 2009, the date of opening of the
bids, to adjudicate and report on the submissions. The jury concluded its assignment on
the 12th of August, 2009.

2.0 PRE –OPENING ACTIVITIES

The jury had its first meeting on the 15th June, 2009 to chart the course for its
assignment. The Jury selected its chairman, and commenced the setting up of
parameters for the assignment. The jury resolved to:

a.) Study the brief of requirements given to the contestants.

b.) Invite experts in finance, heritage and the theory and critic of architecture to
refresh its mind with the determinants for assessing a design.
c.) Visit the site.
d.) Develop a scoring criteria template.

2.1 Expert input

Prof. Bayo Amole of the Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University and
Dr. William Qurix of the Department of Architecture, Ahmadu Bello University were
invited to present papers on the criteria for assessment of an architectural design. Mr.

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Segun Awolowo, Secretary for Transport FCT, spoke on the transport network to and
from the site. Mr. Yusuf Abdallah Usman, representative of UNESCO, and also member
of the jury, presented a paper on Heritage and the Criteria for nomination to World
Heritage list. Another member of the Jury, Engr. Ikechukwu Chukwuneke presented a
paper on engineering considerations for assessing design quality which was well
received.

2.2 Scoring criteria

The jury developed scoring criteria, for use by its members in scoring the expected
submissions. The criteria covered the following components: compliance with brief,
concept, functionality, sustainability, aesthetics, expression, utility, heritage, structure,
bankability and special attributes.

3.0 RECEIPT OF SUBMISSIONS

Suggestions were made to the Competition Organizing Committee on the most

appropriate way to receive, handle and open the expected submissions. A secure
chamber was identified in the Department of Public Building of the Federal Capital
Development Authority (FCDA), and its door was modified to facilitate the dropping of
submissions by the contestants. The door of the chamber was double locked, with one
set of keys with the Procurement Department of the FCDA, and the other with the
Public Building Department.

The jury also designed a format for the recording of submitted entries when opened.
With these preparations, the stage was set for the day of closure of submissions.

4.0 OPENING OF THE ENTRIES

The deadline for the submission of entries was 12.00 noon of 29th July, 2009. In line
with the principle of transparency and in compliance with the requirements of the
Procurement Act of 2007, invitations were sent out by the Competition Organizing
Committee to stake-holders, media houses, NGOs and relevant government
functionaries to witness the opening of the entries. The event took place at the
Executive Hall of the International Conference Centre. Most invited guests were
seated by 11.00am, and by 11.30am the Competition Organizing Committee together
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with representatives of the FCDA Procurement Department, the Press and NGOs left
the Hall for the collection of the entries immediately the 12.00noon deadline was
reached.

Two submissions were found in the store, and brought to the venue under security
escort for opening. The two entries were then opened and recorded before the
audience. Thereafter, the Deputy Director, Capital Procurement, FCDA, handed over
the two opened entries to the Chairman of the Jury. The sealed identification
envelopes were retained by the Procurement Department until the winning entry is
announced.

5.0 THE ENTRIES

The two entries are coded 1313KJ and JO2009. Highlights of each of the submissions
are as follows:

5.1 Entry No. 1313KJ

Entry No. 1313KJ submitted the following:

- four (4) A1- size sheets,

- two (2) ring files containing the submission report.

- two (2) CDs, one covering the drawings laid out on the four boards, and the
other covering the contents of the submission report in the ring files.

The main feature of this submission, the portal gate, as described in the report, is
based on the concept of the “Landing Eagle”. The eagle is identified as the symbol of
unity and strength for Nigeria. The gate also symbolizes the Yoruba, the Fulani and the
Igbo ‘Igwe’ caps.

Some other features of the proposal are the tunnel and underground parking which
were created purposely to facilitate unimpeded movement of traffic on the
expressway as well as free the functional areas of major vehicular movement.

The observatory tower is to be a landmark, from which Abuja can be viewed, and it will
also be seen from the City. It is designed to host a revolving restaurant, and provide an
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observatory platform, while symbolizing the ‘Arewa Knot’ when viewed from the top.
It is also meant to provide security/surveillance station, and it carries solar panels as an
energy source. There is also a cable car access to the tower from a nearby hilltop.

Above the tunnel, coming from the airport, the VIP car park and the tower are linked
to the public grand stand by a ceremonial arcade. To the south of the arcade, are
located three geodesic domes, housing the reception block, shopping mall and a 5-star
hotel. To the north is the cultural arcade, consisting of three clusters of thirty six (36)
huts one for each state to establish its presence by exhibiting their art and craft. To
the extreme east, the public grand stand is linked to a cenotaph of ‘the unknown
soldier’ by pedestrian route.

The rest of the site is proposed for large expanse of gardens. The report proffers a
financial proposal and a cost estimate.

5.2 Entry No. JO2009

Entry No. JO2009 enclosed in its submission the following:

- four (4) copies of A1-size drawings.

- seven (7) copies of ring bonded project summary and financing.

- one (1) electronic copy of the entry on a CD.

In this submission, the fundamental feature of the proposal is the abstract concept
which leaves its interpretation to various schools of thought. The concept allows the
10-lane Airport Expressway to continue uninterrupted as planned, by placing the
activities on the northern and southern axis of the site, respectively, referred to as
‘formal’ and ‘casual’. The two sides are linked with a cable-stayed foot-bridge with the
tower on the southern side.

The abstract form with its pylon and structural cables suspending the bridge can be
seen as an immense loom, metaphorically weaving together Nigeria’s different peoples
into a single fabric. The cable suspending the bridge can be used to display an array of
flags, either of the Nigerian States, African or world nations. The form of the gate also
evokes the traditional Nigerian bow harp with its gentle curves and strings. The cable-
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stayed pedestrian bridge, the tower and the shell roof covering the reception hall are
painted in lateritic colour to blend with the laterite clay pavers used on the walking
surface of the bridge, both reminiscent of terra cotta Nok sculptures found in the earth
around Abuja.

The formal side on the north axis provides for reception area, formal plaza, viewing
terrace, cascading water-fall, car park and botanical gardens. The casual side on the
southern axis provides for the tower, open-air amphitheatre, commercial plaza,
gymnasium, playing fields, children zoo, car parks and photovoltaic veil as an
alternative energy source. The two sides are further connected through two vehicular
tunnels on the eastern and western sides.

This proposal gave an elaborate financial proposal, but did not give the estimated cost
of the project.

6.0 SCREENING OF ENTRIES

The jury commenced close door assessment of the entries the same day it was opened.
The first six (6) days (30th July to 4th August) were devoted to reading and studying of
each of the submissions by each member of the jury. The next three (3) days, (5th to 7th
August) were spent receiving reports from each member of the jury and brain-
storming on the qualities and shortcomings seen in each of the entries. The sessions
afforded every member the opportunity to fill in the gaps of his perception, against the
perceptions of others. The sessions were very revealing and educating, considering the
nature of the professional callings and wide range of experiences of the jury members.

Thereafter, individual members scored each entry as assessed. The average of the
scores of all the members became the accepted score of the jury.

7.0 JURY EVALUATION

The jury appreciates that each of the submissions largely met the requirements of the
client and have created a gate by their concepts. However, each of them should have
given more information on their proposals. The evaluation of the jury based on the
scoring criteria is as follows:

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7.1 CONCEPT (Uniqueness, Suitability of purpose and Creativity)

Entry No. 1313KJ interprets the abstract form of the ‘landing eagle’ as its concept, an
object under which Nigerians have found expression in terms of unity and
achievement. However, in terms of uniqueness, elements used are common sights
across the world. Taking any of them as an object of association may not create an
immediately discernible land mark for Abuja worldwide. From the point of view of
suitability for purpose therefore, this entry falls short of providing a unique concept
that would be a landmark of international recognition. The scheme in its entirety lacks
any obvious creativity either in its individual components or as a whole.

Entry No. JO2009’s choice of form and the creative utilisation of the topography are
unique. The scheme seems to be tailored specifically to fit the site. This entry
interprets the cable-stayed bridge as a large loom which has been aligned to the true
north-south axis on which the different peoples of this country are woven into one
fabric to produce the entity called Nigeria. This addresses the issue of depicting Abuja
as a symbol of national unity.

7.2 FUNCTIONALITY (Inclusiveness, Circulation & Spatial Relationship).

The thoughtful inclusion of the thirty six (36) States; the different challenging
experiences occasioned by the use of various (low and high-tech) designs to deal with
isolated or groups of structures; the pedestrianized environment by Entry No. 1313KJ,
are good attempts at addressing inclusiveness. On the other hand, the diversion of the
Airport Expressway through the tunnel has excluded a large number of commuters
from even a casual on-the-move feel of the entire development. Underground car
park is limited, pedestrian connection from the underground to the surface is
restrictive. However, the isolation of the vehicular traffic from the community has
improved the appreciation of the spatial relationships of the structures.

Entry No. JO2009 has made a good statement on inclusiveness through the provision
of exquisite reception area, the amphitheatre, parks, gardens, pedestrian ramps and a
drive-around. The integration of the Airport Expressway into the concept allows
commuters a feel of the environment as they pass through. The entry has provided for
a more efficient and flexible circulation network for both vehicular and pedestrian
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movements. Access and parking have been adequately provided from whichever
direction one approaches the site. While the spatial relationships within the formal
and casual sides are efficient, interconnectivity between the two across the highway
still remains a challenge.

7.3 SUSTAINABILITY (Energy Efficiency, Water Consumption, Operating Cost &

Environmental Impact).

In the area of energy efficiency, Entry No. 1313KJ will require massive power
consumption if only to keep the underground facilities powered even during the day,
and sustain the mechanical installations therein. In relative terms, this scheme would
have negative environmental Impact especially in the area of altering the topography
by first tunneling, removing Flora and Fauna.

In the event of a disaster affecting the tunnel, there is a likelihood of serious disruption
of movement between the airport and the city.

By integrating the Airport Expressway into its scheme, Entry No. JO2009 appears to
take advantage of the expressway lighting thereby reducing its power requirement.
The energy budget for the lighting of the area covered by the expressway through the
site is therefore not part of the project budget.

Entry No. JO2009 utilizes the topography creatively and adds water fall to complement
the existing environment. The design is more open and in case of emergency, it will be
possible to isolate trouble areas for evacuation.

Both Entry Nos. 1313KJ and JO2009 submissions have not given adequate information
to assess water consumption and operating costs. These are some of the areas the
winning entry needs to address.

7.4 AESTHETICS (Visual Impact & Form and Massing)

In the Entry No. 1313KJ, the components are loose and weak, resulting in an
uninspiring development with low visual impact, weakening the strong ‘sense of
arrival’ required of a city gate.

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Aesthetically, the form and massing of Entry No. JO2009’s components are compact
with strong visual impact brought about by the semi-abstract composition of its
elements and choice of colour. The overall visual attribute effectively blends the green
and hilly natural setting with architectural and engineering forms thoughtfully placed
and dramatized. The blue falling water with various sky settings as backdrop creates an
ever dynamic and scenic picture of the gate development resulting in a strong sense of
arrival.

7.5 EXPRESSION (Symbolism, Identity, Perception and Environmental & Cultural

Relevance).

Entry No. 1313KJ appears to be disjointed by locating the portal gate just before the
road vanishes into the tunnel, thus preventing commuters from feeling the rest of the
city gate environment.

In Entry No. JO2009, the gate’s main element - the composite structure of the cable-
stayed foot bridge and the reception building, in its abstract conception and earth hue
is symbolic, and has a clearly identifiable attribute. In the configuration of the project,
the environment created distinctly sets itself as a zone of special activity within its
neighbourhood. Furthermore, the structures proposed have been very comfortably
and creatively married into the environment with limited disruption of the natural
landscape.

7.6 UTILITY (Energy, Fire, Sewer and Security).

Both entries have not given enough information to allow for fair judgment under these
headings.

7.7 HERITAGE (Potentiality for listing as world heritage)

In Entry no. 1313KJ, the general idea behind the design concept is typical of many
landmarks in Abuja and environs. It is therefore not authentic. However, the provision
of clusters of round huts for the display of art works and crafts from the thirty six
states of the federation enhances the cultural credentials of the design. The shape of
the geodesic dome as a calabash ladle placed upside down suggests a synthesis of

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international trends with Nigeria’s cultural heritage. On the other hand, the security,
environmental, health challenges, etc posed by the tunnel reduces its tourism appeal.

The abstract nature of JO2009 makes it amenable to different interpretations

therefore retaining general appeal for all. There is also an imaginative use of local
design. For instance the structural cables of the pedestrian bridge could be seen as an
immense loom or the strings of a musical instrument commonly found in all parts of
the country thus significantly achieving symbolism. The terracotta colour used is
culturally relevant.

Forms are authentic therefore possibly attributable with outstanding universal value
thereby attracting international tourism. Its good circulation also makes it tourism
friendly.

Clearly defined boundary and the provision of buffer zone complies with the
requirement of world Heritage centre. This will also protect integrity and enhance
conservation management.

The features and activities which convey the significances of the entire design, make it
suitable for wide variety of public functions including festivals. For instance the
amphitheater is like a big village square. There is provision for other features that can
cater for some special cultural requirements of visitors.

There is however the need for safety assurance of the pedestrian over the bridge. This
may also improve the visual impact to enhance general expression and authenticity.

7.8 STRUCTURE (Constructability, Choice of Technology, Maintainability, Choice of

Materials & Economy).

In the entry 1313KJ the tower with rotating observatory, the Geodesic Domes, the
tunneling and other proposed structures present additional construction challenges
that would demand more time, energy and resources.

The underground facilities of 1313KJ require special attention especially in the areas of
vertical movements, ventilation, drainage, security and the maintenance of the huge
concrete deck on which the City gate is sited.
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The disadvantages of entry 1313KJ in the areas of constructability, choice of
technology and maintainability, have eroded the economy of the entry.

Even though the Cable Stayed Foot Bridge in entry JO2009 seems challenging, the
technology and expertise are available and documented. The bridge tower is the most
challenging when considering constructability, because of the height, size and tapering
form towards the top. However, the technology to execute it is available.

Major maintainability challenge of this option is the tower, the shell structure of the
reception area, and the cables of the foot bridge. The degree of maintainability
depends on what materials are used.

Both entries pose similar challenges in terms of choice of technology.

7.9 BANKABILITY (Phasing options, Financing Plan, Financial Sustainability)

Entry 1313KJ proposed financing the project through International Donors,

International Finance Organisation, Capital Market, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or
Private developer interested in BOT for the Hotel, Shopping Malls, Landscaped
gardens, Restaurants, Cultural Arcade, etc.

There is no clear elucidation in the methodology by which the above options can be
implemented.

The entry proposed four phases for development where the Tunnel, Portal gate,
Ceremonial Arcade and VIP parking as Phase1; Cultural Arcade, Civic ring, Cenotaph,
Reception block, Gymnasium, Kiosks and Clinic as Phase 2; Underground parking, Cable
car, Hotel, Shopping Mall, Recreational parks and Landscaping as Phase 3 and Future
Subway and Future Commercial Development as Phase 4.

In the case of JO2009, Financing model is the modified concession contract which
proposes the use of Revenue streams comprising variable user fees based on break
even charges which will be used to cover loan operating expenditure and also fixed
unitary payment by government to cover cost of investment.

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It also proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle to be set up with a life span of 25-30yrs
when the property reverts back to the government.

The submission proposed that the land be considered as a social investment for public
benefit with all government levies being waived.

The entry further suggests that the Federal Ministry of Finance sets up a Debt Service
Reserve Account (unconditional guarantee) while the FCDA is expected to set up a
Revenue Guarantee Trust Account where the monthly unitary payment will be made.
Amortization of the Assets is over the period of the loan.

Construction period is proposed to be 5 years with no taxes during the period. Overall
cost of the project is not given.

There is no clear cut phasing structure to the project; statements are made in respect
of additional facilities like hotels which are to be provided later.

8.0 JURY DECISION

Having given due consideration to the above attributes of the two entries, the jury
averagely scored Entry 1313KJ 40.45%, while Entry JO2009 scored 59.76%. The jury
therefore hereby declares entry Coded JO2009 as the winner of the competition.

The Director of Procurement, FCDA would subsequently produce the sealed envelops
containing the identity of the entries so that the name of the winning firm can be
announced.

9.0 CONCLUSION

The Chairman on behalf of the jury, wishes to extend our profound appreciation for
the confidence reposed on us to adjudicate on this important assignment. Despite
some differences in our individual philosophies and theories in architectural judgment,
we set aside our personal egos and converge our opinions on objectivity, leading to a
consensus of opinion.

We wish to express our appreciations to the Competition Organizing Committee for

the support they gave and the professionalism they exhibited during our closed door
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POST SCRIPT

Sequel to presentation of the Jury Report, the Identification Envelopes submitted

alongside the design entries were opened and the identities of the competitors
revealed as conveyed below:

S/N CODE IDENTITY

1 1313KJ AF Partnership
Challenge Bookshop Building,
6, Ali Akilu Road,
Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

In Joint Venture Association With

Field, Field & Field

100, Windsor Court,
9835-101 Avenue Grande Prairie,
Alberta, T8V5VA, Canada

2 JO2009 Triad Associates

29, Rabah Road,
Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

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