The Vision Behind Legacy Polytechnic Campus Planning and Community Development

During the opening of the much-anticipated Legacy Polytechnic Campus in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, our correspondent, Folalumi Alaran, spoke with two key players from Home for All Consult, the firm behind the university’s masterful campus design. Mr. Opejin Abdulahi and Mr. James Ogunbiyi shed light on the complexities and challenges that culminated in creating the thoughtfully planned campus.

Thank you both for joining me! I understand that Home for All Consult played a significant role in the design of Legacy Polytechnic. That must be quite an achievement. To start, could you share what drew your company to work on campus design and what made this project unique for you?

Opejin Abdulahi: Thank you for having us. Campus design is a unique design and planning activity because it creates an environment fostering education, innovation, and community. The potential positive transformation that would be witnessed in students’ lives, enhancement in staff experiences, and economic benefits accruable to the local community here in Ikare drew us into this project. What was unique about the project was the integration of modern infrastructure with the natural landscape, mainly the site’s contours and ecological features.
James Ogunbiyi: Building on from that, we also designed a layout that would stand the rigours of time, easily accommodate any future expansion required, and be environmentally friendly for the life of the buildings, facilities, and functions.
Obviously, campus planning needs to make room for learning spaces and living and recreation; in fact, a blend between learning and living.

What were your central ideas while designing the campus at Legacy Polytechnic?

Opejin Abdulahi: the main goal was to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable campus environment for working, living, and recreation. Essentially, we focused on ensuring that the design catered to academic needs, provided comfortable residential areas, and incorporated recreational facilities that promote a well-rounded student experience. Also, We ensured traffic flowed effortlessly across the campus and positively impacted the students and staff.

It is of the essence in urban planning that environmental preservation has to be more vital nowadays. How did you minimize ecological disruption while designing the campus?

Opejin Abdulahi: Before executing the project, we undertook an Environmental Impact Assessment, looking for certain risks to mitigate, such as flooding. For example, all mature trees, bodies of water, and other critical natural features on-site can be preserved amidst buffer demarcation. We also minimize disturbance to sites with possible ecological sensitivity.

James Ogunbiyi: We also worked closely with the environmental consultants to make the design sensitive to biodiversity. For example, we used local plants for landscaping that required less irrigation and provided habitat for local species.

Water management on any campus is a sensitive issue. How did your team address issues related to stormwater runoff and water conservation?

Opejin Abdulahi: In the design, some factors were considered for stormwater management; for instance, we ensured the provision for installed permeable pavements to reduce runoff, while a rainwater harvesting system collects the water for irrigation in landscaping and maintenance. Besides this, we provided positionings for bios-swales to filter the stormwater naturally before returning it to local water systems.

So, it must have been quite tricky to balance modern infrastructure and protect biodiversity. How do you achieve this?

James Ogunbiyi: It was all about careful planning. We ensure that key habitats are retained. For instance, green corridors were created, and Infrastructures were consciously planned to avoid splitting biodiversity hotspots to ensure environmental quality.

The resilience of structure to climate is an essential consideration in modern design. How did you consider this in your campus layout?

Opejin Abdulahi: Considering the nature of the site, intensive GIS data on the flood risk potential were analyzed, and in some areas, the construction of structures, including buildings, was raised above certain levels. Shaded areas in outdoor spaces have also been considered for managing heat waves.

Looking back on this project, what are the most important lessons you learned about incorporating environmental protection into urban planning?

Opejin Abdulahi: The biggest lesson was the value of early environmental considerations; they save time and resources. The collaboration of environmental experts and the application of tools like GIS provide accuracy and factualness in planning. Eventually, protecting the environment enhances a project’s overall success and long-term value.
James Ogunbiyi: I would add that engaging the local community throughout the planning process is essential. Their insights help create designs that are not only sustainable but also culturally relevant and impactful.

Thank you both for your insights. The Legacy Polytechnic campus is truly an inspiring example of thoughtful planning; it’s obvious your work has left its mark.