In the next one hour, we will be discussing architecture; first as a synthesis of man/socio-ecological interaction and the chronicle of his specific culture. Second, as a symbol of identity and continuity. We shall focus on examples from within the physical boundaries of our cultural ecology. We shall also draw examples from other cultures.

In doing so, we are acknowledging that cultural boundaries are porous partly because, communication has shrunken distances and truncated cultural boundaries. But cultural boundaries still do exist as a physical entity less so today than before. It is fluid

even though discernible.

In the same space, cultures exist and co-exist; as host and "stranger" cultures within the same environment. The perception about any group as "diaspora people", or the "ghetto culture" are examples of this fluidity.

In either case, groups, family and individuals live their culture wherever they find themselves.

We will discuss the mutual contact of cultures and detail the impact of European architecture on our landscape; we will also elaborate on the encounters of European art movement with African aesthetic values and examine, the impact of this new perception of aesthetics on the Modern international style architecture and its dialect, Tropical architecture. We will highlight the contributions of our Department of Architecture to Architectural education in our cultural ecology. Finally, we will draw conclusions appropriate for contextual architecture. As a complement to this lecture, my work on exhibition in the foyer of this auditorium indexes my conceptual ideas about space, structure and form in Architecture. On my photography, this exhibition focuses on light as a form giver, and on my furniture design portfolio, the collection focuses on wood for its warmth, colour and texture. This exhibition, a selection of my work from 1976 - 1997 elaborates in greater detail than I could ever hope to explain and theorize in any hour long lecture....

Aradeon, David. Architecture : The Search for Identity and Continuity : An Inaugural Lecture Delivered at the University of Lagos on Wednesday, 11th February, 1998. Lagos, Nigeria: University of Lagos Press, 1998.

David O. Aredeon