Studio
We are a creative design practice working out of Lagos Nigeria. Founded in Nigeria as MOE in 1990. In 2013 MOE Ltd merged with O+O Design, and became MOE+ Art Architecture
MOE+ Art Architecture has over 20 years experience in strategic innovative design with a focus on value driven implementation and delivery. Over the years, our extensive experience has allowed us to help define and identify many of our commercial clients’ aesthetics and workplace culture.
We have a strong affiliation with the art and creative ecosystem which gives us an understanding of the unique time and cultural landscape in which we exist. This allows us to provide positive solutions and valuable experiences that capture the language of our enduring zeitgeist.
Our current portfolio of work within Nigeria can be defined as architecture searching to redefine a pragmatic ‘African modernism’, We explore the culture of living things and our material balance within the current conditions, seemingly set by our all encompassing global urban context and mindset. Our core principles are based on – exploration and collaboration within the specificity of our local context. This allows for dialogue and the formation of strong ideas that are durable and resilient.
Navigating between small and large-scale, civic, private and commercial projects. Our first task is always to understand who our clients and end users are, and what they need. This in-depth strategic study, explores civic, business and personal cultures. This forms how we approach defining the program. We then try to highlight what we term the ‘UNIQUE’ gene. What ultimately, separates.
This has allowed us to help establish and re-define some significant changes within both the commercial and public realm. From defining GTBank’s architectural and cultural aesthetics, to civic projects such as Falomo ‘Under Bridge’ with the artist Polly Alakija.
Our challenge with every project will always be driven by the collaboration between ART and DESIGN. How to RE-DEFINE and then RE-FINE a design ideology that is highly contemporary but always contextual. Though our language remains inspired by the ‘modern’ world, our voice is resoundingly our own; inspired by our people, culture, art and our engagement with the environment (whether it be Lagos, Cotonu, Dakar etc). Thus working within these existing conditions, we aim to provide places within the diversity of African cities and beyond.
MOE+AA has an office of urbanists, architects, artists, interiors + product designers. The office is about not just about the need to express creativity. It’s ultimately about people, our environment and the constant dialogue between need, aspiration, design, sustainability, exploration, collaboration and the process of making places and objects.
We are driven by the collaboration between ART and DESIGN.
MOE+AA is growing in reputation and exposure as one of the leading architectural and design ateliers in Africa, working locally and globally. With the goal of drawing the best young minds in the field of design and creativity.
MOE+ run two social and capacity development programs, ‘Made Better by Design’ and ‘Building Women’.
MADE BETTER BY DESIGN
Working with a series of NGO such as ChildLife Line and Sesor Africa, we aim to use design to help create sustainable and viable futures for our partner organisations. Whether that be creating vocational centres or working to restructure and redesign IDP camps.
BUILDING WOMEN INITIATIVE
A woman is a change-agent. She can inspire sustainable transformation for herself, her family and her entire community. But first, she needs to be given an opportunity.
BWI is a Foundation established to empower women with skills and competencies in the building construction trade
Aims/ Objectives:
- To empower women through skills acquisition in the building / construction sector
- To raise a new generation of female entrepreneurs in a traditional male work environment
- To provide and create awareness and advocacy of the need to encourage girls and women to go into the building / construction sector
- Encourage the players in the sector to adopt a gender- friendly approach programmes and encourage schools and institutions to increase female intake
photograph copyright Yagazie Emezi