![Exploring Local Material in Contemporary Architecture: PWDC Transforms Building Surfaces in Nigeria - Featured Image](https://snoopy.archdaily.com/images/archdaily/media/images/64b8/e7d7/edf1/696a/2fc2/b283/slideshow/pwdc-develops-laterite-tyrolean-technique-to-employ-local-material-in-contemporary-architecture_1.jpg?1689839606&format=webp&width=640&height=580)
In Lagos, a city with a complex urban fabric that includes historical buildings and vast interpretations of contemporary architecture, lies PatrickWaheed Design Consulting (PWDC). This design practice, Co-led by Adeyemo Shokunbi, aims to contribute to a Nigerian architectural language through the renaissance of local materials. Through explorations anchored in local laterite, they have developed the material as a modern finishing technique, investigated its potential as a natural dye, discovered new ways to employ its thermal properties, and now build the research prospect of other local materials. I had the opportunity to speak with Architect Shokunbi, who discussed the initial inspirations and investigations during the construction of two building projects (Mad House & Abijo Mosque) in Lagos. These projects brought the Laterite finishing technique to life and now help build the case for a Nigerian architectural language.