The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) has urged stakeholders across the interior design ecosystem to embrace a blend of multi-generational and futuristic aesthetics and designs to drive inclusion.

The President of the association, Dr Jennifer Chukwujekwe, said that this would also help to safeguard the future of interior design in Nigeria.

Chukwujekwe made the assertion during the association’s celebration of the 2024 World Interiors Day, on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 World Interiors Day was celebrated on May 25 with the theme: ‘Bridging the gap for a better multi-generational future’.

Chukwujekwe said that the theme indicated designers’ responsibility to create spaces that would not only reflect aesthetical aspirations but also meet the functional needs of people across all ages.

She said that interior designers had the unique privilege and duty to shape environments that would foster connection, inclusivity and well-being.

According to her, d
esigns must transcend the present, anticipate the needs of future generations while honouring the legacy of those who lived in the past.

‘While trends come and go, the essence of good design is timeless, and we should strive to create spaces that blend contemporary style with classic elements, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing across generations.

‘We must embrace inclusive design principles, ensuring that our spaces are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

‘This includes thoughtful considerations for mobility, sensory needs and comfort.

‘Our designs should celebrate cultural heritage and diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our society,’ she said.

She added that, by incorporating traditional elements and local craftsmanship, designers would create spaces that would resonate with a sense of identity and continuity.

The IDAN president also emphasised the need for stakeholders across the interior design ecosystem to embrace sustainability practices and integrate tec
hnology in envisioning the future of interior design.

She said that designs should prioritise sustainability and ensure that a positive environmental legacy would be left behind.

Chukwujekwe said that, by using eco-friendly materials, energy- efficient systems, and sustainable practices, designers could create spaces that would support a healthier planet.

‘The integration of technology in our designs must be thoughtful and forward-thinking; from smart home systems to adaptive lighting and climate control, we need to ensure our spaces are equipped to evolve with technological advancements.

‘Let us commit to continuing our professional development, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies, and always striving for excellence in our craft.

‘Together, we can design a future that bridges generations, creating environments that nurture, inspire and endure,’ she said.

Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye, emphasised the need for stakeholders to commit t
o designing with empathy, sensitivity and inclusivity.

Adeleye said that the stakeholders should create spaces that would meet the functional needs of all ages and inspire and connect people across generations.

She said that doing so would facilitate creation of a future where generations would lead, learn and trade together, enriching communities.

‘We are united by shared love for design and our collective commitment to fostering an environment that showcases the richness of diverse generational perspectives, using our creative talents to bridge the gaps that exist between generations.

‘By doing so, we can create more harmonious and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and understood.

‘The theme of today’s event points to an inherent challenge: the communication gap between different age groups which can lead to misunderstanding, isolation or loss of valuable knowledge and experience.

‘However, design has a pathway to address and overcome these challenges, and in creating spaces that encou
rage dialogue and interaction, we can facilitate greater understanding and cooperation between generations, ensuring that wisdom of the past is not lost,’ she said.

The commissioner added that familiar elements of design could be seamlessly integrated with cutting edge technologies, such as smart lighting, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive furniture to cater for the diverse needs of different generations.

She said that such blend would not only harness or preserve the cultural legacy but would also engage the younger generation by introducing them to the beauty and significance of the heritage.

The Treasurer of IDAN, Mrs Titi Fowora, said that the association was determined to be a steward of the environment by advancing the built environment in trans-generational design practices.

‘The idea is to leave the environment better that one met it; hence, the importance of using materials that are sustainable, eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable.

‘We have to be as green as possible, as forward-thinking
as possible, and design not just for ourselves but design for the future so that people do not feel the need to constantly re-invent the wheel or re-design,’ she said.

Also, Dolapo Amole, Professor of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, said that there was the need to fill the gaps in design created by generational differences to drive harmony, productivity, innovation and a strong community.

‘In design, bridging the gap is understanding the differences, adopting technology, providing variety of spaces, amenities and opportunities and an inclusive process to preserve the future of design,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria