About
Umar Baba is an emerging architectural designer whose work so far is deeply rooted in sustainability, spatial arrangements, and material exploration. As an international student from Nigeria, Umar grew up exposed to concrete as a primary construction material, shaping and propelling his understanding and appreciation of durability in architecture. He pushed this familiarity into a critical exploration of material use, thereby leading him towards investigating and testing how traditional materials can be reimagined. His projects this year incorporate GGBS concrete, highlighting durability not just as tradition but as an important driver for long-term sustainability. Umar began his academic quest in engineering before he transitioned into architecture. In 2023, he decided to chase his longstanding dream of contributing positively to the built environment. His work expresses his desire to contribute to the sustainable development of his home country and the rest of Africa, where climate-conscious designs are just starting to develop. Throughout his academic voyage, Umar engaged extensively with a wide range of making processes, like 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, and clay modelling, amongst others. His recent project highlights his new interest in tectonics and non-Euclidean architecture. Moving away from his earlier reliance on rigid, linear forms and moving more towards fluid and curved spatial compositions. Looking ahead, Umar plans to pursue a master’s degree in architecture (RIBA part 2) and work towards becoming a registered Architect with the ambition of one day contributing towards the advancement of sustainable architecture in Africa.
Project overview
Cast in Stone
Cast in Stone, as the name suggests, is a project that is designed to last forever and leave an everlasting imprint in the Fleetwood landscape, whilst living honestly with modesty. Casting Stone houses a unique maker space that welcomes locals and visitors of Fleetwood to come in, learn about an artefact, create the artefact (Tidal Relics), give back to nature and support Fleetwood. The building features the use of reclaimed bricks, the use of GGBS concrete and a non-Euclidean geometric design that speaks of Fleetwood's gritty character, honouring its strong history of industrialisation, whilst it celebrates the community as a whole. This exhibition features two other projects based in Fleetwood: The Tape of Fleetwood and The Wyre Thread.
The Tape of Fleetwood
Tidal Relics (artefact)
Cast in Stone
Fbkafé
Wyre Thread
