Two bits of content on cities caught my attention last week. BBC’s engaging documentary on Lagos, Nigeria - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00s3bmx - and the Economist’s profile of Portland, USA http://www.economist.com/world/united-states/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15911324
Both paint radically different pictures of modern cities. And both pose the question: what should the modern city look like, feel like, act like. And the answers are not as clear cut as one might assume.
(Ije)
AMBITIOUS AND OPTIMISTIC
This is Oba Elegushi market. And no, it’s not on a river, and there hasn’t just been a rainstorm. It’s pretty much like this all the time in the wet season. The market has no drainage or utilities of any sort.
And yet, it is a magical place, full or amazing amateur art and wonderful people. And each one of them would not trade it for the world.
The market pretty much represents Lagos and much of Nigeria. Despite crumbling or non-existent infastructure, people are doing amazing things. I think it is only a matter of time before a really powerful, amazing brand emerges from a corner like this.
Why? Because brands need a few raw ingredients:
Ambition - a belief that they can achieve great things
Optimism - an confidence that the world around you can and will get better
And Ambition and Optimism are the most important words to describe Lagos.
(Ije Nwokorie)