Amos Alao: The Asthmatic Visionary Transforming Landscape Architecture in Nigeria
Amos Alao’s journey into the world of Landscape Architecture is both extraordinary and inspiring, emerging not from traditional classrooms but from the depths of childhood adversity. Diagnosed with asthma at the tender age of six, Alao faced an educational path fraught with interruptions from frequent hospital visits and prolonged recoveries at home. During these challenging times, his mother’s nurturing presence became a vital source of support, nurturing his creative spirit. With a father who was a prominent journalist and a mother who taught at a primary school, Alao found refuge in drawing, sketching cartoons, and writing, cultivating a deep-seated love for children along the way.
As he matured, Alao’s asthma condition worsened, leading to repeated stays at the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital in Kaduna. It was during one of these hospital visits that a life-altering moment unfolded. A compassionate nurse, recognizing his need for clean air, encouraged him to take a stroll outside. Wandering into the hospital’s lush wooded area, Alao felt an unexpected relief as his asthma symptoms dissipated. “That walk changed my life,” Alao recalls. “It was the first time I truly felt the healing power of nature, and I knew then that I wanted to bring that experience to others.” This powerful encounter with nature ignited a passion within him, prompting a desire to explore the profound connection between health and the natural world.
Empowered by this newfound insight, Alao made a pivotal decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at Ahmadu Bello University. His ambition to integrate urban health with nature through therapeutic and salutogenic landscapes laid the foundation for a groundbreaking career. Today, he stands as a pioneering force therapeutic landscape ideologies in his field, building upon the legacies of international scholars and practitoners ushering in a new era for landscape architecture in Nigeria.
In just two years as the President of the Society of Landscape Architects Nigeria (SLAN), Alao and his committed and enterprising team have revolutionized the landscape architecture industry, placing environmental design at the heart of national development. His persuasive advocacy has captured the attention of government officials, highlighting the vital role of landscape architecture in combating climate change and promoting sustainable, resilient environments.
Beyond his national impact, Alao serves as the Secretary-General of the International Federation of Landscape Architects African Region (IFLA- Africa) Africa, where he supports the recognition of landscape architecture and advocates for more tertiary institutions to offer the discipline across the continent. His contributions have garnered international acclaim, recognized by the Council of Landscape Architecture Regulatory Body (CLARB), which has led to invitations as a panelist and guest speaker on the evolution of landscape architecture in Nigeria, as well as a keynote speaker at the International Academy for Design and Health (IADH), Middle-East Chapter.
What truly sets Alao apart is his humility, composure in adversity, and unwavering commitment to creating spaces that enhance health and well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations. “It’s not just about designing beautiful spaces,” Alao explains. “It’s about creating environments where people can live healthier, happier lives.” His visionary approach firmly establishes him as a leader and innovator in the field.
He has also authored “Plant Photo Book for Green Horns,” a comprehensive collage of plant photographs that includes botanical and common names, as well as their uses. This book has proven to be a valuable reference material in shaping the landscape architecture curriculum. Additionally, he recently launched an animation pilot aimed at highlighting the benefits of studying landscape architecture, targeting the younger generation to foster interest in the profession.
Alao’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding dedication to the environment. From a young boy grappling with chronic asthma who discovered the healing power of nature, to a transformative figure reshaping landscape design in Nigeria and beyond, his journey continues to inspire a new generation of professionals dedicated to the intersection of health, nature, and sustainable development.