Chapter 18: A Divisive Design
1512words
Her first design was very different. It got ideas from Lagos' energetic spirit and rich artistic traditions, showing natural forms, eco-friendly materials, and open areas to make people gather together. Very different from the cold and metal big buildings that some of the board members prefer.
Eki's heart was beating very fast in her chest as she clicked through her presentation, showing pictures of the centre shining under the warm Lagos sun. Each slide got a silent response from the board members, except for regular clicks of her mouse and hum sound from a projector.
At last, when she stopped talking, the silence felt very long and uncomfortable. Mr Ajayi, who is chairman of the board, cleared his throat while he looked at her with cold and judging eyes.
"Well, Ms Bates," he began, his voice dripping with scepticism, "that was certainly… different."
Eki forced a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Ajayi. I believe this design captures the essence of Lagos and its rich cultural heritage."
Mrs Owolabi, a very strict woman known for liking old-style things, laughed softly and said, "Different is one way to say it." This... structure looks more like a fancy playground than a cultural centre."
A quiet wave of laughter spread around the board. Eki felt her face become warm, but she remained strong in her spot.
"The design focuses much on sustainability and people interaction," Eki replied, her voice strong even though she got angry. "Open areas let in natural light and air, plus using local materials helps lower our carbon footprint."
"Sustainability is good," said Mr. Banjo, a man who always thinks about making money. "But how does this 'open space' idea bring us any money? Where is the place for profitable stands or shops?"
Eki pressed her teeth together strongly. She understood these were the complaints she expected, those that valued making money over having a purpose or aim. Taking a deep breath, she started to describe in detail how the design might have ways to make money but still keep its artistic importance.
The conversation that followed quickly became a very heated argument. Some board members, such as Mrs Ige who has a great passion for the arts, were strongly in favour of Eki's idea. Others, like Mr. Banjo, remained unconvinced, their focus solely on financial gain.
At that very moment when tension was at its peak, Dapo, who had been unusually quiet throughout the presentation, suddenly cleared his throat.
"Excuse me," he said, voice calm but strong. Everyone looked at him, surprised because he spoke up so suddenly.
"Even though I understand the concerns about making money," he continued, glancing at Eki, "I believe that Ms. Bates' design has worth."
A collective gasp sounded around the table. Eki, not saying anything, just looked at Dapo with eyes that had a tiny hope struggling against uncertainty.
Dapo continued, his voice unwavering. "Think about it. This special design may become a well-known spot, bringing many people and art fans together. More visitors can help local shops and businesses do better in the area.
He turned towards Mr. Banjo, a glint of challenge in his eyes. "Think creatively. Revenue streams can come from more than just concessions. Imagine artist workshops, cultural events, even a boutique selling locally-made crafts."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the boardroom. Even Mr. Banjo seemed to be reconsidering his initial dismissal.
Eki watched, her heart was feeling very big with thankfulness. Dapo's help came as a surprise and had a strong effect, changing how the talk went.
Suddenly, Mrs Owolabi spoke up. "This is all very nice," she said, "but the design itself is still... different." Are we sure it's structurally sound?"
Eki stood up straight, feeling confidence replaced her earlier nervousness. "Yes, Mrs. Owolabi," she said, "I have partnered with a well-known architecture company that is famous for its innovative and eco-friendly designs." Their team has done very detailed checking on the structure, and the design is not only strong but also a very new idea.
The board kept discussing with many strong opinions for a longer time. Finally, they decided to vote on the design. The outcome remained uncertain, a mix of hope and trepidation simmering in the air.
When the votes were being counted, everybody in the room felt very nervous and quiet. At last, Mr. Ajayi, who is the chairman, raised his hand to make everyone stop talking.
"The votes are here," he said, his voice full of suspense. "With a small majority, the board has chosen..."
Eki stopped breathing for a moment, her heart beating fast in her chest. This was a big time, the point that would decide everything about her dream, her job at Moonlight Glow and maybe even how culture in Lagos might change too.
Ajayi stopped for a moment, creating tension in the air. His eyes moved around the room until they finally connected with hers.
"… to table the decision."
A collective groan erupted from the board members. Eki's heart sank. Tabled? What did that even mean? Was it a rejection, a delay, or a chance for further revisions?
Mr. Ajayi, not appearing to notice the complaints, carried on speaking. "There is good reasoning for both sides of the design." Therefore, we propose a compromise."
Eki's eyebrows furrowed. Compromise? Finding a compromise on something as fundamental as the entire architectural concept is indeed challenging but not impossible. Here are a few steps that might help reach an agreement:
"We are getting interested in very famous architects from other countries," Mr. Ajayi said, "He is known for mixing new ideas with practical use. We suggest Ms. Bates work together with him to make a new design that includes her creative vision and also makes the board happy about being useful."
Eki's mind reeled. Work with another architect? A famous one at that? It was a big chance, an opportunity to maybe make her dreams come true in a bigger way. But it also meant sharing the credit, potentially losing control over her artistic expression.
Before she could speak what was in her mind, Dapo moved closer, showing concern in his eyes.
"Mr Chairman," he says, "isn't that a little... unusual? Ms. Bates has a clear idea, and I think she can handle the board's worries by herself."
Mr. Ajayi's smile remained unyielding. "We believe this collaboration could be fruitful," he countered. "Ms. Bates, do you have any objections to working with a colleague?"
Eki looked back and forth between Dapo's kind eyes and Mr Ajayi's strong look. Her thoughts ran fast, thinking about what to do next. On the one hand, working together with famous architects can make the project very good and successful. Other hand, it may bring limits to creativity and the need to manage a new person's character.
Taking a deep breath, Eki met Mr. Ajayi's gaze directly.
"No," she said with a strong voice, "I do not have any problem. I am happy to get the chance to learn from a respected coworker."
A whisper of astonishment passed through the boardroom. Even Mr. Ajayi looked shocked by how quickly she agreed to it.
Then, a smirk appeared on Dapo's lips. He leaned back in his chair with some amusement showing in his eyes. Eki couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth spread through her.
The meeting finished, and Eki felt many different emotions – happy because of the delayed decision, worried about working together with others, and a bit hopeful thanks to Dapo's surprising support.
As she picked up her things, Dapo walked toward her with a small smile on his face.
"You handled yourself well in there," he said, his voice low and warm.
Eki felt a warm blush rising to her neck. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling unexpectedly shy.
"The collaboration may not be perfect," Dapo said, looking into her eyes, "but think of it as the chance to show your talent to the world."
His words sent a thrill through her. He believed in her, in her vision. Perhaps, collaborating with another architect wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"Also," Dapo said with a teasing smile in his eyes, "I don't want to let you have all the fun alone, do I?"
Eki could not stop smiling. Perhaps, just perhaps, this surprise turn might be good after all. She may be working with a new architect, but because of Dapo's help and her own strong will, she believes they can make something amazing.
But when she walked out of the boardroom, a persistent question stayed in her mind. What drove Dapo? Was it just about getting professional recognition, or was there something more personal involved?
Only time, and perhaps a closer collaboration with Dapo, would reveal the answer.
