In the dynamic landscape of urban development, innovative solutions are crucial for building sustainable and inclusive cities. Every year, the Next Generation City Action competition brings together talented teams from around the world to showcase their groundbreaking ideas for urban revitalization. At the recently concluded 2023 UIA World Congress of Architects held in Copenhagen, Denmark, one exceptional group from Ghana managed to capture the spotlight by clinching two awards. We are happy to announce that these students are from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The Green Crew, comprising two PhD Architecture students and one Master of Development Planning and Management student; Miss Ivana Tracey Frimpong, Mr. Isaac Egyir Kwofie and Miss Wilda Birago Amoah respectively mentored by Dr. Ing. Alexander B. Marful, demonstrated an unrivalled commitment to the challenge titled: ‘Sustainable homes for the future - for people and the planet’.
Their entry stood out among the multitude of creative proposals, showcasing a deep understanding of the problem, through the proposal of innovative solutions. The winning team’s proposal surpassed expectations, combining visionary thinking with practical implementation strategies for the VELUX Challenge by coming out with a design solution that sought to redefine and transform the traditional compound house. The project is titled ABUSUA FIE which translates to Family House in the Akan dialect.
Their project focused on harnessing the potential of healthy spaces, circularity, and inclusive design by optimizing indoor parameters and techniques, fostering community engagement and utilizing rammed earth and interlocking Tek Blocks developed and tested by KNUST. By promoting the use of appropriate technology, the team devised an integrated strategy that allowed for the participation and training of local artisans. Their solution promotes energy conservation, reduced carbon emissions and enhanced the overall quality of life for urban dwellers through passive design strategies, the use of local materials and the holistic approach to the challenge.
It is for this reason the team was awarded not only with Acceleration Award which presents the most forward-thinking and groundbreaking urban concept but also the National Award which recognizes outstanding contributions from participants representing a specific country; our Motherland Ghana. This accolade emphasizes the team's commitment to addressing local challenges and tailoring their solutions to the unique context of their home nation making them true trailblazers in the field of Architecture and Urban development.
As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the transformational impact of their project as well as the cascading effect it will create in inspiring others to push the boundaries of what is possible in building sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant cities for generations to come.
To our students who have made Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Motherland Ghana proud, we say AYEKOOO!!!!!!
We are also proud of all our participants at this year’s competition. A special appreciation goes to the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment, Prof. Samuel Amos-Abanyie for his tireless effort in organizing the process at the Faculty level which involved three Departments.
We are also grateful to the Danish Embassy in Ghana for their continued support and funding of KNUST for the second time to attend this competition.
The team has since returned home from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Visit https://nextgenerationcityaction.com/ya-gh-1/ to learn more about their project!
