On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, a delegation from Aalto University, Finland, led by Professor Saija Hollmén, Director of the Aalto World in Transition (WiT) Research Lab and Programme, paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Edmund Ekuadzi, Dean of the International Programmes Office at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Accompanied by Prof. Daniel Y. A. Duah, Head of the Department of Architecture, the team, including architecture students Lovato Santos Cristina, Korhonen Riina, Niskanen Emma, Lähde Elisa Maarit Lähde, Vertti Emil Villenpoika, Turkki Salla Pauliina, Pitkänen Meeri Maija Leena, and Koskinen Anna Katariina, reflected on the growing partnership between KNUST and Aalto University. Prof. Duah highlighted plans to introduce new graduate programmes in Landscape Architecture (MSc and PhD), noting Aalto’s extensive experience in the field. He explained that the ongoing Kumasi Trees Project has provided an opportunity for Aalto to offer expert feedback on these programmes.
He further noted that recent work on the Manhyia Corridor focused on re-greening efforts, with findings presented to the Vice-Chancellor. Looking ahead, KNUST and Aalto University will collaborate with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to help restore Kumasi’s status as the “Garden City.” The visiting students also toured selected heritage sites on campus, showcasing KNUST’s unique architectural and environmental landscape.
Prof. Hollmén reaffirmed their commitment to advancing environmental sustainability in line with the Asantehene’s vision. She highlighted ongoing research into Ashanti traditional shrines to better understand indigenous ecological knowledge and emphasised the importance of sustainable maintenance systems to ensure long-term impact. She noted that the partnership aims to transform Kumasi into a “living laboratory” for environmental innovation, education, and interdisciplinary research.
Supporting this, Dr. Elisa underscored the link between urban greenery and improved quality of life, while students expressed admiration for KNUST’s blend of Tropical Modernist architecture and natural greenery.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Ekuadzi commended the partnership’s impact and reaffirmed KNUST’s commitment to research-driven collaborations that address societal challenges. He expressed enthusiasm for the proposed graduate programmes and highlighted the value of such exchanges in equipping students with global perspectives.
Also present at the meeting were Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar; Ms. Ernestine Oheneba Danso, Collaborations and Partnerships Officer; and Ms. Patricia Frimpong Manso, Visibility and Communications Officer, all from the International Programmes Office.
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