On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah, of the Department of Architecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), delivered a thought-provoking presentation at the KNUST E-Learning International Conference. Titled “Shaping the Future of Art and Architecture: Digital Creativity and Inclusive Design,” he laid out a compelling vision for the transformation of Ghana’s art and architecture industry.
Professor Duah emphasized the importance of embracing digital innovation to align Ghana’s art architecture landscape with global standards. While acknowledging the instrumental role of traditional design methods, he stressed that these approaches alone are insufficient in meeting the current and future demands of inclusive, efficient, and sustainable built environments.
Notably, he highlighted that approximately 90% of public buildings in Ghana remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities - a situation that underscores the limitations of traditional architectural practices in promoting inclusivity.
Drawing on global best practices, Professor Duah advocated the adoption of advanced technologies such as mobile and cloud-based design software, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, additive construction (3D printing), and big data analytics. He noted that these innovations are not only reshaping art and architectural workflows but also enhancing user-centered and inclusive design outcomes.
In his capacity as Dean of the International Programmes Office at KNUST, Professor Duah shared that the university is actively investing in the future of digital architecture. Through international exchange programmes, KNUST is sending students to institutions and countries that are at the forefront of these digital advancements, equipping them with hands-on experience and fostering international knowledge exchange.
His address was a call to action for the Ghanaian art and architecture community to modernize its practices and prioritize inclusivity through the adoption of cutting-edge digital tools.
