On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, a delegation from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, led by Professor Moritz Heinrich Dörstelmann, Professor of Digital Design and Fabrication at the Faculty of Architecture, paid a courtesy call on Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at the Council Chamber.
The KIT team comprised Ms. Carolin Feldman, Researcher; Mr. Francisco Javier Fuentes Quijano, Researcher; Ms. Hannah Jolan Martin, Ms. Yu Zhuoqun, Ms. Yifei Wang, Mr. Hieu Pham, all M. Architecture Students and Mr. Emmanuel Oko Addy, a 3rd Year Bachelor of Architecture Student.
Accompanying them was Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah, Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), who underscored the strategic importance of the partnership. He highlighted that the collaboration seeks to blend indigenous Ghanaian building materials with advanced digitisation and prefabrication technologies to create innovative, climate-responsive solutions. Professor Daniel Duah revealed that the project includes the construction of a prefabricated 5x5meters demonstration structure on campus in partnership with the Directorate of Works and Physical Development.
Presenting on the Reinterpreting Natural Building Materials (RENABUMA) Workshop, Professor Dörstelmann showcased how the initiative seeks to reintegrate traditional materials such as clay, mesocarp fibres, coconut husks, and bamboo into mainstream construction using digital fabrication technologies. He emphasised that while this prefabrication technique is less suited for the European context, it holds transformative potential for Ghana and Africa, enabling the creation of sustainable, affordable, and adaptable structures that can thrive in both rural and urban environments.
In her address, Professor Mrs. Dickson warmly welcomed the delegation and commended both teams for their vision and collaborative spirit. She highlighted the alignment of the project with KNUST’s strategic mission to champion sustainable innovation and community-focused solutions. “Partnerships like this enable the university to leverage science, technology, and creativity to tackle real-world challenges, improve livelihoods, and safeguard the environment” she said. The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed KNUST’s commitment to investing in impactful collaborations that address the pressing needs of society and congratulated the teams for their bold vision.
The meeting also featured contributions from other KNUST officials, who highlighted the broader benefits of sustainable architecture, including mitigating climate change, reducing carbon footprints, improving mental well-being, and promoting waste recycling.
Among the dignitaries present were Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Benjamin Emikpe, representing the Provost of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Collins Ayine Nsor, representing the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr. Kojo Safo-Kantanka, Chief Architect at the Development Office; Dr. Jimmy Nkrumah, Director of the Directorate of Works and Physical Development; and Professor Alexander Boakye Marful, Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture.
Representatives from the International Programmes Office and a team of third-year Architecture students were also present.
