Ghana Celebrates First Architecture and Design Festival

Ghana is set to celebrate the first ever Architecture and Design festival on 22nd and 24th of November 2019 at the Octagon, Accra.

The Festival in conjunction with the Interior Designers and Decorators Ghana will bring together over 100 of Ghana’s best architects, architectural firms, interior designers and decorators to discuss alternative building options, and showcase modern and contemporary architectural designs that conform to international techniques and standards.

The two-day event themed ‘Living Spaces’ would engage key stakeholders and highlight projects, concepts by amateur and established architects that are geared towards identifying the best way to integrate international urban planning while discussing its significant contribution to national architectural development.

A nationwide series of events will also feature over 30 events, exhibitions, workshops, open houses, tours, installations and panel discussions designed to give attendees experiential and interactive perspective of architecture and design in Ghana.

As part of activities marking the celebration, workshops will be held to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ghana's architectural and cultural landmarks and explore issues on affordable housing and flexible accommodation with social housing development and its related challenges being a major topic.

The festival which has an educative component through a collaboration with She Grows It (SGI), will teach participants about leveraging their existing properties to generate additional funding for entrepreneurial endeavors. It will also encourage budding young talent in the industry to aspire to greater heights in a bid to improve the standards of living through affordable living alternatives and a healthier, more beautiful country.

Earlier this year, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) named Ghana as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

One of the indicators driving Ghana's growth is the burgeoning real estate, infrastructure and architectural sector.

However, the country still faces a housing deficit of two million housing units, which, according to the Minister for Works and Housing - Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, would take 10 years to bridge.

Policy Instruments like the National Urban Policy and Action Plan (2012) and National Housing Policy (2015), have made significant efforts to reduce the shortfall through the affordable housing scheme and other housing development projects initiated by successive governments although the concern remains outstanding.

In her remarks, Emelia Ainooson, the Managing Director of Brandason, organizers of the festival. said the event intends to contribute to a reduction in the deficit by showcasing housing solutions that can be developed and implemented immediately while still being aesthetic, functional and affordable for the average Ghanaian.

‘It is our hope that through the festival, we will unearth designs, concepts and substitutes for the cement block and mortar structures which are expensive and unfriendly to our environment,” explained Ms Ainooson.

She added that the festival with the support of relevant agencies is expected to reflect a modern contemporary life that meets contemporary needs.