Latest News
Clemson University Architecture Students Begin Work in Ghana
February 23, 2009
Under the teaching and watchful eyes of Professors Robert Miller and Ray Huff, the students at Clemson Architectural Center are developing the design for the Nkabom Centre in Okurase. Two graduate architecture students, Kyle Keaffaber and Lindsey Waters traveled to Ghana and worked with Cindy Swenson and Powerful for a ten day period to attain an understanding of Ghanaian architecture, common materials and building practices.
For ten days, Kyle and Lindsey interviewed local architects, visited Alero Olympia's Kokrobitey Institute, walked the land, climbed on things, drew designs, talked to the elders of Okurase, talked to people around Ghana, interviewed officials to understand building codes and permit requirements, took many photos, and intensively worked to understand the context of the project in such a way that they could relay it to their classmates and professors. During their stay, they were also interviewed by Ghana News Agency. By the end of the trip, the students had gained a great appreciation and understanding for the Ghanaian context and the village of Okurase.
They returned to Clemson University and imparted their knowledge to their twelve classmates and professors. The full fourteen-member class then set out to conduct research around building traditions and environmentally-friendly designs. On February 16, they presented seven possible designs to Cindy Swenson, who then sought feedback from Powerful and Nana Ama Yeboah. The next step is to incorporate the feedback into one design. They expect to have the Nkabom Centre design finalized by May 4.
Lindsey and Kyle view the site with Powerful:
Lindsey and Kyle are interviewed by Ghana News Agency:
Kyle works with new materials on site:
