The Transformation of the urban structure of Kumasi

Abstract

Inter-Cultural Exchange Developing an architectural proposal in Ghana as a Dutch architect requires a self-conscious and critical position regarding the obvious socioeconomic disparities between the two countries. To achieve an appropriate architecture, patronizing tendencies of western work should be avoided whilst a realistic perspective into the local building industry should be established. A sensible approach to the geography and climate are also essential. Ultimately, instead of attempting to make a ‘typical’ Ghanaian building the design attempts to emphasize the confluence of Western and African design culture. Urban Acupuncture In response to the plans to destroy and rebuild the market as a Western modeled shopping mall this design proposes an alternative solution for redevelopment. First a series of personal mappings and anthropological work by Gracia Clark and AbduhMalikh Simone identified what important patterns and systems are essential to the markets functionality as well as what structural deficiencies need urgent attention. Based on the research a strategy of ‘urban acupuncture’ is proposed to reach maximum gain with minimal intervention in the market. This subtle intervention is crucial, because informal and social networks are fundamental to the livelihoods of local traders as well as the general supply and distribution logistics that define the market. Furthermore, market traders survive on a daily wage, which is little above the poverty-line. This thesis thus opposes the dislocation of traders, prolonged disruption of the daily routine, or the wholesale formalization of this vivid and dynamic system, and rather seeks to implement a structure that can gradually be built without requiring total transformation. Public Amenities However, while certain positive aspect of the current market are identified, there are serious deficiencies that cause discomfort for traders as well as customers of the market. Bad sanitation, overcrowding, fire-hazard, and bad access, amongst other issues, are part of a daily routine that is far from ideal. Based on interviews, and participation in a daily trading routine, certain problems were identified, and a design brief formulated. The final structure contains an Internet cafe, offices for market officials, a medical and daycare center, a kayayoo (girls that carry groceries) rest-place, a fire- and security post, toilets, and a water storage and acces point. Whilst the design doesn’t attempt to solve all issues and deficiencies, it shows that alternative more delicate strategies can significantly improve life on the market. Architectural Aesthetic Although a very cautious strategy was used for the intervention, the proposal uses architecture as an organizational device to make the generic form of the market more legible. In order to create a strong architectural presence, the main structure is lifted above the ground floor and uses a strong pattern based on Kente cloth to create a contrasting aesthetic with the homogeneous roofscape of rusty corrugated steel roofing. Given that the design anticipates expansion, appropriation and modification a clear modular structure is implemented that has a formal resilience and will remain a legible as an integrated yet autonomous architecture on the Kejetia Market.