Design-and-Build for Ghana. Courtesy of The Nka Foundation.

PROPOSED PROJECT:

Sang is a rural township in Northern part of Ghana, 50 kilometers from Tamale. Our plan is to construct the structures that make up the SangArtsVillage by maximum use of local labor, earth and other materials from the environment. Specifically, the construction process and materials is vernacular involving cob, natural plaster, and grass thatching.

It is a site-based opportunity to get hands on construction experience together with design responsibility. A typical responsibility will be to design and build a structure for community arts activities. It may be a small design-and-build task such as a hut for use as a studio/work space or a sleeping unit. You can generate field drawings, fieldnotes, process photos or video to record thoughts. You have one month to design it, build it and document it!

As an intern practitioner, you will work with local artisans to realize your design project. You will have the opportunity to solve the technical issues that come up as part of building the project. You will gain cross-cultural experience from working with local artisans of varying levels of experience and oral English. The design-and-build programme is conceived to bridge the gap between theory and practical application to make a well-rounded practitioner. For students, it is an opportunity to experience the vernacular construction process first hand and to learn to design what is build-able. For professionals, you will find the residency an inspirational break from your desk job to rediscover the rudiments of architecture and nuances that may refresh your practice.

For more information: NkaFoundation