Inset: Dr. Ing. Alexander Boakye Marful making his presentation
As part of activities marking the 2016 celebration of the World Architecture Day, the Architects Registration Council (ARC) in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), KNUST Department of Architecture and CLEAN Africa, have held a symposium in Accra.
World Architecture Day is celebrated by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in collaboration with national associations which represent over 1.3million architects in 124 countries including Ghana. The global theme for the celebration is: “Design a Better World”,
Ghanaian Architects, built environment stakeholders and civil society joined the rest of the world to mark the day under the sub-theme: “Universal Designs/Barrier Free Concepts in Ghana”, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11.
Welcoming participants to the symposium held at the G.S. Plaza Hotel, the Registrar of the Architects Registration Council, Arc. (Mrs.) Stella N.D. Arthiabah emphasized that the theme chosen is a timely call that Universal/Barrier Free Designs and Concepts are a necessity, and not a factor of quality.
“We wish to engage civil society, policy makers and all stakeholders to support Architects to create buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to all regardless of age, ability and status in life,” she stated, observing that Architects design at the request of clients, as such support from such stakeholders is key to creating a built environment that is accessible, usable and approachable to all. She called on government and civil society to engage the services of architects at all times.
The symposium brought together people from the Academia, Traditional Authority, the Health Service, Council and Associations for Persons with Disability (PWDs), students, Personnel of the Security Agencies, and built environment players.
On his part, Minister for Water Resources Works and Housing, Dr. Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah whose address was read on his behalf charged Architects to reflect on the theme for the celebration and make their designs inclusive to address challenges of urbanization and that of the various sections of society. He charged the general public and civil society to engage only registered architects on their projects. Government, he assured, would continue to play its part by providing a good partnership to drive the course.