If you’re familiar with buildings including Black Star Square in Accra, and Unity Hall at KNUST in Kumasi, you may also know that these designs are part of a specific architectural style popularised in the 1940s, Abena Sɛwaa of AKADi Magazine writes.
The style is known as 'Tropical Modernism', and was developed in the late 1940s by British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry.
It incorporates design strategies that promote natural ventilation, shading and water features that lend themselves to living in tropical climates.
Tropical Modernism incorporates design strategies that promote natural ventilation, shading and water features that lend themselves to living in tropical climates.
Iconic structures including Independence Square in Accra, and Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast are examples of designs Ghanaian architects designed using Tropical Modernism methods.
'Tropical Modernism': Architecture and Independence will open to the public at the V&A Museum from 2 March until 22 September 2024.
Contributions from Ghanaian architects Peter Turkson, Victor Adegbite, who designed Black Star Square, and John Owusu-Addo, who designed Unity Hall at KNUST in Kumasi, will be included.
Visit this paid-for exhibition at the V&A, South Kensington, Cromwell Road , SW7 2RL.
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