Infosession | Vernacular Material Modernism – Design Research in Ghana

What if the future of environmentally conscious design could be found in a rural Ghanaian village?

In the traditional society of Ghana’s Ashanti region, earthen plastering and relief sculpture have been key forms of cultural expression. Today, these traditions face displacement by imported modern materials like concrete and steel. Can modern design embrace local vernacular wisdom, such as earth-based material practices, and traditional artistic and cultural expressions? How can we translate traditions and vernacular wisdom in our contemporary world? Many of the rural villages in Ghana are yet to receive enough basic infrastructure, such as educational and medical facilities. As artists and designers, how can we participate responsibly in developing a sustainable and resilient future? 

This cross-disciplinary proto-design studio will explore these questions by working with local communities and building craftspeople to develop a material language that incorporates traditional design and art practices. We will partner with local knowledge-holders and draw on expertise from global organizations like CRAterre and UNESCO. Participants from any art or design field will work alongside Ghanaian craftspeople and community members to:

• Study vernacular architecture and local material practices
• Visit quarries and conduct soil testing to understand existing resources
• Experiment with natural materials and design prototypes for a sustainable, culturally rooted design approach

Beyond Ghana, these lessons resonate wherever artists and designers confront questions of equity, cultural continuity, and environmental responsibility. This program invites you to expand your creative toolkit, sharpen your global perspective, and experience firsthand how place, material, and culture can shape design.