Ghana must be more creative in building industry – Mario Cucinella

In order to reduce emissions and enhance the construction of buildings to meet global standard, Ghanaian architects have been advised to be more creative in their designs.

Mario Cucinella, the Principal of MCArchitects, made the suggestion in a lecture at the ongoing Italian Cultural Week Celebration in Accra on Monday.

According to Mr Cucinella, Ghanaian architects must be wary of the destruction of the environment and the life of the citizenry when developing architectural plan, particularly for commercial buildings. “Ghana needs to find its own way of designing buildings without necessarily importing foreign modules, but rather design buildings to depict Ghanaian culture.

“The nature here is so strong and fantastic. In other countries you need to find these relationships between nature, climate and architecture but Ghana’s climate is unique,” the respected architect added.

Against that backdrop, Mr Cucinella urged architects and building engineers in the country to be involved in the idea of reducing emission to ensure sustainability in the building industry.

On his part, President of Ghana Institute of Architects, Mr. Adotei Brown, speaking to Ghanaweb on the sidelines of the event echoed Mr Cucinella’s stance.

He disclosed that research has shown that the total carbon footprints of buildings in the world is about 154 billion, and in 20 years it is expected to increased for about 50%.

This means that the carbon footprints is going to be very large, therefore designs of building should be handled in more responsible manner to ensure better future for next generation.

“Rain harvesting, recycling are the important things in the building industry today, and you can’t build by ignoring them, we have started the first two buildings of high technology of this kind in this country this year,” he revealed.

Mr. Brown noted that the Ghana Institutes of Architects are very much aware of the effects of nature in the building industry and its members would consider the little resources available when designing buildings.

Italian culture and language are traditionally celebrated in the month of October worldwide. Italy boasts of one of the most ancient and richest cultures in the world and ranks first in the UNESCO list of world heritage with forty-seven registered sites.

Italians for centuries have created masterpieces and unique techniques to reach top levels in the architecture, arts, science, social and economic fields.

The week-long celebration, which is the first to be organised by the Italian Embassy in Ghana, commenced on Monday October 21, and it is expected to end on Saturday 26.

The celebration would showcase the rich Italian culture, music and creating a platform for networking among business magnates.