TRIGGERING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
System and Strategies for Asokore Mampong, Ghana
System and Strategies for Asokore Mampong, Ghana
The focus of this proposal is to achieve sustainable growth in Asokore Mampong through the insertion of micro-triggers. These triggers are anticipated to change the infrastructural, ecological and socio-economic levels in the town. In order to achieve that goal, a number of strategies, such as the introduction of a new waste management system and the densification of the existing fabric have been suggested. These are to be implemented over a period of time that can transform Asokore Mampong to a hub for development and a model for future growth in the surrounding areas.
The possible expansion of the airport, a project profoundly essential for the development of Kumasi, will affect the Asokore Mampong area and the city in general. The most important effect of this expansion will be the displacement of the population that currently resides in the land surrounding the airport. It is anticipated that this impact will affect the neighboring areas adversely if a proper plan is not done or implemented. In addition, potential development of Asokore Mampong will also attract people from other locations for labor, as well as local and foreign entrepreneurs. However, if planned well, the development of Asokore Mampong and the surrounding areas can benefit the existing communities in terms of job creation or commerce. Due to the services related to an expanded airport like logistics, accommodation, light manufacturing and storage facilities. Neighboring communities can take advantage of that need if efficient infrastructure can connect them to the airport. Ideally, an urban corridor could be created with enhanced opportunities for public transport, employment and housing, as well as a system of upgrading the live-work environment of existing communities.
Lack of an organized urban fabric in Asokore Mampong is a pressing problem, extending from the haphazard and sparse buildings pattern to the absence of a comprehensive transport, waste and water management system. The current conditions will only get aggravated as more people move to it. While it is obvious that Asokore Mampong has to maintain its identity, we believe that in order to be receptive to development, it has to organize and find ways to increase its value, by improving the existing areas and creating suitable conditions for future development. This project proposes a way of inserting infrastructural triggers to start bottom-up development in Asokore Mampong, which can later be connected to macro scale infrastructure if and when it becomes available.
Given that a top down, “master-plan” solution, similar to cities like Shenzhen, Huaxi or Shenzhou in China, is not possible in Ghana due to the luck of funds and its democratic system, we propose a Built-Operate-Transfer strategy for infrastructure that suggests collaboration between developers, local authorities and residents. Starting from phasing out the current haphazard waste management system to the introduction of a new condominial sewage plan and the introduction of mixed-use building units in selected points in the area, we believe that the goal of a healthy urban development can be achieved in the near future. The new building units proposed will provide space for administration, local businesses, small manufacturing and various types of housing. They will also help encourage user-generating strategies and maintain the character of the place, and at the same time provide essential infrastructure for further development. Either by adapting to the existing fabric or by building in empty space, these trigger buildings will help our site become a model of sustainability so that other areas can replicate this success and trigger sustainable growth in Asokore Mampong.
The possible expansion of the airport, a project profoundly essential for the development of Kumasi, will affect the Asokore Mampong area and the city in general. The most important effect of this expansion will be the displacement of the population that currently resides in the land surrounding the airport. It is anticipated that this impact will affect the neighboring areas adversely if a proper plan is not done or implemented. In addition, potential development of Asokore Mampong will also attract people from other locations for labor, as well as local and foreign entrepreneurs. However, if planned well, the development of Asokore Mampong and the surrounding areas can benefit the existing communities in terms of job creation or commerce. Due to the services related to an expanded airport like logistics, accommodation, light manufacturing and storage facilities. Neighboring communities can take advantage of that need if efficient infrastructure can connect them to the airport. Ideally, an urban corridor could be created with enhanced opportunities for public transport, employment and housing, as well as a system of upgrading the live-work environment of existing communities.
Lack of an organized urban fabric in Asokore Mampong is a pressing problem, extending from the haphazard and sparse buildings pattern to the absence of a comprehensive transport, waste and water management system. The current conditions will only get aggravated as more people move to it. While it is obvious that Asokore Mampong has to maintain its identity, we believe that in order to be receptive to development, it has to organize and find ways to increase its value, by improving the existing areas and creating suitable conditions for future development. This project proposes a way of inserting infrastructural triggers to start bottom-up development in Asokore Mampong, which can later be connected to macro scale infrastructure if and when it becomes available.
Given that a top down, “master-plan” solution, similar to cities like Shenzhen, Huaxi or Shenzhou in China, is not possible in Ghana due to the luck of funds and its democratic system, we propose a Built-Operate-Transfer strategy for infrastructure that suggests collaboration between developers, local authorities and residents. Starting from phasing out the current haphazard waste management system to the introduction of a new condominial sewage plan and the introduction of mixed-use building units in selected points in the area, we believe that the goal of a healthy urban development can be achieved in the near future. The new building units proposed will provide space for administration, local businesses, small manufacturing and various types of housing. They will also help encourage user-generating strategies and maintain the character of the place, and at the same time provide essential infrastructure for further development. Either by adapting to the existing fabric or by building in empty space, these trigger buildings will help our site become a model of sustainability so that other areas can replicate this success and trigger sustainable growth in Asokore Mampong.
Studio // Three Peripheries in Transition
Team // Gianpapa Eleni, Shiyao Yu
Tutors // R.Plunz, G. Mehta,V. Body-Lawson, M. Conard, P. Kempf, K. Orff
University // Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design, GSAPP, Columbia University, USA
Spring 2013
Team // Gianpapa Eleni, Shiyao Yu
Tutors // R.Plunz, G. Mehta,V. Body-Lawson, M. Conard, P. Kempf, K. Orff
University // Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design, GSAPP, Columbia University, USA
Spring 2013