Bridging Rural & Urban Realities, Establishing the Blueprints of Resilience: KNUST Architecture Students Lead Peri-Urban Survey in Yilo Krobo

In a dynamic blend of academic inquiry and community engagement, third-year Architecture students from KNUST’s Department of Architecture have commenced their eagerly awaited annual peri-urban survey in Ghana’s Eastern Region, focusing on the Yilo Krobo Municipality. Running from Monday, April 28, to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, this immersive fieldwork offers a detailed exploration of peri-urban life—capturing the delicate balance where rural heritage meets urban development.

The students are conducting an in-depth study of towns that typify this peri-urban landscape, including Somanya, Nkurakan, Oterkpalu, Sikabeng, Huhunya, Klo-Agogo, Boti, and surrounding communities. Their investigation covers key aspects such as: 

• The form (Urban Design) and spatial organization (Urban Morphology) of peri-urban settlements  
• Socio-economic dynamics shaping local livelihoods  
•  Existing physical infrastructure and its accessibility  
• The area’s cultural heritage and historical context  
• Delivery of public services  
• Environmental management and ecological concerns  
• Pedestrian infrastructure and mobility experiences  

This year marks a milestone with the inclusion of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, an emerging institution that embodies the intersection of sustainable development and local identity.

This survey exemplifies strong collaboration, supported by the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), Tekton Consult, Artelier, Interior Designers & Decorators Ghana, and Spaysis, in partnership with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly and the Yilo Krobo Traditional Council. These partnerships demonstrate a united dedication to confronting challenges and unlocking opportunities within peri-urban spaces.

Under the expert guidance of KNUST’s accomplished faculty and teaching assistants, the field expedition is led by Dr.-Ing. Alexander Boakye Marful (Senior Lecturer and Year Master), alongside Rev. Fr. Dr. Victor Kwesi Quagraine, Dr. Emmanuel Banahene Owusu, Architects Benedict Owusu Brown and Emmanuel Adu-Nyarko, Mr. Seth Kontor, Mr. Henry Kofi Danso, Ms. Amma Agyemang Opoku, and Ms. Stephanie Davis. Their mentorship is further strengthened by teaching assistants Mr. Michael Mawuena Baccah, Mr. Eric Asirifi, Mr. N-namba Bibansem, Mr. Nana Kwame Boakye Marfo-Yiadom, Ms. Abigail Coppson, and Ms. Margaret Patterson.

This impactful exploration aligns perfectly with KNUST’s mission to foster resilient and vibrant communities, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 11, which advocates for sustainable cities and communities. Through close engagement with peri-urban realities, students gain valuable perspectives that empower them to design innovative architectural and planning solutions that respect both people and place.

A recent stakeholder engagement meeting between students, faculty, the municipal director, and Yilo Krobo traditional leaders underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration with academic institutions. They reflected on how sustained research is crucial for tackling emerging issues, supporting sound decision-making, and ensuring effective implementation.

Additionally, the vice chancellor of UESD, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, expressed strong support for the initiative and looks forward with great anticipation to its outcomes as the university approaches its fifth anniversary celebrations.

Dr.-Ing. Alexander B. Marful warmly invites professionals, policymakers, and development stakeholders to join in this meaningful journey toward peri-urban transformation. He stated that, together, we can pave the way for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient futures in Ghana’s evolving urban-rural landscapes.

Stay updated on the survey’s progress and student innovations by following the KNUST Department of Architecture and engaging with the hashtag #KNUSTPeriUrbanSurvey2025.

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Let us unite to craft and nurture resilient communities that exemplify sustainable futures.
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About the KNUST Department of Architecture  

Celebrated across Africa, KNUST’s Department of Architecture is dedicated to excellence in education and research, cultivating professionals committed to creating sustainable built environments that are sensitive to cultural, social, and ecological contexts.

This department has over the years produced architects for the construction industry locally and internationally. The department is accredited by cognate professional institutions in Ghana, namely, Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) Ghana Institution of Construction (GIOC). Additionally the Department of Architecture is accredited by the Commonwealth Association of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The products of the department together with other allied disciplines within the University are the key players in the development of the nation as far as physical structures and environmental needs are concerned.

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