Exploring Fry and Drew’s application of Ghanaian symbolism in architectural ornamentations: Case study of Opoku Ware and Prempeh Senior High Schools in Kumasi, Ghana

Kofi  Adjei; Rexford Assasie Oppong

doi:10.4314/just.v39i1,2.1231

Kofi Adjei Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Rexford Assasie Oppong Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v39i1,2.1231

Keywords: Opoku Ware Senior High School, Prempeh Senior High School, Maxwell Fryl, Jane Drew, Ghanaian symbolism, aarchitectural ornamentations

Abstract

Ghanaian art forms are dominated by symbolism that characterises the socio-cultural, religious and political ideals of the people. These symbols which are often used in religious, and socio-political buildings for educational, aesthetic and religious purposes encapsulate Ghanaian thoughts, beliefs, ideas, aspirations and spirituality in abstract forms. The objective of this study is to explore the significance, philosophical and socio-cultural narratives embodied in the symbols that are employed in the architectural ornamentation of Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew's architectural project in Opoku Ware Senior High and Prempeh Senior High Schools in Kumasi. This study employed the qualitative method of research using observation, library research and photographic documentations. The data were analysed using the interpretivist research method. The results of the study show that Fry and Drew's application of Ghanaian symbols in school architecture at Opoku Ware Senior High and Prempeh Senior High Schools in Kumasi exemplify their response to contextualising indigenous sensibilities in design. The symbols which were mainly the stool, crocodile from the adinkra symbology and honey comb motifs were generally employed as precast concrete for the dual purpose of serving practical and aesthetics demands of the schools' architecture. The study concludes that the stool, crocodile and honey comb motifs symbolise authority, status, power, versatility and assiduousness, and their deployment in the architecture of these two schools is a negotiation of the Ashanti Royal authority and symbolic power that is derived from western academic experience.

Author Biographies

Kofi Adjei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Kofi Adjei is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Industrial Art, KNUST, Kumasi. He holds MFA Ceramics and teaches courses in ceramic art and design. He also practices as a studio artist with many years of professional experience. His main areas of research include Ceramic Art and Design with specific interest in Ceramic Materials and Methods, Ceramic Finishing and Mixed Media. His research also looks at African Art and Culture in areas of African Aesthetics, Contemporary Visual Culture and Ornamentations in Architecture. His current research is in the relationship between Art and the Built Environment. This paper is an extract from his PhD thesis which seeks to explore the Cultural Sensibilities of Architectural Ornamentations in Public Buildings in
Ghana. Email: adjei44@yahoo.com

Rexford Assasie Oppong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Rexford Assasie Oppong (PhD) is Professor of Architecture and Dean of the International Programmes Office, KNUST, Kumasi. He is a practicing architect with over twenty years' experience. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture from the Liverpool School of Architecture, University of Liverpool; Masters in Urban Planning and Management from University of Rome-La Sapienza; Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture, KNUST; and Bachelor of Science in Design, UST, Kumasi. He has unwavering passion for architectural education and wrote the initial proposal and subsequently chaired the committee to introduce the Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture in KNUST in 2014. He serves on high profile institutional Councils, Committees and Bodies. He currently represents the National Council for Tertiary Education on the Governing Council of Koforidua Technical University in Ghana. He is member of KNUST Executive Committee as well as the Planning and Resources Committee. He is also on the Academic Board of the University. Prof. teaches Architectural History at the Undergraduate level and Philosophy of Social Sciences, Architectural History and Theory and Research Methods at the MPhil/ PhD levels in the Department of Architecture, KNUST. His teaching services transcend the boundaries of the University. Email: assasie2003@yahoo.co.uk