Prof. Daniel Duah Appointed KNUST’s First Full Professor in Sustainable and Inclusive Architecture.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has marked a significant milestone in architectural education with the appointment of Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah as the University’s first Full Professor specializing in Sustainable and Inclusive Architecture. This appointment highlights KNUST’s commitment to addressing both global and local challenges through the built environment.
Prof. Duah emphasised that the world is currently facing two major interconnected challenges: climate change and the rapid depletion of natural resources. “Our climate is changing and in Ghana, we now experience rains in months we did not expect, such as December and January. Flooding, rising temperatures and sea levels are clear evidence that climate change is no longer a distant concern,” he said.
He also highlighted the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, particularly timber, warning that at the current rate of use, essential construction materials could become scarce within the next 50 years.
Sustainable Architecture, according to Prof. Duah, involves designing buildings that minimise environmental impact, conserve resources such as energy and water, and consider the well-being of future generations. He referenced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. “Sustainable architecture requires us to think about the ecological materials we use, how buildings respond to climate, and how design decisions today affect tomorrow,” he said.
Closely linked to sustainability, Inclusive Architecture ensures that spaces and buildings are functional, safe, and accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability, age, or health condition. Prof. Duah shared that his personal experience growing up with an elder brother living with a disability inspired his commitment to inclusive design.
Under his leadership, the Department of Architecture at KNUST has supervised multiple doctoral research projects focusing on sustainability and inclusion. These include studies on smart and accessible university campuses, barrier-free hospital environments, homes for persons living with dementia, and sustainable hotel designs. All halls of residence and academic areas have been assessed for accessibility using tools co-developed by Prof. Duah. He also co-authored the first Ghanaian book on Inclusive Design using TVET institutions as a framework.
Prof. Duah revealed that KNUST is expanding its postgraduate programmes to include new specialisations in Inclusive Architecture, Green Building, and Performance at both MPhil and PhD levels. He stressed the importance of climate-responsive design education, particularly in Ghana’s tropical context.
With a PhD from Michigan State University, Prof. Duah brings extensive expertise in green buildings and sustainability, both academically and in practice. He introduced the first Sustainable Construction course within KNUST’s Master of Construction Management programme.
Reflecting on KNUST’s broader sustainability agenda, Prof. Duah highlighted initiatives such as the SDG-focused Summer School and sustainability-related research, noting the University’s international recognition for contributions to SDG 4 (Quality Education). He added that while progress has been made, aligning institutional policies and regulations remains critical to fully support sustainable and inclusive built environments.
Looking ahead, Prof. Duah emphasised the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and 3D printing, within sustainability and inclusion frameworks. “Innovation must always be grounded in ensuring that buildings are green, sustainable and accessible to all,” he said, expressing confidence that KNUST is poised to train the next generation of architects and construction professionals to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for Ghana and beyond.
By: Aboagye Yaw Ankomah