Tema's Constructive Spine

The core focus of our project is to revive Community II in Tema by focusing on creating a core spine of activities and interactions. Commercial activity is encouraged at the edge of the road with market spaces designed around the core principles of a bazaar. This aims to help low-income families generate revenue, meanwhile creating a strong community atmosphere. Moreover, the market works as a filter between the chaotic public realm of the street and the semi-public condition of the squares behind. Above the market lie low income housing structures: these are clustered in a way that reflects the traditional arrangement of close-knit extended families in Ghana. The structured grid helps to keep costs low, and means standardised, pre-fabricated materials can be used to ensure a fast construction. The concrete frame allows inhabitants the flexibility to expand their homes with ease. Solar chimneys are used to help draw stale air out of the building and to facilitate ventilation. In the in-between back space, the implementation of middle income housing is arranged to provide income diversification and to encourage social interaction within the neighbourhood.