ArchDaily · Creativity & design

African Futures Institute Opens New Headquarters in Accra

The African Futures Institute (AFI) has established its permanent headquarters in Accra, Ghana, by repurposing a former tile warehouse in the Osu neighborhood into a hub for architectural education, research, and public engagement.

The transformed industrial space now houses facilities for teaching, workshops, performances, and gatherings, providing AFI with a dedicated base after years of operating through various programs and temporary locations.

The project was a collaborative effort involving AFI's founder Lesley Lokko OBE and partners from Buro Ghana, who also served as landlords. The development prioritized retaining the warehouse's existing structure and industrial character.

Design and construction proceeded concurrently, with the team adapting the plans based on the realities of the existing building. A central 'Urban Room' is designed for diverse events, while other areas accommodate AFI's staff, archive, and research activities.

The headquarters is intended to function as both a workspace and a public venue, reflecting Lesley Lokko's vision of a building that "can hold many futures at once" and serves as a "framework for activity."

AFI will host its educational programs, including the Nomadic African Studio, alongside lectures, exhibitions, and other public events at the new location. The institute, founded in Accra in 2021, has expanded its scope to include curatorial practice, exhibitions, and publishing.

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