Dezeen · Creativity & design

African Futures Institute Establishes Permanent Headquarters in Ghana

The African Futures Institute, an independent architecture school, has opened its permanent headquarters in Accra, Ghana, following the renovation of a former tile warehouse.

Founded by architect Lesley Lokko, the institute now occupies its first permanent home in Osu, Accra, after operating from temporary spaces since 2021. The renovation transformed the commercial building into a hub for education, culture, and public engagement.

The headquarters includes research and education spaces for the school, alongside public areas designed for community interaction through lectures, exhibitions, and workshops.

The former tile warehouse, likely built in the late 1950s or early 1960s, had its original envelope preserved and restored, with added skylights and rationalized facade openings.

Interior spaces are organized around a multi-purpose 'Urban Room' serving as a flexible hall for various events. Rammed earth was used for flooring and a prominent wall, finished with linseed oil.

Locally sourced materials like clay bricks, quarry dust, and hardwood were used, complementing the industrial origins. The Nomadic African Studio program will also operate from the new headquarters.

Lesley Lokko, the founder, was the first African woman to win the RIBA Gold Medal in 2024 and was named on Time magazine's 100 most influential people list that year.

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