Profile: Kenneth M. Scott

If ever an individual could be credited with exceptional contribution to the architectural development of the city of Accra, Kenneth Mackenzie Scott is without doubt the person. He has more to his credit by Way of designing buildings and other facilities than any other individual could lay claim to. Indeed there was hardly a public building in Accra in the 1960’s and 70’s, which did not bear the mark of his brilliance.


So much was his contribution that for two long decades he towered over his peers in his chosen profession. As an architect, he always sought to create new and experimental concepts.He shook himself free of the restrictive norms of the established order and produced designs that always stood distinct from others. His designs spanned the entire spectrum of architecture and his style was considered avant-grade. He designed Educational, Cultural, Military, Sporting, Leisure and Health facilities all over Ghana.

His educational projects include the U.S.T. Schools of Pharmacy, Engineering and Classroom block. Also to his credit are the Faculty of Arts of the University of Cape Coast, Institute of Statistical,Social Economic Research and the Department of Nursing both of the University of Ghana and Lincoln Community School at Dzorwulu in Accra.

"Winky" designed health facilities among which are the Surgical, Maternity, Paediatric, Tuberculosis and Isolation Units of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital as well as the Ashanti Gold Fields Hospital at Obuasi.

The Police Headquarters, Police College and the Tamale Air Force Barracks belong to the long list of "Winky’s" designs. So do the Kumasi Sports Stadium in Ghana, East Central State Stadium Complex as well as the Imo State Stadium Complex both in Nigeria.

The British Council building in Accra, the Secondi, Koforidua and Tamale libraries are also his designs. His interest extended to Hotels where he designed the extension to the Avenida Hotel. Later he was to do project designs for the Ghana Airways and the British Caledonian Hotels, which are yet to be built.

His factory designs include the Unions Carbide factory at Tema, the Ceramics factory at saltpond and the Accra Brewery.

The many office building he designed are the Ministry of Foreign affairs building, the Diamond House and the Consortium House on the High Street in Accra.

The Scott house where he lived, the Taylor Woodrow house and the Taysec Town House are among the many residential houses that bear the Winky Scott mark.

This obviously hardworking and highly productive professional had time for leisure. Unlike most men of his cast, he was very sociable. He played Polo in his spare time and for many years was the president of the Accra Polo Club. Kenneth Mackenzie Scott was born in 1918 in Sydney, Australia. He was the third of five of his Australian mother and Scottish father. At the age of 11 his family moved to settle in the United Kingdom where he later took up a career in architecture.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939,he enlisted in the British Army. He was seconded to the seven battalion Gold Coast Regiment of Royal West Africa Frontier Force as a second Lieutenant. By the end of the war he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with full responsibility for his battalion. He was honored with the Military Cross.

After the war he returned to England to complete his studies in architecture. On completing he joined the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and become a fellow in 1963.

In 1948,he joined the East Essex County Council. The following year he left Great Britain for the Gold Coast, more of a reunion with his “pattern in war” than a search for greener pastures.

In the Gold Coast "Winky" did not dally with whatever benefit membership of the colonial bureaucracy offered. For just after one tour with the Gold Coast Public Works, he joined the private practice of James Cubitt Scott as free partner. His desire to live free of any restriction authority did not end with his parting with the colonial administration. After a brief partnership with James Cubit Scott and Associates with practices in the U.K, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Fiji.

He made many Ghanaian friends and married a former high court judge, Mrs Theresa Stiggner Scott who later served as Ghana’s Ambassador to France. He was a founding member of the Ghana Institute of Architects and was it’s Vice President in 1960-70, and Secretary to the Architects Council during the period. He died in 1982 at the age of 63.In a tribute he was described as “the last of the Gold Coasters”. Mrs. Frances Ademola also paid a glowing tribute to his memory when she said of him; “He was a Gold Coaster in one time only, for he did not dwell with crippling nostalgia for the good old days. He read voraciously, ‘talked modern’ and identified himself with the hopes triumphs and disappointment of the Ghanaian. Through three republics, five coup d’etats and one revolution, he shared our expectations disillusions and our sometimes enforced silence.

Friends will remember him for his enormous capacity for affection and wit. But most concretely he will be remember for the numerous architectural monuments all over Ghana, which bear testimony to his genius.

Adapted from Tribute by KEN AMOAH in 'Journal of the Ghana Institute of Architects Vol. 1 No.1' JANUARY - JUNE , 1993.

Source: www.arcghana.org

Profile: Maxwell Fry

Fry was born in Liscard, near Wallasey in Cheshire. His father Ambrose Fry, a chemical manufacturer, later a property developer, was born in Canada, and his mother was Lydia (later called Lily) Thompson. He had two elder sisters and a younger brother. To his family and friends he was known as Maxi or Max.

He trained at the Liverpool Institute and the University of Liverpool School of Architecture where he gained his Diploma in 1923.


Maxwell Fry was one of the few modernist architects working in Britain in the thirties who were British; most were immigrants from continental Europe where modernism originated. One of his earliest commissions was Margate railway station which opened in 1926. In 1933 he co-founded the Modern Architectural Research (MARS) Group, a modernist architectural think tank.

His best known buildings are Kensal House, in Ladbroke Grove, London, completed in 1937, where he worked with pioneering social reformer Elizabeth Denby to create a spacious estate with modern shared amenities; Miramonte in New Malden, Kingston, Surrey; and Impington Village College, in Impington, Cambridgeshire designed in collaboration with Walter Gropius.

From 1934 to 1936 he practiced with Walter Gropius as Gropius & Fry. From 1937 to 1942 he worked as secretary, with Arthur Korn as chair, on the governing committee of the MARS group plan for the redevelopment of postwar London, the results of which were outlined in Chapter 4 of his work 'Fine Building', of 1944. During World War II he served with the Royal Engineers and worked in Nigeria, where he advised the authorities on town-planning and designed buildings for the University of Ibadan. Together with his second wife Jane Drew, he published books about tropical architecture. In the early 1950s, together with Pierre Jeanneret and Jane Drew, as senior architects, they did much of the housing of Chandigarh, the new capital of Punjab, India. Fry and Drew designed the New Schools building, the Waterloo Entrance and the Harbour Bar for the Festival of Britain. Both Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew often collaborated with and were close friends of Ove Arup, the founder of the engineering firm Arup.

As Fry, Drew and Partners (1946-1973) the pair's major commission was the headquarters of Pilkington Glass in St. Helens. The building includes a number of modernist art commissions with works by Victor Pasmore.

Maxwell Fry was also a painter, writer and a poet, and he and Jane had among their many friends contemporary artists such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Victor Pasmore and Eduardo Paolozzi; and the author Richard Hughes. He was an ARA, exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, had a one-man show in 1974 at the Drian Gallery in London, and continued painting in his retirement.

In 1927 he married his first wife Ethel Speakman, by whom he had one daughter, Ann. He married Jane Drew in 1942, and they worked and lived together happily, retiring to a cottage in Cotherstone, Co. Durham where he died in 1987.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Profiles: Foreign Architects

We begin this section with profiles of some foreign Architects who have made profound contributions to Architecture in Ghana.

Maxwell Fry
Kenneth M. Scott

History of the GIA (Ghana Institute of Architects)

The history of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) commenced from the prior existence of the Gold Coast Society of Architects (GCSA), that was founded in July 1954. A letter dated in May 1954 and written by Mr. Arthur Lindsay, the Honorary Secretary had invited all practicing architects in the Gold Coast to come together. As a follow up to that meeting, the Gold Coast Society of Architects (GCSA) was inaugurated in 1954. Fourteen Architects were present at that meeting. They were: G.S Knight (President), Arthur Lindsay (Hon. Secretary), B.A.W Trevallion, (Hon. Treasurer), Kenneth M. Scott (Hon. Public Relations Officer), E.W Williamson, A. Williamson, Max Garlach, G.C Harris, A.K Sulton, M.R. Griffiths, K. Wood, H. J. Pine, G.P Smith and L.P Williams.

With the attainment of the Independence of Ghana, the Gold Coast prefix was changed to the Ghana prefix of the Society of Architects. It must be brought home clearly that the GSA could not be dislodged easily to come over and join the formation of the G.I.A. That is, the G.I.A was not given the breath of life on a silver platter. A lot of cunning and strategizing went into bringing any success about. So in-roads had to be made into the existence of that Society to ascertain their inner workings; for they were a tough lot!
No architectural body had ever been formed in the country before, and the GCSA therefore, wielded much monopoly in the acquisition of Government as well as private projects. In fact, it was a big force in matters that pertained to the practice of architecture in the country. Seemingly a close-knit Society, and consisting mostly European architects, it required a patriotic Ghanaian, one imbued with selflessness and a good measure of nationalism, to work at marking any dents in the fabric of that Society.

The Man of that moment, who measured so expertly and dexterously, to get into the fold of the G.S.A was Mr. Victor Adegbite. From his interactions with them, ‘Vik’ observed that the GSA was more of a social gathering, as it were, than the workings of the Institutes of Architects he had known and seen in his journeying abroad.

Vik had attended some GSA meetings at the International Club that was located on Knutsford Avenue, Accra and found out that it was in no mood to give in to the formation of any worrisome and indigenous Ghana Institute. A case in point was the threat by the GSA to expel Vik from its ranks, because he had been appointed the architect for the Convention People’s Party (CPP) Headquarters project and also the Farmers’ Council building project, all in Accra, in 1957/58. True to their word, the Society wrote a letter to the Ministry of Works and Housing, to expel Vik from the GSA because he had accepted a project from a political party. The case was however amicably resolved.

Since the G.S.A was essentially an exclusive Club of expatriates-only who worked in most of the various branches of the Public Works Department (PWD), the indigenous Ghanaian architects initially decided to counter with the formation of the SPACE CLUB, with similar functions as the G.S.A. The indigenes had then freshly returned to their motherland after their training abroad, mostly in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).

Consultations with those “brand-new” Ghanaian architects to form the Institute were positive. So also were the interactions and discussions with Dr. R. P. Baffour, the then Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. Dr. Baffour advised Vik to go to work and get something started, regardless of the small number of Ghanaian architects who had qualified at that time. Vik felt emboldened and encouraged proceeded with the advice. He then wrote to the Ghanaian architects around Accra, inviting them to a meeting at his office on 9th November 1962. He was then the Chief Architect of the Ghana National Construction Corporation (GNCC). A number of them attended and Vik was asked to chair that maiden and historic meeting. Present at the deliberations, were O. T. Agyeman, T. S. Clerk, W. S. Asamoah, E.K. Asuako, P.N.K. Turkson and J.S.K. Frimpong.

Mr. T.S Clerk was appointed the sole architect at that meeting to draft the first constitution of the Institute. He submitted his proposals at the subsequent meeting. His draft was discussed, approved and adopted. Following the adoption of the draft constitution and its bye-laws, the first officers of the Institute were elected. Those were: T.S. Clerk (President), P.N.K. Turkson, (Vice-President), Victor Adegbite (Hon. Treasurer), O.T. Agyeman (Hon. Secretary), J.S.K Frimpong, John Owusu-Addo, W.S. Asamoah, E.K. Asuako, A.K. Amartey and M. Adu-Donkor as members.

With the election of Officers behind them, an appointment was sought to see the Head of the Republic and Father of the Nation, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and to request his consent to be the Patron of the Institute. In their interactions with Osagyefo he did not agree to the proposal. He however pointed out that as the Head of State he was virtually the Honorary Patron of all the Professional Bodies. So there was no need to request him to be Patron of any particular Institute. That advice was graciously accepted.

The participation of the GSA in the affairs and inauguration of the new Institute had to be sought. Nothing was to be taken for granted. The emissaries to broker the deal involved Architects O.T. Agyeman and John Owusu-Addo. These two veteran architects had earlier on done their best in spearheading the merger of the two bodies. Arc. K.G. Kyei was also dispatched to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to contact and seek the input of architectural students participants in the inauguration. None of the two groups showed up. The inaugural ceremony however went ahead as planned.

Through indefatigable efforts and adroitness at mediation by Architects O.T. Agyeman and John Owusu-Addo the GIA finally merged with the GSA as well as their funds The joy at that occurrence on the part of the indigenous groups was high. In sum, Architect Victor Adegbite was seen as the one man who did a whole lot more in the conception, discussions, planning, strategizing and in the efforts that culminated in the birth of the Ghana Institute of Architects. It was speculated at the time that the non-participation of the student architects was due to the fact that they had been won over by their expatriate staff whose sympathies lay more with the GSA than with the budding indigenous Institute.

The inauguration of the Institute came off successfully on the 11th of December 1964 as planned at the lecture theatre of the Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana, Legon, at 8:30 p.m. Hon E.K. Bensah, the Minister of Works and Housing, was the Chairman. He was supported by Nana Kobina Nketia IV, Director, Institute of Art and Culture, Dr. R.P. Baffour, Vice-Chancellor, KNUST and Mr. G.Y. Odoi, Managing Director, Ghana National Construction Corporation. The first Fellowships of the GIA were conferred on Hon E.K. Bensah, Dr. R.P Baffour, Hon. L. K. Apaloo and Mr. G.Y. Odoi. The Ghana Police Band was in attendance and dished out “conc” Hi-life tunes in their pristine state.

The mood at the inauguration was sprightly. There was a feeling of Christmas in the offing. Added to this was the fact that the GIA had at long last been inaugurated. There was clearly, a feeling of triumph, of elation, of success. It was a happy gathering on that December night at Legon! One could discern the high spirits in Vik, especially, as he danced, in full flight, giving out ‘arc-huduous’ exhibitionism of some New Orleans jitterbug intricacies. Arc. K.G Kyei brought the rear with his prekese mixings of highfalutin Highlife variations. The function eventually came to a close at 1.00 a.m.

The GIA enjoys the full backing of the Republic of the Republic of Ghana, having recognition also through the ARCHITECTS DECREE, NLCD 357, of 1969. It is also a member of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, the International Union of Architects and the African Union of Architects; and commands the greatest respect and esteem of the architectural world.

The Institute has not been found wanting in the political arena of Ghana. In 1977, for example, the GIA fully took part in support of the withdrawal of services of the Professional Bodies Association of Ghana. Arc K.G. Kyei held aloft the mantle of participation for the Institute, though Col. Courage Togobo was the substantive President. The fact was that as a serving Army officer his participation in a strike against a ruling military regime could have produced some difficulties for him. A tall list of other professional bodies took part in the ‘Great Withdrawal’. Among them were the engineers, doctors, lawyers, surveyors, pharmacist and accountants. Initially the offices of the Ghana Institute of Architects, located then at the Ringway Estates, Accra served as the venue for the meetings. It was later shifted to the office complex of Hon. Harry R. Sawyerr at Osu. In politics then, the G.I.A has paid some dues in the process of modern day Ghanaian political evolution.

The following have held positions of Presidency in the march of the GIA They are:

Arc. T.S. Clerk - 1962-1969

Arc. Victor Adegbite - 1969-1970

Arc. Kenneth Scott - 1970-1971

Arc. O.T. Agyeman - 1971-1974

Arc. Martin Adu-Badu - 1974-1976

Arc. Prof. John Owusu-Addo - 1976-1977

Arc. Courage Togobo - 1977-1978

Arc. K.G. Kyei - 1978-1979

Arc. D.S. Kpodo -Tay - 1979-1980

Arc. E.L. Akita - 1980-1982

Arcs. J.N.A Attoh / Oko Adjetey - 1982-1988

Arc. Dr. M.K Boohene - 1988-1990

Arc. O.T. Agyeman - 1990-1993

Arc. H.D.L Yartey - 1993-1995

Arc. Theo Akofio-Sowah - 1995-1998

Arc. Kenneth Ampratum - 1998-2002

Arc. Steve Akuffo 2003 - date



The Pioneers have blazed the architectural trail. It now behooves progeny to keep the perpetual flame of honour, industry and high esteem, in the Profession of Architecture, burning always.



History of GIA supplied by Past GIA President - Arc. Kojo Gyinaye Kyei (Nana Ankoanna Apoma Kyekyeku III), Chief of Gyedu, Brong Ahafo Region.
 
Source: http://www.arcghana.org/gia_history.htm

THEN: Editorial

Before one can make any meaningful forecast into the future, it is very important to understand the past. That is exactly what we have tried to achieve in this first edition of the TNT series of the Column magazine. Many individuals have made various sacrifices towards the development of the architecture profession in this country. The formation of the Ghana Institute of Architects did not come on a silver platter. It took the tireless efforts of many individuals in a period when most did not believe the indigenous Ghanaian was capable of being an Architect and when discrimination against Ghanaian architects of the time was rife. These efforts gradually paid off in the inauguration of the Institute on the 11th of December 1964.


Architecture has gone through a long period of evolution. Good times and bad times. It now behoves on present generation of the GIA, professionals and students alike to understand that we are what we are not just out of the blue but because sacrifices have been made by selfless people and the only true way we can honour these people is not by writing citations for them or by giving them awards, but by selflessly making our own sacrifices to nurture what they have achieved for the profession so that their sacrifices are not in vain. We can also look to these individuals as role models and this should be not just by word of mouth but by striving for excellence as they did.

I must stress that this magazine is only a highlight of some of the relevant events and people that we have managed to gather within a very limited amount of time and resources and as such we might have omitted certain relevant names and other information either because very little has been written over the years or due to certain constraints which we could not avoid. This magazine cannot therefore be relied upon as a truly clear picture of the entire history of architecture in Ghana.

Hassan Mohammed Salih

Editor-In-Chief