In 2022, KNUST graciously hosted one of PADI events, Afrikan Design Day (ADD), which was a hybrid event. Since then, our conferences have been held in Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, and Uganda. The success of these events led to a strong desire among members to return to Ghana. Given Ghana’s prominent position, second only to South Africa in terms of membership, and the substantial number of members from KNUST, the Executive Board selected KNUST to host PADI conference again in 2025. This opportunity was further supported by the interest expressed by PADI members to visit KNUST and Kumasi to learn about its rich cultural heritage. It also provided KNUST an excellent opportunity to showcase itself as a premier institution for design education in Ghana and a key player in African design education.
photos courtesy: DESIGNGHANA
2025 Conference focused on Education Activities, aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the African design community. The conference brought together designers, educators, researchers, and industry professionals from across the continent to share insights, best practices, and emerging trends in design education and practice.
Topics captured included Design Pedagogy and Curriculum Development – that explored innovative approaches to design education, curriculum design, and pedagogical strategies; Cross-disciplinary Collaboration in Design Education, Research and Methodologies – that discussed the importance and methods of integrating multiple disciplines within design education. Presenting research methodologies, case studies, and findings relevant to design practice and education. Sustainable Design Practices: Addressing sustainability challenges and solutions within design education and practice; and Cultural Fusion in Design – that explored the intersection of traditional African artistry with contemporary design trends; among other areas.
photos courtesy: DesignGhana
The conference created a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity building within the African design community. Through a combination of academic presentations, practical workshops, and cultural tours, participants gained valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and contributed to the advancement of design education and practice in Africa.
Watch a replay of all the virtual sessions of PADI ADD Botswana 2024 and more on the PADI facebook page.
