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REAL ESTATE SUPPLY INDUSTRY 2020 HIS MAJESTY,THE KING OF ASHANTI AND HIS QUEST FOR INFRSTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA THE VENTILATOR COVID-19, IS THE PANGOLIN THE CAUSE? GHANA’S LEADING HOTEL 2019, THE ACCRA CITY HOTEL HAS REPLACED PLASTIC STRAWS WITH PAPER STRAWS SINCE AUGUST 1ST AS A PART OF EFFORTS TO PROTECT GHANA’S ENVIRONMENT BAERBEL MUELLER AND JUERGEN STROHMAYER CREATE CONCRETE GALLERY IN ACCRA THE GHANA INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS - A NEW VISION DAVID ADJAYE CREATES EARTH- HOUSE PAVILION FOR GHANA ATVENICE ART BIENNALE PEOPLE, CULTURE AND IT’S EFFECT IN SHAPING AFRICAN COUNTRIES PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO CUTS SWORD FOR KOFI ANNAN’S MONUMENT HOW TO DESIGN THE IDEAL HOME OFFICE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE SECURITY INDUSTRY MADE IN AFRICA: HOW DIASPORA FASHION IS BEING REIMAGINED SMART CITY 16 IMMUNITY-BOOSTING FOODS A NUTRITIONIST RECOMMENDS CORONAVIRUS: WHY ARE PATIENTS PUT INTO INTENSIVE CARE? NECESSITY INNOVATION AND E-VISAS, WHY ITS URGENT FOR GHANA BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AFRICA

REAL ESTATE SUPPLY INDUSTRY 2020

een as one of the industries that shift more and difficult to know what is real. Industry players sometimes wonder if the industry is going to survive especially because of its impact. But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optimism that the industry will survive due to the situation where we find that places like the urban areas and communities are doing well where as other areas like the country side are still struggling to find themselves enjoy some new trends in the industry. Technology is one of the tools that have come to stay in the real estate industry. This has seen a once person-in- person transaction change due to its advances. Unlike before when a person had to meet a developer in person before being able to discuss or choose a property, technology has helped such that, all a person needs to do is to be on a virtual space and choose the kind of property they want and negotiate for it. Investors and developers who are listening to the needs and wants of the market places are ensuring that they adapt to changes that keeps showing up through the use of technology. Also, smart building technology is becoming a norm all because consumers want greater productivity and reduced expenses that such buildings seem to come with. Meeting consumer demands by adapting to change has become necessary in the industry due to the fact that, the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demand for space is changing. It now goes beyond the simple demand of space to how that space is arranged and

presented. Investors and developers who are always on the look out of the demands of consumer are at a higher advantage of enjoying more success. One of the trends that is becoming more popular in the urban centers is real estate developers and investors listening to the need of consumers wanting to be at the same place but do all their works, shopping, having fun and living all at one place. Consumers are now more concerned about convenience and are willing to compromise living in small spaces for living in cities. Also, most consumers want to retire knowing that, they can live healthier and more connected and so are now interested in living in areas where much is available and close to their place of residence. The legislative landscape will have great effect on the industry if changes are made. It is one of the major areas of concern for investors, developers and consumers. Real estate laws in a country impact the cost and supply of raw materials which restricts demands for residents and commercial properties. When policy makers and regulators .make laws that can help meet all parties halfway like coming up with laws that can help consumers buy or rent their own houses and pay in installments, it helps both consumers, developers and investors where developers and investors know that their properties will not be stalled because consumers cannot afford them.

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FIFIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COURT

FIFI’S COURT

BUY – TO – LET PRIVATE INVESTMENT

DIGITAL ADDRESS OF THIS PROJECT FIFI’S COURT : 0370-1353 POST CODE :0370 ACCRA

ifi’s Court is a bespoke private housing project with a pre-sales offer of the developer tied to a 10-year mortgage plan, which commences after one-year moratorium. This private high-end project has not taken into account the capital gains and the rental income after one-year moratorium of the properties being acquired by its clients. Current capital gains in the Real Estate Market in Ghana are averaging 20% per annum. Interests have been Calculated on a straight line basis and repayments are fixed for the term of the loan of 10 Years

Project – Location The Project (consisting of 10 housing units located on acquired land 0.5-acre at Ofankor in Accra behind the John - Teye Memorial School about 10 min drive from Achimota Mall. Whiles construction is in progress, the housing units are being offered for sale offplan with buyers required to pay a deposit of 30% of the property sale value on signing the sale agreement. The buyer under a repayment scheme pays the remaining 70% when the constructions of the housing units are completed.

Repayment Schemes: This GPM own in-house mortgage provision whereby the buyer will be allowed a 10-year monthly instalment purchase repayment period from completion under the project in-house mortgage provision. Repayments will commence from US$ 2,083 per month for the 10-year period. The Rental value for such a property now in that area is ranging from $1500 to $2000 per month in 2017.

The Project is a totally private venture that involves the provision of ten (10) highend housing developments already at the foundation level.

Photo by ghananewsagency Otumfuor Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene

HIS MAJESTY,THE KING OF ASHANTI AND HIS QUEST FOR INFRSTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

very nation strives to do well in developing their countryinfrastructure and so does Africa as a continent. All leaders who appointed come into power with the aim of helping their country develop their infrastructure and so is it with the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu 11, who though a king of the Asante kingdom in Ghana, is striving hard to help the African continent develop infrastructure wise. His quest for development has seen the Asanteman Development fund come alive. This fund has been set with the aim of helping invest growth capital in businesses that improve agriculture, health and sustainability. His quest has also seen the peaceful installation of the Ya-Na of Dagbon. He sensitized the people of Tamale on the importance of peace after which he provided a roadmap for which both

parties could be well served after which they elected who they wanted to keep as their chief to satisfy both factions. The conflict existed for more than a decade and hence slowed development in the region. Today, the life threatening conflict has ended the King of the Asante Kingdom who was made head of the committee that provided the roadmap to ensure the end to this conflict. A quote by former Un General secretary Kofi Annan says; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowledge is power, information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every society and every familyâ&#x20AC;?. This has Otumfuor done by seeing to it that, over thirty thousand children acquire knowledge and information by setting up a fund that helps poor, needy and intelligent students the access to go to school for free.

His visits to countries like Ethiopia and South Africa for lectures on development has seen him talk to other leaders to have a great concern for development so as to forge a united front to help improve the welfare of people and also that, citizens of these countries should desist from partisan activities that will hault progress and development on the continent.

Official U.S. Embassy photograph by: Archibald Sackey.

Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan traveled to the Ashanti Region from May 2-7 to promote partnerships on health, education, good governance, and economic development between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana. On May 3, Ambassador Sullivan paid a visit to the Regional Minister of Ashanti, the Honorable Simon Osei-Mensah, with whom she discussed U.S. partnership programs in the Ashanti Region sponsored by the American people. She then attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom, and attended a dinner in his honor at the Manhyia Palace.

The Ventilator

t the mention of the equipment, my mind voyaged to architecture. I kn0w vents are installed in factories and washrooms of our homes. It was evident in Ghana that edifices that were built during the Kwame Nkrumah era had vents fitted before the roof. I wondered why that design and style had not been maintained in this modern eon. Well, back to the ventilator, with this current coronavirus epidemic, the most important piece of gear mentioned often to defeat the unseen enemy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the virus is the ventilator, the golden equipment for hospitals to support their patients. According Wikipedia, a ventilator is a machine that provides mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe or breathing insufficiently. A bag valve mask (BVM) is a manual resuscitator or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;selfinflating bagâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or not breathing adequately.

I was touched by a story of an Italian priest Don Giuseppe Beraidelli, who gave his ventilator to save the life of a younger patient and he lost his life due to this. What an exemplary life of a leader. According to usatoday.com, Don Giuseppe Beraidelli, 72, was the archpriest of Casnigo, a town in northern Italy about 50 miles northeast of Milan. The sudden rush by companies like General Motors (GM) when tasked by the US government to retool their workshops to produce ventilators caught my interest,. This can’t be said of developing countries especially ones in Africa where we hardly hear of industrial design and manufacturing companies.

Kasapreko company limited, an indigenous manufacturing giant and (ISO) certified company, has responded positively to the request of President Akufo Addo’s appeal for local industries to produce hand sanitizers to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease in Ghana. It was evident on Ghana’s media space that small scale fashion companies, even health personnel were improvising to produce their own personal protection equipment (PPEs’) such as nose masks and plastic shields for covering faces.

technical Universities must start to scale up to meet the needs of the modern times. Ghana needs industrial design and manufacturing companies that can aid in the manufacture of health equipment and make product that are essential to the sustainability of human life. By Araron

This must be a wake up call for we in Africa to become more innovative. Our

Ghana can boast of cocoa processing companies, mining companies, companies producing beverages, pharmaceutical companies but not enough industrial design and manufacturing companies. We have to start thinking. According to Modern Ghana.com,

COVID-19, Is the Pangolin the cause?

ccording to a post found on the Ghana ROCHA organisation page, three Ghanaians were arrested for trafficking pangolin scales from Ghana to Malaysia in July 2017. Nearly 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of pangolin scales worth 5 million ringgit ($1.2 million) were confiscated. Pangolin are trafficked globally for their scales as it is believed to have medical properties. In Ghana, the meat of the pangolin is consumed by bush meat eaters. The article from the Ghana ROCHA organisation also states that out of the 8 species of Pangolins in the world, Ghana has 3 (Tree or African white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) Giant ground

pangolin (Smutsia gigantean) and Long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin (Uromanis tetradactyla). According to the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, the population of Pangolins in Ghana is not known. However, the species is wholly protected by law as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES, Appendix I) and thus, cannot be exported or hunted even for its meat, which is a delicacy in some communities. Keratin can be found in the scales of pangolins. Human fingernails and rhinoceros horns are also made from keratin. The scales are of more importance to traditional medicine in both Asia and Africa, where it is used to treat skin diseases, stroke

and serve as an antidote for various poisons. According to an article posted by Claire Jarvis on the-scientist.com website, When a new zoonotic outbreak occurs, scientists rush to trace the species the infection originated from. Often the infection jumps from its initial animal carrier to an intermediate host species, which then transmits the virus to humans. Identifying intermediate host species enable risk-mitigating public health policies to be implemented and gives researchers a better understanding of the disease evolution and pathogenesis. The going hypothesis is that the current outbreak started in bats, then moved to another species.

While many of the earliest cases in Wuhan were linked to the Huanan Seafood market—which sold seafood and wildlife, including snakes and birds—not every case has a link to it. The wide variety of animal produce available at the market, and structural similarities of ACE2 receptors in many “suspect species” means scientists are still not

confident about the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2. The authors propose—based on structural similarities between the viral RBD and host ACE2—that pangolins, snakes, and turtles could be possible intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2. The authors note that further research is needed to confirm these

findings, while other experts have discredited the idea put forth by a different group of researchers in January that snakes are SARSCoV-2 hosts. Photographs By Brent nationalgeographic

Stirton,

Ghana’s Leading Hotel 2019, the Accra City Hotel has Replaced Plastic Straws with Paper Straws since August 1st as a Part of Efforts to Protect Ghana’s Environment

ccra City Hotel, one of Ghana’s most prestigious 4-star hotel located in the City Centre of Accra has in principle eliminated the use of plastic straws and replace them with paper straws since August 1st, 2019. Guests is now being provided with biodegradable straws upon request. The hotel expects this initiative to eliminate waste from more than 45,000 plastic straws a year. This move reflects the Hotel’s concern for the global movement to reduce the amount of plastics which ends up polluting the oceans. Eliminating the use of plastic straws is one of the various efforts by Accra City Hotel to protect the environment. “We are always on the lookout for more sustainable alternatives to plastics and

are dedicated to improving wherever possible.” To quote Mr. Jeffrey M. Ashiamah the ISO Coordinator of the Hotel, “Plastic straws are one of the worst offenders in terms of plastic pollution”. He added that, by eliminating their use, we are doing our bit to keep plastic out of the oceans. The General Manager of the Hotel Roman Krabel added, “Most people just don’t think about how this simple act of reaching or accepting plastic straw impacts negatively on their lives and that of generations to come.” The hospitality and restaurant industry in Ghana has an obligation to begin reducing the amount of plastic waste it generates as a contribution to minimizing the volume of plastics damaging our environment and wildlife.

Accra City Hotel has put in some efforts over the years to conserve the environment, notably the Segregation of biodegradable waste for composting and the acquisition of a compactor which has reduced the amount of waste sent to the landfill by a third. The Hotel has also introduced energy conserving equipment in the air conditioning systems to reduce carbon dioxide output and become an even more environmentally friendly hotel operator. Accra City Hotel also became the first high rise hotel in West Africa to be ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified.

SCULPTURAL INSTALLATION MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES

These giant fish sculptures were created with hundreds of plastic bottles as part of the Rio + 20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development at the Botafogo Beach in Brazil. The giant sculptures even illuminate from the inside at night creating a gorgeous yet peculiar light experience for the beach bums. Amazing, Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? Rio + 20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development

Colourful metal canopies shade a market in rural Niger by Atelier Masomi

rchitecture studio Atelier Masomi has built a market in Dandaji, Niger, using colourful recycled-metal canopies to attract vendors and help grow the local economy. The permanent daily market was commissioned in response to the growth of the remote village of Dandaji, where the architecture studio also recently converted a mosque into a library and community centre. The project, which provides the village with 52 enclosed market stalls, has been completed with round, brightly coloured canopies that shade each of the separated lots.

“It was important for us to make the tree a focal point to signal that we acknowledge its importance, to protect it going forward, but also to provide a way for people to enjoy its presence fully,” said Atelier Masomi. “The market is laid out to progressively step down to the old tree, the surroundings of which are formalised to become a real public space with seating and rest spaces for all to gather around.”

Atelier Masomi built the market around an ancestral tree, an important public space for the villagers

“The objective was to create an infrastructure that would be visually striking, instil pride in its users, and attract more commerce to the area,” explained the studio. “Ultimately, an important goal of the project is to create a space that triggers greater confidence and aspirations for the future in the users by offering a dramatic upgrade to this public infrastructure.”

CREATE CONCRETE GALLERY IN ACCRA

rchitect Baerbel Mueller and architectural designer Juergen Strohmayer have created a multi-use gallery for the Nubuke Foundation in Ghana. Named Nubuke Extended, the one-room rectangular building is an extension to the arts and culture institution’s headquarters in Accra. Built by the entrance to the Nubuke Foundation grounds, the elevated concrete gallery is raised above the organisation’s gardens. The shaded space underneath the buildings was designed for music events and other larger gatherings to maximise the use of the site. Inside the building, Nav_S Baerbel Mueller and Juergen Strohmayer created an open, high-ceilinged gallery with a mezzanine level. The versatile space can be used for sitespecific artworks and exhibitions, as well as for events and performances. The gallery also has an integrated rail system for hanging artworks, panels or curtains, creating additional ways to use the room. “Nubuke provides a large variety of day and evening programs that cater to diverse audiences,” Mueller said. “The design of Nubuke Extended responds to this programmatic layering through a generosity of indoor and outdoor spaces that allow hosting a variety of scenarios, both intimate and expansive.” Mueller and Strohmaye wanted to create

a building that resonates within its environment. “We like to think of the building as a sixsided box and that each side has been treated with a climatic strategy,” said Strohmayer. “The lower surface of the box is raised with a green roof on top,” he said. “The eastern and western walls are the more closed walls, which help keep out the strong sun in this tropical part of the world, and the ends of the tube are chopped open to create very large apertures.” “The windows have views into existing landscape features and are oriented according to the prevailing wind direction,” he continued. In addition to designing the gallery, the architects refurbished the Nubuke Foundation’s existing buildings on the

site. Previously, one building was home to both exhibitions spaces, offices, storage and shops. It has now been opened up and works as a creative co-working space. Nubuke Extended is meant to function as a cultural and civic hub in Accra’s expanding metropolitan area, with both local and regional programming. Project credits: Architect: Nav_S Baerbel Mueller + Juergen Strohmayer Local architect: orthner orthner & associates (OOA) Structural engineer: Bollinger & Grohmann Ingenieure By Cajsa Carlson | 27 March 2020 Photography is by Julien Lanoo.

THE GHANA INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS A NEW VISION

In the photo with GIA president Richard Nii Dadey in the center with his team of executives. On his left are : Adodo Nuvia Denu,, David Derban Nana Akua Birmeh, and Kofi Owusu On his right: Augustus Richardson, Sena Gidigasu, Tony Asare, and Phiiphi Koomson.

he Council of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) has outlined its vision for the Ghana Real estate and property community. In Ghana, the Real Estate, an economic driver, is a huge industry that includes land resources, professional services, innovation in technology, building construction, building materials, marketing, advertising, banking and finance and insurance. Architecture is at the heart of real estate. Innovation and creativity of home designs, variety of options, response to current trends in design all determine the value of the home through a given time period. Many real estate companies in Ghana have been beneficiaries of designs from our most talented architects. It is time to take the efforts to the next level. The new vision promotes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Green home and Community design and will encourage real estate and housing companies to engage architects to plan sustainable environments and construct green buildings by using ecologically compatible and green technology, climate

resilient structures to enhance healthy and comfortable lifestyles for all. The value of properties and living environments will rise by improving building standards for all levels of society in Ghana through Architecture, urban design and spatial planning. This will The Council of the GIA plans to engage all stakeholders in this drive to gradually transform our cities into new prosperous livable and sustainable cities. The two pronged approach will include ENSURING STANDARDS IN CONSTRUCTION The implementation and use of Ghana building code to ensure standards, quality and durability of materials in construction. Exhibitions of Innovations in housing design. By exhibitions planned for the last quarter of the year, the Ghana Institute of Architects will display a wide variety of home designs to suit the various income levels. In this effort, climate compatibility principles and socio-

cultural considerations, new local materials and new building technologies will be explored. This will form a huge database of design resources available to the real estate developer. URBAN DESIGN, GREEN COMMUNIT Y PL ANNING AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS A more inclusive approach will reflect the National Housing Policy objectives, bringing estate developers, investors, policy makers environmental professionals and district authorities to serve the housing needs of the people. The Green community models designed by Architects will be compatible with new concept of Eco capital, sustainability and green finance objectives. This approach will increase our level of credibility and fulfillment of requirements for attracting the much needed funding initiatives for housing by international funding agencies and banks.

David Adjaye creates earth-house pavilion for Ghana atVenice Art Biennale David Adjaye is a British-Ghanaian architect and founder of Adjaye Associates, which has studios in both London and New York. Alongside the Ghana Pavilion, the practice has recently completed the pink Ruby City art centre in Texas, and the African American Museum in Washington DC, which featured in his Making Memory exhibition at London’s Design Museum. Photography is by David Levene.

urving galleries plastered with earth characterise Ghana Freedom, the country’s national pavilion at the 58th Venice Art Biennale, designed by architect David

Modelled on traditional Gurunsi earth houses, the Ghana pavilion comprises a series of interconnected oval-shaped galleries topped by a wooden roof. It contains artwork that celebrate the country’s heritage and culture.

Adjaye. Now open in the Venetian Arsenal, Ghana Freedom marks the first time that the country has presented at the prestigious art event.

“Being able to show the diversity and creativity of Ghana on an international scale is an incredible achievement, and one which showcases the talent that we have to offer,” explained Adjaye. “The commitment and inspiration shown by the president in commissioning this pavilion is a testament to what our country has to offer the art community.”

Ghana Freedom is the country’s first pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale

It exhibits the work of six artists including Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

The narrative and name for the pavilion originates from the song Ghana Freedom, which was written by E T Mensah in 1957 ahead of the country’s independence from the UK.

Curated by film maker Nana Oforiatta Ayim, the exhibits “examine the legacies and trajectories” of this time.

Visitors can expect to see large-scale installations by El Anatsui and Ibrahim Mahama, alongside portraits by Felicia Abban and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, a film by John Akomfrah and a video sculpture by Selasi Awusi Sosu. The artwork adorns the walls of the galleries to evoke the intricate mud and chalk paintings found in the Gurunsi dwellings.

Rural Frameworks: Ghana’s New Spaces for Learning

hana’s architecture has long been tied to local building materials. From traditional thatch roofs and mud walls to contemporary concrete and glass structures, the country’s built environment is a refection of the surrounding context. This is true for urban and rural projects alike, and as new educational buildings are created across Ghana, these spaces reflect the country’s landscape as they look to the future of learning. Located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa, Ghana is bordered by the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo. Only a few degrees north of the Equator, the country’s warm climate combines with a geography of grasslands,

coastal shrub-lands and forests. Building supplies vary by location, like industrial materials and timber from Ghana’s southern region. Colonization of the country accelerated its physical development, and in turn, the British decided to expand schools and colleges after establishing control in the late 19th century. New colleges and secondary schools were built, while existing structures were refurbished and expanded. Today, Ghana’s new learning environments are a product of functional needs and the country’s cultural landscape. The following educational projects were built over the last three years, showcasing diverse approaches to tectonics, vernacular building techniques,

and local site conditions. Echoing the postindependence development that occurred after 1957, more recent works were built alongside a boom in the construction sector as the Ghanaian economy continues to grow. The following projects illustrate how rural schools and libraries are designed outside Ghana’s larger cities like Accra and Kumasi. Written by Eric Baldwin https://www.archdaily.com/

Framed Escape Library by eskaapi A new school was being built at the entrance of Abetenim’s village, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Its library, built with local materials such as earth and wood, was designed by French architects Maude Cannat and Rachel Méau, first prize winners of the 2016 Earth Architecture Competition. Thick, rammed earth walls pierced with tall, narrow windows insulate the library from the outside without revealing what is hidden inside. After entering, there are two spaces connected around a landscaped patio, waiting to be used by the school children.

MUDcafeteria

by Anna Schweiger + Jaap Willemsen Save this picture! The MUDcafeteria is the center of a vocational school in the north of Ghana. It was built in summer 2017 by students of the TU Vienna together with locals from the local community. The construction was finished after 12 weeks with a budget set at 20.000€. It was important for the team to build the cafeteria not only as a place to eat but also as a center for social gatherings. When needed, the building can also be used by the local community for small events.

Kalì Pavilion

by Irene Librando and Nadia Peruggi Kalì is a no-profit project which led to the construction of a junior high school classroom in the rural village of Okorase. A group of 20 international volunteers worked 3 months with the local manpower to build a sustainable raw earth and wood unit, designed by Irene Librando and Nadia Peruggi. The project won the “Reinventing the African Mud House” design-build challenge by Nka foundation and was realized between September and December 2018 with a budget of 9000 euros.

School in Ghana by Alberto Figueroa

The goal of this project was to create a building using local materials and construction techniques, engaging local workers as part of the project and helping the local economy overall. The project also used international volunteers, giving them experience in sustainable construction systems such as rammed earth. The

project was designed so it would adapt to the site and create a connection with the local culture. The building consists of a classroom and a lobby space that provide storage and reading spaces for students.

Inside Out School by Andrea Tabocchini & Francesca Vittorini

InsideOut is a school prototype built in Yeboahkrom, a rural village in Ghana where the wind had destroyed the only school in the area. This non-profit project, designed by Andrea Tabocchini & Francesca Vittorini, was constructed in 60 days with just 12,000 euro, together with the local population and volunteers from 20 different countries. Since no electricity was available, it was built by hand, crafting materials available on site and planing wood with 2 hand planers.

TU Delft students Laura Katharina Strähle and Ellen Rouwendal designed this community centre in the rural community of Okana, close to Lake Victoria in Kenya, which was named Small Building of the Year at Dezeen Awards. Strähle and Rouwendal designed the Okana Centre for Change as a prototype for creating low-tech high quality structures in east Africa. The project was triggered by the question “what if students were able to make a change for poorer regions of the world with a small-scale architectural intervention?”, said Strähle and Rouwendal.

The building’s design was inspired by the local Acacia tree, under which people gather to be protected from the sun and rain. Combining this with the technique of a reciprocal roof – a self-supporting structure requiring no central support – saw this distinctive roofscape being the driver of the building’ form.

About MUFG Bank

UFG Bank, Ltd. is Japan’s premier bank, with a global network spanning around 50 countries. Outside of Japan, the bank offers an extensive scope of commercial and investment banking products and services to businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. MUFG Bank’s parent, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one

of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with around 3,000 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has over 180,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to “be the world’s

most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. Source : https://www.mufg.jp/english.

MUFG SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH AFRICAN EXPORT-IMPORT BANK Tokyo, August 29, 2019 --- MUFG Bank today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to promote trade with and investment in Africa. Through this MOU, MUFG will further strengthen its sharing of information relating to trade and investment and cooperation in areas such as trade finance with Afreximbank to further enhance support for clients expanding into, or considering trading or investing in, Africa. Afreximbank, a regional development financial institution in Africa which was

established in 1993 and has 51 member countries, aims to facilitate, promote and expand trade among African countries and between Africa and the rest of the world and foreign investment. Africa is undergoing remarkable growth, and further growth is expected in the future due to market expansion and growth in investment from overseas accompanying a rising population. We expect parties involved in the development of Africa, including countries, international organizations and private companies, as well as Japanese companies, to develop an even greater interest in Africa. MUFGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in Africa goes

back more than 90 years to 1926, when Yokohama Specie Bank, a forerunner of MUFG, opened an office in Egypt. Today MUFG has offices in Cairo, Egypt, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Eco-Friendly Safari Lodge in Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Okavango Delta In the midst of Botswanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Okavango Delta, surrounded by wild palms, fig trees, and African wildlife, is the luxurious yet eco-friendly Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. Designed by Michaelis Boyd Associates in collaboration with South African firm Nicholas Plewman Architects, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge was constructed without the use of concrete, but with biodegradable materials such as timber sourced from sustainable forests and upcycled Zambian hardwood. The property is equipped with photovoltaic cells and solar thermal panels for efficient energy usage, so it has minimal ecological impact on its environment. By Michele Koh Morollo

Photo by Pawan Sharma on Unsplash

PEOPLE, CULTURE AND IT’S EFFECT IN SHAPING AFRICAN COUNTRIES

ulture is a way of life of a people. This way of life includes the kind of foods they eat, their belief systems, laws, practices, mores and languages they speak. These things make people different and unique hence making culture dynamic and exceptional. There are so many cultures worldwide and whether it’s a culture adopted due to the place where one resides or by birth, has some effects on us. Like say in the Northern part of Ghana, some share the belief that, they are bound together and therefore build houses in the form of circles with big compounds where members of the family can sit, talk and make merry. This belief is deep rooted such that when a member of the family dies, the one is buried in the house or very close to the house so as to keep them close and not forget about the deceased. In Africa, there are different practices that form up their way of life. Though some of these cultures when heard may sound weird, they have a certain kind of connection which makes it intertwined

and difficult to get rid of. Unlike the past, when people had to travel miles by walking to be able to reach their desired destination, education and the media has made it easier for all to be able to learn and know the various culture that people live their lives by. Hence if a country like Nigeria sees that certain aspects of their culture (for example Trokosi) is inhumane, through advocacy and the use of the media, they can change it or modify it so to stop it from being barbaric. Culture is a major aspect of sustaining a community and no society can grow without it due to its positive influence on development. Culture allows a person to integrate physically and mentally due to its dynamic tendencies which provides space for the exchange of ideas. Being able to partake in everything without any form of explanation but just a connection with especially a language or music helps us understand that, our lives depend greatly on the benefits we derive from culture which provides us with a sense of who we are. Culture is a powerful drive source

for development. If development can be viewed as an “issue” in any part of Africa, it lies on the behavior, lifestyle, consumption ways and their values in terms of how to relate to the environment. And so, if a development intervention does not seem to respond to the cultural needs of a society, no matter how effective or useful the intervention is, it is likely not come out successfully as it should. Culture also plays a big role in the shaping of political ideologies. In that, in our communities and societies, people’s rights and values are respected in order that peace may prevail especially during crisis or when dialoguing for a decision to be made for the society. These values and rights end up being a way of life of the people and so if anyone comes up with any ideology that does not seem to be in line with what they know is refused profusely. Culture plays a big role in our lives and whether we like it or not, affects and shapes us.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR HOME A way in which a person lives is a lifestyle. It is a gradual process where people build their lives which they end up not being able to do without on the basis of their needs, attitudes, wants and beliefs. For example, if a person likes to read, you will hardly see such a person without a book or when you go to such a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a high possibility of finding stacks and stacks of books. Believe it or not, our way of life affects how we do things especially in our home. Our homes provide a haven for us to be at our best and break away from all the stress the outside world brings us. In this article we look at some of the ways in which our lifestyle affects the way we go about our homes.

e look at people who have the lifestyle of being materialistic. They are mostly people who are seriously urbanized. They prefer to rent expensive apartments and willing to spend a lot of money to show off their success. Their homes often have sophisticated furnishing but pay less attention to other parts of their homes like the bathroom since most people will not see it. There are other people who are materialistic but go further to ensure that, their homes are competitive, interesting, efficient and comforting. These people ensure the dual role of accommodating family needs and social activity are met. Their living rooms contain the most display type furnishing since it is the most exposed room; their kitchens are furnished to

function efficiently. Their rooms are more intimate and family oriented which also is well co-ordinated and has a thoughtfully furnished look. These kinds of people also end up liking luxurious bathrooms. The next people have a lifestyle primarily in relation to their own needs and desires. Under this group, you find the experientials and those who are societally conscious. Unlike the societally conscious who seek direct participation but attempt to live a simple, more harmonious life. The experientials are active, creative and adventurous. They are a growing group with a growing influence who mix financial success with the desire to change the world. They mostly prefer metropolitan areas though some may choose towns or countries where they can live simply. They may be interested

in radically different home interiors but since most donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t design their houses, they settle for interiors that meet their basic requirements. Their kitchen are important as places where they can be experimental and inventive. Also, their bathrooms could be standard or where they can easily relax but since they tend to be interested in healthful, invigorating products, they very well might emphasize their bathrooms as a place of personal enhancement and relaxation. With the various lifestyles mentioned above, what is yours and does your home match your lifestyle? Source: Chicago tribune.

President Akufo-Addo cuts sword for Kofi Annan’s monument

resident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday cut the sword for the erection of a 20-feet memorial statue for the late Mr Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary General at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra. The statue, which will be constructed by Stone Depot, a Ghanaian company will take six months to complete. The design of the statue is unique as it portrays the gentle, quiet and soft-spoken subject (Mr Annan) in one of his many poses.

President Akufo-Addo said Mr Annan was a man of principles, a man who values important concepts in life and who lived his life according to those values. “A very few of us can claim that. But he did that. And that is the reason why a grateful posterity has found it necessary to honour him,” he said. “It is a lesson for all of us, that if you live and act in a commendable way, your peers will recognise and acknowledge your efforts”. President Akufo-Addo said he was very happy that he had the opportunity to

make his contribution to the perpetuation of this memory. Mrs Nane Annan, the wife of the late Mr Annan, expressed gratitude to all who supported her and the family in their difficult year, which had just passed. She said having spent many years with the late Mr Annan and for having being part of his vision for global peace; there is the need to preserve Mr Annan’s legacy. Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister of Defence and the Chairman of the

KAIPTC’s Governing Board, said the Centre was established 21 years ago by the government with the mandate to train military, police, and civilian personnel for multidimensional peacekeeping and peace support operations in Africa and across the globe. He said the mandate of the KAIPTC was created within the context of the global iconic image of Mr Annan, the world statesman, who dedicated his life to global peace. The statue to be erected will show the Mr Annan in a mobile pose with a simple gesture to signify the subject’s continuous desire for world peace.President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday cut the sod for the erection of a 20-feet memorial statue for the late Mr Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary General at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra. The statue will portray Mr Annan as an astute gentleman, a peace diplomat and a global icon. The 20-feet height was chosen to achieve the purpose of a towering statue at the entrance of the KAIPTC, and strategically placed close to the boundary fence and the road, for all to see and appreciate Ghana‘s international Peace Diplomat on a Giant

scale. The statue will be produced in grey ornamental stone marble known as Sierra Elvira. This type of marble stone is original, hardwearing, durable, water resistant and has no weather coloration. The statue will measure 18 feet with a pedestal of two-feet; it has a width of six feet, a thickness of five feet and weighs 21 tons. Among the dignitaries who graced the sod-cutting were former President Pierre Buyoya of Burundi and African Union High Representative to Mali and Sahel (MISAHEL). Others were Madam Catharine SambaPanza, former President of Central African Republic; Mr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former President of Somalia; Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone and Professor Amos Claudius Sawyer, former President of Liberia.

The sod-cutting event forms part of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security (KAPS) Forum this year in Accra (4 -5 September), which is the Centre’s flagship annual event designed to bring together political leaders, diplomats and experts to dialogue and share ideas on the most critical evolving peace and security trends on the African continent. The forum was held under the theme: ‘Peace Operations in the Context of Violent Extremism in Africa.’ The forum also seeks to deepen the collaboration between KAIPTC and international organisations such as the United Nations, African Union, Regional Economic Communities, governments, development partners, civil society organisations and the business community. Source: GNA

The rest were Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and Mrs Mary ChineryHesse, Chairperson of the KAIPTC’s “Goodwill Ambassador”.

IKEA TEAMS UP WITH TOP AFRICAN DESIGNERS TO LAUNCH Ã&#x2013;VERALLT FURNITURE COLLECTION 44

A chair that is “perfect for hacking” and baskets made from faux hair braids are among the products created by African designers for an IKEA homeware range. Launched this week at the Design Indaba conference in Cape Town, the Överallt collection features products by creatives from five African countries, including Sengalese fashion designer Selly Raby Kane, South African textile designer Laduma Ngxokolo and Kenyan design office Studio Propolis. It also includes textiles that reference African landscapes, rugs made from recycled crisp packets and a bench designed to encourage socialising.

The Ă&#x2013;verallt collection features products by creatives from five African countries

The project is the result of a partnership with Design Indaba, which had the task of picking which designers should be involved. IKEA hopes the project will show the world that there is an explosion of creativity coming out of Africa right now.

IKEA worked with Design Indaba on the project

“They were quite interested in what was rising from the ground here in Africa,” explained Design Indaba founder Ravi Naidoo. “They wanted to capture this in some way, and asked if we could possibly assist with finding some great people of Africa who could be most representative of this spirit.” “Because they are a furniture company, we didn’t necessarily go and pick furniture designers,” he continued. “We actually picked good thinkers. We just went across and found people who are really getting out there, taking risks and expressing themselves, and who represented the best of the African creative garde.”

Selly Raby Kane designed a basket to look like braided hair. Selly Raby Kane’s product comes from her selfprofessed “obsession with hair”. She designed a basket, available in two sizes, made from textile fibre designed to look like braided hair. “To me, it’s a way of referencing the ritual of braiding in West Africa into the homes of the world,” explained Kane. “I hope that when people see the basket, their curiosity is sparked, and that they connect with trans-African rituals and dig deeper into the archives.”

Issa Diabaté designed a chair made from a single sheet of plywood without any fixings Issa Diabaté, an architect and designer from the Ivory Coast, designed a simple chair that reflects the African approach to living outdoors and indoors. Made using only a single sheet of plywood, the chair is designed to be tailored to its user’s needs.

Laduma Ngxokolo designed rugs featuring geometric patterns Laduma Ngxokolo contributed rugs featuring the geometric patterns that adorn his celebrated knitwear. “The patterns are inspired by where I come from, and by the journeys I’ve made,” he said. “I hope it will bring comfort and pride to people.”

Renee Rossouw and Sindiso Khumalo created textiles based on the African environment Meanwhile designers Renee Rossouw and Sindiso Khumalo created textiles based on the African environment. Khumalo looked to South African cities – Johannesburg in particular – to generate her bold patterns, while Rossouw was interested in the form of the African elephant.

Studio Propolis designed a stool and bench that can be grouped together Studio Propolis, led by designers Naeem Biviji and Bethan Rayner, have created a range of products designed for flexible cooking and dining,” in the spirit of utility and flexibility”. They include a stool and bench that can be grouped with others, a cast iron dish with a lid that doubles as a skillet and a trio of cork pot stands.

Reform Studio created products using difficult-to-recycle crisps packets The products are set to launch in stores worldwide this year. They are also on show this week at Design Indaba, which continues until 1 March.

They also designed a cast iron dish with a lid that doubles as a skillet

Senegalese designer Bibi Seck designed a woven rocking chair and footrest based on the memory of sitting in his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden in Dakar. Finally, Egypt-based Reform Studio created their products using difficult-to-recycle crisps packets. These creates strands of silver through their jute rug, as well as through tote bags.

Bibi Seck designed a woven rocking chair and footrest

IKEA regularly teams with big-name creatives on projects, with recent collaborators including Virgil Abloh, Teenage Engineering and Ilse Crawford. The brand describes this latest partnership as â&#x20AC;&#x153;African rituals meet Scandiâ&#x20AC;?. All of the products were developed with IKEA in-house designers Johanna Jelinek, Kevin Gouriou, Hanna Dalrot, Mikael Axelsson and Ina Vuorivirta.

Photo: Nicole Franzen

Categories: living room, sofa, chair, pendant lighting, medium hardwood floors, coffee tables

Federal Bungalow Montauk, New York

Weekend getaway meets shoppable showroom in this carefully curated residence where everything—even the faucets—is available for purchase. While working on boutique hotels across the U.S., New York–based designer Robert McKinley noticed a shift in the way people were traveling. Realizing that travelers increasingly crave spaces that offer a sense of discovery along with a home-awayfrom-home feel, the young multi-hyphenate saw a golden opportunity to combine his signature coastal and laid-back style with his favorite brands in a new endeavor—the McKinley Bungalows: rental homes with a “shoppable stay” concept.

“It feels very much like a home, where we mixed products from our design partners together very organically, whether they be books, textiles, ceramics or furniture, so there is a sense of inspiration and discovery,” says McKinley.

The dining room features a HAY dining table and Aelfie tapestry. In addition to outfitting the bungalow with brands, the design team also added decorative elements found at antiques markets and from Etsy.

Photo: Nicole Franzen Photo Categories: kitchen, refrigerator, pendant lighting, cooktops, medium hardwood floors, ceramic tile backsplashes, wall oven, white cabinets

Entertaining is at the heart of the home as evidenced by the central kitchen and open-floor layout that connects seamlessly to the outdoor deck. Natural oak floors are seen throughout.

Photo: Sarah Elliot

Photo Categories: exterior, wood siding material, gable roofline, house building type

How to Design the Ideal Home Office Professional designer Jo Heinz describes how to make your office a welcome, efficient and productive place to work. Jo Heinz is president of Dallas interior architecture and design firm Staffelbach. Entrepreneur.com asked Heinz for advice on designing a home office for maximum efficiency. Here’s what she had to say: How does designing an effective home office differ from designing a commercial office? And what considerations do you need to keep in mind even before you get started? Working from home is exciting because it offers an opportunity for real comfort and efficiency, but if the office is too casual, or isn’t effectively separated from the home environment, peak productivity may be lost. While comfort is essential in any office, an office that is too casual may seriously impede the ability to get things done. You have to find a way to separate yourself from the rest of the goings-on in the home and to convey a sense of “off limits” to all other normal and natural

home sounds and interruptions. A distinction has to be made regarding the physical boundaries of this working space. The most effective way to do that is with the design of the space itself. Ask yourself these questions before you begin: 1. What will you be doing in the space? 2. What type of work needs to be done? 3. Will external clients be visiting the space? 4. Will colleagues visit for collaborative work? 5. What type of materials will be referenced and/or stored? 6. What type of equipment is required? 7. When will I be doing the bulk of my work? 8. Will I be making conference calls? 9. Will I be video conferencing?

The answers to these questions will begin to develop the program for your home office. The next step is setting up your space. Where are you going to put your office? It doesn’t need to be large or expansive, but it should be separate from other areas. You might be able to convert the guest room you only use a few times a year or another underutilized area into your office. Evaluate how the space you find can be dedicated for your use and can be “your space.” Keep all of your work in that space because it’s important that you be able to find things, retrieve things and be efficient within this space. You will also want to keep the nonoffice space in your home free of work items. This promotes healthy balance and allows you to relax at home when you are not at work.

Establish set hours for your work at home. This contributes to your life balance, and should also help you be more productive and organize your day. The biggest problem home workers have is the loss of distinction between work life and home life. Compartmentalizing your day into identifiable segments will help. Set up an established outline of time that you know you will spend in your office. That will help you develop a plan for productivity.

What are the most important five things to consider when you’re setting up a home office? 1. Equipment. Speed and efficiency are critical at home. But make careful decisions. Question whether that large color copier is a real necessity or if a trip to the neighborhood Kinkos will suffice. Don’t pay for equipment you won’t use on a daily basis.

There are five:

2. Inadequate storage components 3. Lack of space for reference materials 4. Slow and inefficient equipment 5. Inadequate wire management (cords and wire spaghetti everywhere)

Be sure you invest in the fastest equipment available, so you don’t spend your time waiting for things to work. And don’t forget insurance on that equipment. Affordable policies will insure your home office equipment in the event of a loss or disaster. You’ll want this peace of mind. Many insurance companies offer special coverage for home workers.

2. Lighting. Good lighting is essential. Ideally you want as much natural daylight as possible. If your space has a window, it will enhance the lighting. Daylight is the most evenly balanced source of white light available, in that sunlight has an approximately equal proportion of each color of the spectrum. This light, however, never has a constant color and its beauty comes from the way it is reflected and from the way it is refracted by the earth (as in differing times of day). The color of natural light also differs based on geographic location. It is always beneficial to have as much natural light as possible in the working area.

What are the most common mistakes people make when they’re setting up a home office?

1. Thinking you can “tune out” the plasma screen on the wall. Don’t hang it anywhere near where you’ll be working.

Be sure you have a local and responsive computer support team that will make home service calls promptly. You need to know you can rely on the equipment you have to work.

Investigate a wireless hub for your office so you have the flexibility to work on your laptop from your desk, your chair or a table, and at both standing and sitting heights. This simple option can enhance your creative problem-solving and thinking ability. You’ll want a separate phone line to your office so no business associate or client gets a busy signal. Also, make sure your phone has the capability for messaging, conferencing and speaker functions.

If no daylight is available, a combination of general and task lighting will be required. A high-quality task light will be essential for late nights or cloudy days. If your home office is in a basement or a room without windows, check out daylight-replicating light sources that will provide energy-efficient, full-spectrum lighting. Many ergonomic task-lighting fixtures have dimmer switches so you can control the amount of light. The most effective lighting brings out the fullest quality of the colors illuminated. If lighting levels are too low, there can be negative psychological effects, including

depression. For human comfort, a yellowcast illumination is best. It is the color of brightness, and midway through the color progression from cool to warm. To avoid glare, don’t place overhead lighting directly above computer screens, and don’t put a computer screen directly in front of a light source. That will cause eyestrain. Energy guidelines are leading to new reduced-light levels in offices that are easier on the eyes. The most critical factor with lighting is the ability to control its brightness and intensity.

The desk surface of your choice will serve to support your laptop or desktop computer and work-related items. Your desk will likely be the place where you spend the most time. Consider the myriad of options available for organization of papers on your desk. What is essential for productivity is an organized desk that keeps pending work in order and prevents the chaos of disorganized piles. Solutions are as simple as pencil cups or trays to keep all writing instruments in one place, plus memo and business card holders so, literally, there is a place for everything. Shops such as The Container Store make it easy for you to get organized and stay that way. In this day and age, there are so many options for storage, the challenge is more in finding what works best with your flow of paper and work. Do you find yourself working from left to right? Does your paper trail have a distinct flow? Remember than when planning how you store your items. Italian product designer and manufacturer EmmeBi has amazing examples of how it organizes an office, both commercial and residential. You can use those ideas for inspiration and, if your budget requires a more modest approach, mimic the same look with some of the items found at Target , Ikea and similar stores.

3. Privacy. No one can work effectively in a sea of noise or interruptions. When planning your office area, ensure that it affords a degree of privacy from surrounding activities. While headphones may serve to isolate certain sounds, no one wants to be forced to wear headphones all the time. Portable screens can be used to shield the work area from nearby activities. Alternatively, divider walls that double as bookcases will not only divide the area but provide superior storage solutions. To assist in creating the quiet needed for real concentration and work, a degree of white noise can be helpful. Air filters and low fans will operate at a quiet speed to muffle other noises. If a door to the office area is not practical or available, it may be helpful to add signage (e.g., “No interruptions” or “Quiet please”) to remind others in the space that this is “work time.” 4. Layout/organization. The old rule, “a place for everything and everything in its place” was coined to relieve stress. If you have carefully thought through your storage requirements, you’ll have the space you need.

5. Ergonomics. Your health, safety and welfare are critical. Therefore, the items you choose should be ergonomically designed to promote your health and well-being while using them. Chair manufacturers have made significant improvements in adjustability and comfort for computer users. They have even researched the biomechanics of seating. Task chairs reflect this research and are making individuals’ lives easier even when they work on a computer the entire day. Keilhauer has produced chairs that feature a pelvis balance point and free shoulder technology. They

are truly kind to your back and spine during computer work. Another favorite of ours is Humanscale . It has also taken a great amount of time and effort to study the needs of the human body when it comes to working. If you are in a position where you write or create most of the time, the company’s chairs are an investment you will be thankful for for many years. Consider foot rests, ergonomic mouse instruments shaped to fit your hand and soft keyboard pads that allow rest and relaxation for the wrist, and foot rests. All enhance the work experience and make your time at work less stressful to your body. The goal is make work comfortable for your body and to support the areas of the human form that are brought into play with the work you do. How can you set up an office to take advantage of the “green” mind-set? Consider sustainability. Computers contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals, vinyl and toxic chemicals. They also rely on electricity for power. Keep the computer, your printer and other office equipment turned off when idle. Activate power-saving features on your computer. When trading in for new equipment, make sure your home office equipment will be recycled. Avoid throwing office equipment into the trash. A simple internet search will offer many options in your area. Keep the planet in mind. Eco-friendly design ensures earth-friendly materials. Consider items such as recycled glass countertops and specify materials that use resources most efficiently, such as woods from sustainable forestry and products that are recyclable. Use local and regional resources when available, as this keeps the money local, supports local business and keeps shipping and freight costs (as well as resources used) at a minimum. Also, don’t be afraid to look into ways to integrate energy conservation such as “daylighting,” which takes advantage of natural light. That will not only help you feel better as you work, but it will also help the planet. What are the best colors for an office? The psychology of color is real. Certain colors elicit emotional and physical reactions and responses from individuals. Color impacts mood and energy levels. Therefore, be aware of the psychological impact of the color you choose for your home office. Blues, greens and violets are considered cool colors. These colors evoke feelings of peace and relaxation. Blue can actually make a

room feel cooler and can lull occupants to sleep. It’s an ideal bedroom color, but not an ideal office color. As the dominant color in nature, green is considered a neutral. We are very comfortable in green surroundings. Green evokes organic, fresh, restful emotions and can foster concentration. Today’s new brand images feature a lime green tint that combines yellow hues. This color can add freshness and vitality to an office. The addition of green to an office area will enhance its balance. Yellow grabs attention. That’s why the most popular highlighters are yellow. It catches the eye like no other color. It makes people happy and evokes optimism. But a bright yellow might be distracting or overpowering in an office area and could even cause a degree of anxiety. Red is energetic and stirring. It often produces strong feelings and can create excitement. If

used in a home office, it should be used as an accent only. White, ivory, gray and tan can carry subtle variations of color. So they can be neutral with overtones of the colors you feel most comfortable with, such as a warm gray or a cool gray. These colors do not distract and can be combined with accent colors for vitality and energy. Accents and shades of purple have been proven to stimulate imagination. Purple or lavender tones cross the line between warm and cool tones and can evoke a favorable response when focus and concentration are required. With all colors, it’s important to test the colors on the wall in large enough areas to ensure compatibility.

subject to the occupant’s wishes. How would you sum up the concept of home office design? Make the space your own. Ensure that the space reflects your personality and that you enjoy being there. Ensure that your office reflects you and that it contains a favorite object or photo that will give you the break you need when you pause in your work. It is these small touches that help you make the space your own. Your office should be a connection to yourself, your spirit and your productivity. It should afford focus rather than distraction and be a place you want to be and want to spend time in. That will positively influence you in the space and enhance the work you do there.

There is no real hard and fast formula for color associations. The color blending is

THESE ARE THE GHANAIANS SHAPING INTERNATIONAL FASHION

Daniel Quist of Finders Keepers and fashion DJ Steloo | © Francis Kokoroko

Whether it’s UK Vogue’s newly appointed Edward Enninful, or top model Adwoa Aboah, Ghana’s style icons have serious influence when it comes to fashion around the globe. If you want to know more about the brightest and the best, check out our need-to-know guide to who’s who.

EDWARD ENNINFUL ADWOA ABOAH Edward’s seamstress mother would definitely be proud of her son having consulted for Christian Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Jil Sander, Calvin Klein and collaborating with Naomi Campbell more than any other fashion icon. The Ghana-born British fashion stylist was repeatedly stalked and scouted for shoots even at the tender age of 16. At 18, he started off at influential British fashion magazine i-D. As a result, lovers of grunge have long associated his name with what has become today’s ‘street culture’ fashion influence. Edward became the new editor-in-chief of UK Vogue on April, 10 2017.

Camillia Lowther, founder of fashion management firm CL and Charles Aboah, location scouting company owner, became parents to a wonderchild in 1992. Adwoa Aboah juggles modeling, styling and activism, having recently left fans marvelling at her flawlessly captivating look on the December 2017 cover of UK Vogue. Aboah has done it all, from modeling for Calvin Klein, to Alexander Wang. Her Gurls Talk project gives young women a platform to share thoughts on feminism. “I love being a mixed-race woman in 2017,” she boldly quips.

OZWALD BOATENG

VIRGIL ABLOH

DANIEL QUIST

From a contemporary approach to menswear design, to a refreshing recognition on Savile Row, Ozwald Boateng owns it. Ghana in the 1950s was a tad politically charged, so Boateng’s parents were among those who had to flee. Growing up, he would take summer jobs sewing linings into suits with his mother’s old sewing machine. In 1994, Boateng became the first tailor to stage a Paris catwalk show. From films, to perfume, to credit cards and creating new amenity kits for Virgin Atlantic‘s Upper Class, Boateng always leaves his mark. As co-founder of the Made in Africa Foundation, he seeks to assist large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa.

Born in 1980 to Ewe parents, Virgil Abloh is the American creative designer’s designer. The part-time DJ and founder of the Milan-based fashion label with a millennial fanbase Off-White has people talking. With an Architecture and Civil Engineering background, Abloh has blessed culture on so many fronts, such as art directing the 2011 Jay-Z / Kanye West album Watch the Throne, for which he was a Grammy nominee. Beatrice ‘Bee’

Aside the fact that Daniel Quist AKA Fudoglo‘s touch lit up the Idris Elba-Beasts of No Nation reel, he’s been an untouchable name on the contemporary Ghanaian styling scene. He has collaborated with fashion DJ Steloo, Akan, M.anifest and Gasmilla, and has mostly co-produced with photographer Francis Kokoroko at The Studio Accra and Finders Keepers outfits.

THREE WISE WOMEN: Nina, Grace and Yosanita Accra Fashion Week brought out the cool cats: Nina Sharae, 2015 Miss Florida Plus America face and founding CEO of Nina Sharae resort & swimwear; Grace Quaye, inaugural winner of Face of Accra Fashion Week; and Yosanita Sampana, crown-bearing fresh Confidence Model Management employee. Ghana’s international fashion convoyers say we are in safe hands. Virgil Abloh at Columbia GSAPP © GSAPPstudent / WikiCommons

ARTHUR Ozwald Boateng © Miles Warren / WikiCommons

THE CASELY HAYFORD FAMILY 61-year-old Joe Casely-Hayford OBE , is in his fourth decade of having an international reputation as one of the UK’s most consistently relevant designers. His son Charlie Casely-Hayford is a London-based menswear designer and Casely-Hayford brand co-founder, while his daughter Alice Casely-Hayford was recently promoted from fashion editor to fashion director at Refinery29 (UK) for being a “leading authority in style and a powerful advocate for inclusivity and representation“.

Unique, bold and creative are only a few adjectives that can describe Beatrice ‘Bee’ Arthur. Her daring and visionary haute couture career has lead to her carving a niche on the world fashion stage, having made unforgettable strides with her trendy label B’Exotic.

KOFI ANSAH Though Kofi Ansah passed away on May,3 2014 at the age of 63, we can’t forget his efforts in pioneering the fervent promotion of modern Ghanaian styles on the international front. After graduating from Chelsea School of Art with a firstclass honours in fashion design, he was influential by designing the Ghana@50 fabric and 2008 African Cup of Nations costumes.

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE SECURITY INDUSTRY Ghana is making inroads and creating opportunity for the development of the nation. Businesses, families, expatriates and individuals go about their activities taking security as their topmost concern. Most especially in this challenging times of kidnappings and other development particularly pocket of security issues taking place in the cities. Expectation of customers from security companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to customer satisfaction must be clear at every stage, starting with an initial phone call. Customers must be impressed with the sales repâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to detail. Example, if a customer is looking for a security package for his or her home and is asked to describe the layout of each room in her home, listen to customers safety concerns, and answer questions about all kinds of package options. When a customer requests to be given more time to shop around, the rep must understand and should not press the issue.

of your standard home service delivery.

1. Taking this as an example kindly take us through a typical home security provision of your company offering us an insight

c. Based on the outcome of survey, our recommendations may inform the following; number of guards to be deployed, security

ANSWER: Asuavo Security has in-laws depth knowledge and experience in providing home security. For you to have an effective security for your home, it comes with three components. These are People, procedure, and System. We employ the following standard procedure in our Home Security service delivery. a. Identify the need for our service in a home. b. We seek the consent of client to carry out a survey. During survey, we look out for the availability of perimeter walls protecting the property/home, access controls, lighting system, alternative sources of energy, emergency security systems, the type of security defense tools to be carried by guards, risk /threats from neighboring properties, etc.

post for guard/s, best access control methods, the need to insure the home/property, etc. • After a successful deployment, we adhere to the following principles to further strengthen the delivery of our service to the home/property; • Officially inform the police in the locality of the commencement of our services to the home/property. This is to ensure closer coordination between the police and us in the event of alarms, threats, or attacks. • Periodic review meetings on our service delivery with client. • 24/7 monitoring of guards from base. • Random visits to the location by our supervisors. 2. In this age of technology, what is your view on the best security system-usage in homes, offices and our streets? ANSWER: With the advancement in technology, crime is now being prevented and fought with electronic devices such electronic access control and alarm systems, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, beams, perimeter fencing, and improvised explosive device(IED) detectors just to name a few. Asuavo Security advices the usage of these in addition to the traditional manned guarding system since one cannot do away with humans in combating crime.

crime so they stay updated. We also recommend the formation of watchdogs to complement other security arrangements in communities. Further, Asuavo Security will consider offering our services to communities at affordable price so they can engage our services. 5. Security companies in Africa is constantly using human largely as the means to combat crime, however, intelligence, surveillance and technology is the way forward. What is your take and which of the technology is your company developing? ANSWER: You cannot do away with humans when combating crime. Hence our take is that despite the current trend in the usage of intelligence, surveillance, and technology, crime combating will still need to be dealt with a combination of humans, equipment and technology. SIGNED HARRISON BOADU BARNOH DIRECTOR, CORPORATE AFFAIRS ASUAVO SECURITY COMPANY LIMITED

3. Ghana has a constant energy problem and the likes of the rural settings have a similar problems, what is your advise to a customer looking for a home or office security provision? ANSWER: Our advice to this customer shall be the need to have alternate power sources eg generators, solar energy panels, etc. Common mitigation strategy is to install a backup generator capable of running critical systems as long as fuel supply available. If the loss of electrical power will have serious impact, we recommend the customer considers bringing in redundant power supply from a different grid. 4. The ratio of police personnel to the population in Ghana is not one to talk about. Crime in the communities has tripled and the communities are crying for help. What solution(s) can your organization come up with to combat crime in the communities in the country? ANSWER: As far as Asuavo Security is concerned, we benchmark our services on security standards and guidelines. For that matter, we will integrate traditional leaders and stakeholders in communities into security plans to ensure that crime is mitigated to a large extent. We will also advice on the need to constantly conscientize inhabitants of these communities on new trends and modules in combating

“THE FIGHT TO BRING JEFFRY’S DEADLY SHOOTING AT 14 HANSEL ROAD NW6 5DQ TO JUSTICE IS INTENSIFIED” The attack on Jeffry Wegbe has raised a lot of concern to the security of residents of the Hansel Road property and other properties in Brent especially the new buildings in the South Kilburn Area.

will do an obviously decent job of improving front door security. In the case relating to Jeffrey Wegbe’s death, the glass safety door was rather the “give-away”. Heavier protective glass against gun shots, would have been more secured.

After a certain amount of fortification to buildings the door is always going to be the most likely part of your security to fail. Though front door security might start with locks, it is still a matter of protecting your front door. And having a strong front door

In light of this, we have identified three areas which need improvement and a petition will be done to amend building regulation in order to protect others in such a situation in future.

Amend Safety glazing to front

doors Amend Access control for buildings & parking Improve CCTV camera in the area We encourage everyone to help and join us in this petition to create a better place for those who live in Hansel Road. Contact us by the website below www.justice4jeffrey.co.uk

Eulogy (Written by the family) Standing before you today to say farewell to our beloved Jeffrey is probably the hardest things We’ve ever had to do. Words cannot describe the sorrow and loss we are feeling, but we will try. Being the youngest of three boys and a big brother to Fifi, Jeffrey was always special to his siblings. They would argue with him, laugh with him but most of all marvel at his thinking and his way of life. As Jeffrey grew from a boy into a teenager, We could see the man that he would become – strong, steadfast and the centre of everyone’s universe. He loved his family, he loved his friends and was kind beyond measure. Jeffrey was the sort of person that would give you £50 if you asked for it, even if it was the last bit of money he had on him. He always had a strong feeling that the needs of his friends and family were above his own. Jeffrey had very ambitious plans, he wanted to open a bank and start a family and travel the world and settle in a quiet calm place. It

is befitting that he will be buried amidst a calm quiet space – away from the chaos and madness that can sometimes engulf this world. As wild as Jeffrey’s plans were, it was very difficult to doubt his ability to succeed due to his charisma and unwavering self-belief. Recently, all Jeffrey seemed to be fixed with was to create a legacy for himself and settle down to start the next chapter of his life. Little did we know that he was busily planning away with his girlfriend. The last few months of his life really saw some of his dreams come into fruition. He was literally walking around in his personally branded robe to collect his take away before eating his dinner. This was Jeffrey in true high definition a real character but someone who wasn’t afraid to shape his own destiny. Jeffrey was adored by his friends and family and it is testament to him how many of you are here today to say farewell to our boy. Not only was he a loving son and brother, he was a kind and giving friend. Someone who was always a

pleasure to be around. To have lost Jeffrey is truly heart-breaking – it has come as such a shock to us all. His life was far too brief. Our family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who have given their support, compassion and love throughout this very difficult time. We know in our hearts that he would not want us to grieving for too long. Rather, Jeffrey would want us all to remember the good times we all shared with him. He would want us to be grinning at the thought of him flashing his big white teeth at a world which he refused to conform to. Goodbye, our son, brother, boyfriend and best firend. You will live in our hearts forever. From the people that love you the most

AAKS SS18 collection

MADE IN AFRICA: HOW DIASPORA FASHION IS BEING REIMAGINED More and more African diaspora designers are travelling to the continent to produce their fashion collections and accessories than ever before. Here is all you need to know about this growing trend and some of the names behind it.

BACKGROUND Since its industrial reform started in 1978, China has secured itself as the largest textile manufacturing industry in the world for both production and exports. Global fashion houses including Prada, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as other small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are known to produce their garments in China in an effort to turn a profit. Due to the fast turn-around and cheap labour offered by these manufacturers, the fashion industry more often than not has

tended to rely heavily on China’s as well as India and Bangladesh’s industries for its production. Recently however, there has been an influx of designers with links to Africa who are returning to the continent and collaborating with local tailors, artisans and creatives whose techniques and cultural know-how positions them as better partners in the fashion-making process. The South China Morning Post reported that China’s market value in the global textile and clothing industry is falling, with a downward trend in major apparel importing regions such as the US, European Union and Japan.

Brands working with African tailors and artisans MIA London MIA London is a tech and fashion formal wear and tailored streetwear brand based in London. However, their garments are handmade by expert tailors in South Africa and Zambia, with a long term goal of producing collections with local tailors in all 54 countries in Africa. Hence the acronym MIA (Made In Africa) and a unique selling point (USP) as having the ability to offer fast fashion and bespoke clothes from Africa with a quick turnaround.

A look at MIA London Formal wear trousers © MIA London

MIA London sources tailors via recommendations from experts in the fashion industry in both South Africa and Zambia. Their next collaboration is set to happen in founder Aji Ayorinde’s home country of Nigeria. Launched in 2016, the inspiration for MIA London was birthed when Ayorinde was in South Africa some years ago and in the process of getting a custom-designed suit for himself. Ayorinde now sees the brand as a means to showcase the expert tailors in Africa who are able to compete with the best, thus changing the narrative on African fashion. In an interview with, Ayorinde discussed his process and the inspiration he found working with local tailors instead of with factories in China. The designer said that because of the handmade element of his brand, it was “important to demonstrate that it’s possible to get highly skilled tailoring made in Africa, commonly thought to be inaccessible. In addition to there being a developed textile industry in South Africa and a close-knit, forwardthinking creative community in Zambia.”

Ayorinde added that the trend of African diasporans heading back to the continent is positive because it shines a spotlight on Africa which is important for its growth. He also sees MIA London’s approach in working with these tailors as a way to empower the tailors and other local creatives, models, and stylists that work within the communities, which in turn helps them serve their own communities thereby bringing further business. In the second phase of MIA London’s launch which is the tech branch, Ayorinde hopes to publish an app which will hold a database of creatives in African countries.The app will facilitate contracts and negotiations between creatives and other businesses looking to collaborate which will help alleviate any disparities of bargaining power between the creatives and the brands.

better for business. However, on the other hand, Ayorinde finds that this positive aspect can also be a challenge because the business culture is different to what he’s used to in the West. Brands wanting to work with these local tailors have to understand their market is different and as such learn how their processes work. Overall, Ayorinde believes collaborative initiative like these with local talent are more meaningful to these communities, not only as an added source of clientele, but also as a means of building meaningful relationships bringing African culture and craftsmanship to the forefront as a significant innovator.

Ayorinde shares that the entrepreneurial spirit of the local tailors has been a positive in the collaboration process. By maintaining their own agency, he’s able to work with them as partners rather than dictating their autonomy which is

AAKS AAKS is a luxury handbag brand founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi in 2014. The brand is known for its vibrant handwoven raffia bags that celebrate the weaving techniques practised by women artisans in northern Ghana. Akosua is a Ghanaian native who lived and studied in London, graduating from Kingston University London with a BA (Hons) Fashion degree, before going on to gain extensive experience in the fashion industry and co-owning a fashion brand before the inception of AAKS. Years later in Ghana, Akosua was inspired to start her ethical brand after visiting a village in northern Ghana. Now based in Ghana, Akosua travels around Africa and Europe, working with local artisans, experiencing new cultures and picking up new inspirations for her traditionally made, yet modern luxury handbags for the fashionable woman. Every AAKS bag starts its journey from ecologically-harvested raffia from family farms, before being dyed in a process formulated in-house in order to create exclusive seasonal colours. The bags

are then woven using raffia and leather, using a traditional technique unique to the local women handed down through generations. Finally, a signature tag is added to prove its authenticity. Each bag takes approximately one week to complete, attesting to the quality and craftsmanship for which the brand is known. Since its launch, AAKS has been featured by Elle Decoration, Vogue, CNN, Forbes Woman Africa, Guardian UK and shortlisted as an emerging designer from Africa by Vogue Italia. The Ghanaianmade bags are now stocked in 60 stores worldwide, including Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. In an interview, Akosua said that her African heritage plays a significant role in her work, and that while Africa has been overlooked for its beauty, she believes the time is now for African fashion to shine and spotlight its culture. The inspirations for her colourful bags are also drawn from nature and African fine artists such as Yinka Shonibare. AAKS as a brand not only creates sustainable jobs within the small community of women, but by doing so also ensures that the ancestral tradition of hand weaving isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost to future generations.

OKUN Okun is a luxury men’s swimwear brand launched in 2013 by Bola Marquis. The name Okun comes from the Yoruba language of Nigeria and means ‘the ocean’. Before its inception, Marquis wanted to create a menswear brand and after a trip to Lagos, Nigeira, he was suddenly inspired to focus on African inspired swimwear. In an interview he said he saw a gap in the market as there was nothing like it catered to men, although there were lots of other designers using the popular West African ankara print and batiks to make fashion collections. The prints for the swimwear are made in-house and inspired by different signs and motifs from cultures around Africa. In previous collections, inspiration has come from traditional woven patterns from Ethiopia and Congolese kuba cloth, as well as South African shweshwe print. Also, each season, a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol is used to headline the brand’s

mood. Before Okun, Marquis was a Global IT Programme Manager for multinational companies. About 15 years later, his desire to do something more creatively driven and inspired by his motherland and travels, Okun was born. Most of their products are made in Africa by local artisans and some through an ethical partnership with Ethical Fashion Initiative who connect artisans in West and East Africa to international fashion houses for mutual benefit. The initiative

ensures that these marginalised artisans who are mostly women, are able to earn a living wage and are able to take control of their lives. A percentage of the brand’s profits go to foundations on the continent that improve the livelihoods of young Africans. Okun is now stocked in 30 premium stockists internationally across 20 countries including Mr Porter, Browns and Fortnum & Mason’s in London and Alara Lagos as well as luxury hotel chains such as the Constance Group in the Indian Ocean.

INTERNATIONAL INTEREST In more recent times, the western media and its consumers have began to take an interest in the quality of working standards for the staff producing their favourite high street or luxury branded products due to more awareness and the call to action on workers safety in factories in China and South Asia. Perhaps this renewed interest in sustainability, conducive working environment and fairer wages has contributed to more designers looking elsewhere to produce their products.

SMART CITY The term Smart City is not a new one and, while some examples already exist on the African continent, it is not as widespread as it should be.

rbanization, Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability requirements are putting increasing pressure on cities’ infrastructure. This requires a paradigm shift to urban centres operational and management models by adopting new and smart technologies to create sustainable living environment for their citizens. This is the view of Mahmoud El-Banna, Global IoT Solution Management Leader, at Nokia. Cities across the globe are facing persistent challenges in different sectors in terms of energy consumption, environmental sustainability, citizen safety, traffic management, vulnerability to disasters, changing climate conditions and many more. These challenges are accelerating the need of new business models for cities management to improve the quality of life inside the city.

Cities looking to thrive in the future are encouraged to invest in creating Smart, Safe and Sustainable applications enabled by a Shared, Scalable and Secured Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in what so called Six S’s smart city model.

WITH CHALLENGE COMES OPPORTUNITY The City challenges translate into various opportunities for cities to embrace new technologies and improve efficiency of urban operations. The Internet of Things (IoT) which aims at connecting everything around us towards the journey to programable world is on the high rise and at the heart of future proof smart cities. IoT will be the technology of choice to enable unlimited possibilities for smart city applications and use cases, says ElBanna. The smart city IoT applications will have various requirements with direct implications on the City ICT

infrastructure. These requirements will vary in terms of data volume, throughput, number of devices and the latency pattern for transferring the data. This in return mandates the need to have a robust and flexible infrastructure to support a wide range of use cases that would be implemented as part of smart city. The adequate infrastructure would be composed of a massive scale broadband access technologies layer supported by an agile networking gear and topped by a city management platform to manage all aspects of the city. Across all these horizontal layers, security is vertically positioned to secure the data across the entire ICT infrastructure. “All these applications and infrastructure solutions are brought by Nokia in a full end to end stack fashion to support cities in their technology transformation journey”, says Mahmoud.

turned-on charcoal Google Home Mini and smartphone

BUT WHERE DO THE SIX-S’S FIT IN? “Optimal smart city implementation will truly benefit from the Six s’s,” says El-Banna. “By sharing network infrastructure, applications and data over a single IP infrastructure, cities can minimise cost and provide residents with ubiquitous and real-time access to applications anytime and anywhere.” Cybersecurity and data privacy also remains an ultimate priority. “Endpoint data protection, device management, authentication, authorisation, traffic profiling and encryption must be key points on both governments’ and citizens’ checklists.” On the scalability aspect,

While the initial uptake of smart cities initiatives might start small, they can grow fast and cities must ensure that their ICT infrastructure anticipates this growth. To ensure smart city initiative success, applications must satisfy the Smartness, Safety and Sustainability angles. “Smart applications aim at improving the quality of success, bolster innovation and drive social and economic development, but also make the cities more attractive places to live, visit and do Business”, El-Banna adds. Safety comes through providing applications that prevent or minimise the risks of adverse events, such as crime, accidents and natural disasters. “Sustainability applies to

minimising the environmental impact of the municipality’s operations and the activities of its businesses and citizens, while ensuring that cities select the right business model to fund, invest and costefficiently manage innovations.” Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, and shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. nokia.com

16 Immunity-Boosting Foods a Nutritionist Recommends These are the foods your body really needs to stay healthy. One of the most important ways to stay healthy is to adopt habits that strengthen immunity. That means getting enough sleep, managing stress, being active, washing your hands properly, and yes, eating well. While no food or supplement can “cure” or even 100% prevent you from catching a virus like the coronavirus or the flu, some foods have been shown to help bolster immunity. Here are 16 top picks, and how to incorporate each into your regular eating routine.

By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD https://www.health. com/food/immunity-boosting-foods

Citrus fruits and red bell peppers Vitamin C, the superstar nutrient in citrus, is famous for its role in supporting the immune system. While vitamin C can’t prevent illness, it has been studied in people with respiratory infections, with benefits primarily seen in those who had suboptimal blood levels. It’s unclear if this is partly cause or consequence, but research does appear to support a goal of consuming about 200 mg per day for infection prevention. This is the amount shown in studies to saturate the body, meaning any more vitamin C will be excreted. One medium orange provides 70 mg, a grapefruit contains almost 90 mg, and a medium raw red bell pepper packs 150 mg. Eat citrus as is or paired with nuts, use sliced red bell pepper to scoop up hummus or guacamole.

Sunflower seeds and almonds In addition to vitamin C, vitamin E plays a key role in immunity. This fat soluble vitamin boosts the activity of immune cells to support the body’s ability to fend off invading bacteria and viruses. An ounce of sunflower seeds, or a quarter cup, supplies about half of the daily recommended target for vitamin E. The same size portion of almonds contains 45% of the daily goal. Pair either with fresh fruit or whip sunflower seed or almond butter into smoothies.

Sweet potato and carrots These veggies are top sources of beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This nutrient aids the immune system by helping to produce white blood cells, which fight bacteria and viruses. It also helps form the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract, which acts as a protective barrier to keep germs out of the body. A baked sweet potato packs over 150% of the daily vitamin A goal, and a cup of raw carrots over 100% of the recommended intake. Top a baked sweet potato with nuts or seeds, and munch on carrots with healthy dips, like nut butter or tahini.

Brazil nuts and sardines Too little of the mineral selenium has been shown to delay immune response, and adequate amounts are known to enhance immunity. Selenium is also a potent antioxidant, meaning it acts like a bodyguard to prevent cells from being attacked in ways that damage DNA. One ounce of Brazil nuts, about six to eight whole nuts, provides nearly 1,000% of the daily value for selenium. Three ounces of sardines provides over 80%. Pop Brazil nuts as is, or chop and add to oatmeal or cooked veggies. Toss sardines with veggies, tomato sauce, and pasta, or add to salads.

Baked beans and pumpkin seeds Zinc influences multiple aspects of the immune system. The production of certain immune cells is limited when zinc intake is low, and adequate zinc is crucial for the normal development and function of the immune system. One cup of vegetarian baked beans provides over half of the recommended daily intake for zinc, and an ounce or quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains 20%. Combine the two: opt for baked beans as your protein source, paired with cooked veggies sprinkled with pumpkin seeds.

Turmeric Curcumin, the natural compound in turmeric responsible for its vibrant color, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. It has also been shown to boost immune cell activity and enhance antibody responses. Combining turmeric with black pepper significantly ups curcumin bioavailability. Sprinkle a turmeric black pepper combo onto a smoothie, soup, broth, or cooked veggies.

Dried tart cherries The high antioxidant content in dried tart cherries is tied to a bolstered immune system, including a reduced risk of upper respiratory tract symptoms. They also support healthy sleep due to their natural melatonin content, which is crucial because research shows that people who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough quality sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Eat them as is, or stir into nut butter and eat off a spoon.

Walnuts In addition to being one of the top antiinflammatory foods, walnuts contain several nutrients that play a role in supporting the immune system, including vitamins E and B6, copper, and folate. Walnuts have also been shown in research to reduce psychological stress, and unchecked stress weakens immunity. Pair walnuts with dried tart cherries as a snack, or chop and use as a garnish for fresh fruit or cooked veggies.

Garlic Research lends credibility to garlicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune-supporting capabilities. In one older study, 146 volunteers were randomized assigned to receive either a placebo or a garlic supplement daily for 12 weeks throughout cold season. The garlic group experienced significantly fewer colds compared to the placebo group, and they recovered faster if they did get infected. Newer research confirms that aged garlic extract may enhance immune cell function. In the study, healthy adults between 21 and 50 received either a placebo or aged garlic extract for 90 days. While there was no difference in the number of illnesses between the groups, those who received garlic had reduced cold and flu severity, fewer symptoms, and a smaller number of missed days of work or school. Reach for fresh garlic cloves rather than a supplement. Add it to cooked veggies, soup, or broth.

Pomegranate juice Pure pomegranate juice is another food that supports immunity via its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The flavonoid antioxidants found in pomegranate juice have also been shown to combat viruses, and decrease the length of a cold by as much as 40%. Sip on pomegranate juice, add splashes to water or chamomile tea, blend into smoothies, or freeze in BPA free molds, along with pureed banana and ginger root, to make popsicles.

Green vegetables Green veggies provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants, as well as key nutrients known to help the immune system function, including vitamins A and C, and folate. They also provide bioactive compounds that release a chemical signal that optimizes immunity in the gut, the location of 70-80% of immune cells. Saute veggies in EVOO along with garlic, turmeric, and black pepper, or add them to soup. You can also blend leafy greens, like kale or spinach, into a smoothie.

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2020 BMW 750i xDrive

2020 Porsche Macan GTS

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Photo Categories: exterior, flat roofline, metal siding material, house building type

Ballard Residence Ballard, Seattle, Washington

This was a 285 s.f. rear yard addition to an existing house, adding a family/dining room out back, and a roof deck above. It sits a half-floor below the main floor, allowing easy access to the backyard, and its new stairs to the basement replace the demoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d old stairs down from the kitchen, which opened up a lot of usable space there.

door wall, opening out to the new back yard terrace; the steel stairs (fabricated by the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father) with thick fir treads; the vertical grain oak kitchen cabinets, with an island on casters, and eating bar overlooking the new room below; the new roof deck; and the standing-seam metal siding.

Highlights of the project include the Panoramic folding-glass

Photo: Cindy Apple

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Federal Bungalow Montauk, New York

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Entertaining is at the heart of the home as evidenced by the central kitchen and open-floor layout that connects seamlessly to the outdoor deck. Natural oak floors are seen throughout.

Photo: Sarah Elliot

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The backyard features a large pool with a mahogany wrap-around deck and the Perch Sofas and coffee table from Blu Dotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new outdoor furniture collection.

Photo: Kyle Yu photography

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W Residence This is a 150m apartment in Taiwan with a strip of horizontal window looking out to the city. The new owner is a three-generation family. The elder favors grandeur, lush marble and rich wood grain; the young couple prefers bright space, light color and relaxing atmosphere. The only common they have is that they need storage and wish to have as much space as possible for children to move freely. We create a neutral background with white ceiling and light

wooden floor in which stone and wood-veneer blocks are placed. These blocks are positioned to define space without separate it and serve as storage unit. Sliding-doors and movable-walls convert the space, and hide away secret balcony or chamber in each room. Light flows through the space in between these blocks, and so do the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. One sees not only the texture of the natural materials, but the spread of light and the panoramic view of the city beyond.

Neutral setting let the view of the city come to play. Stone and wood veneer block define the space without separate it.

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A glimpse of bedroom.

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CORONAVIRUS:

Why are patients put into intensive care?

Consultants explain what happens when coronavirus patients are admitted and how doctors work to help them recover. The symptoms of coronavirus can vary hugely from person to person, but those most badly affected will require intensive care in hospital.

Will a patient in ICU definitely be put on a ventilator?

Among them is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was admitted to ICU (Intensive Care Unit) after his condition worsened.

There are less invasive methods by which their breathing can be assisted - starting with an oxygen mask and then potentially more specialised types of non-invasive support such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).

But what are the reasons for moving a coronavirus patient from a ward to ICU? And what sort of treatment do doctors and nurses provide? Sky News has spoken to a number of consultants. What has to happen for you to end up in intensive care? Patients end up in intensive care when COVID-19 makes it very difficult for them to breathe, which in worst cases can cause them to develop pneumonia - fluid on the lungs.

No.

However, data from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC)* shows that 63% of COVID-19 patients do receive ventilation within 24 hours of admission. What does a ventilator do? They do the majority - or all - of the patient’s breathing for them.

CPAP breathing aids, described by Professor Singer as a “very tight and pressurised mask”, have been developed by UCL and Mercedes for use in treating coronavirus patients.

When a patient is put on a ventilator, something called an endotracheal tube is guided through the mouth and into the windpipe. Patients are given anaesthetic or sedation for this procedure.

Derek Hill, professor of medical imaging at UCL, said they bridge the gap between an oxygen mask and ventilation.

Dr Ron Daniels, an intensive care consultant from University Hospitals

They also may require sudden access to equipment to aid breathing that is not available on general wards. Mervyn Singer, professor of intensive care medicine at University College London (UCL), told Sky News that being placed on an intensive ward meant the patient needed “greater support and monitoring”. “In a general ward, the doctors cannot offer the kind of expertise needed and don’t have the equipment to place someone on a ventilator,” he said.

The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing aid

Birmingham NHS Trust, told Sky News that ventilators are in high demand at the moment. “We wouldn’t normally use these resources for someone about whom we weren’t pretty concerned,” he said. Patients can also be fed at the same time through a tube going into their stomach via their nose. Doctors have also found that patients can benefit from being placed on their tummy while being ventilated, as it can assist with the distribution of oxygen around the body. Ventilators are used on coronavirus patients who have the most difficulty breathing

What are the medical objectives in ICU? The goals of those caring for coronavirus patients in intensive care are: 1. Protecting the organs. 2. Trying to maintain good kidney and heart function. 3. Giving fluid and nutrition. 4. Trying to prevent secondary complications like new infections. All these things can happen when the lungs aren’t working properly. Secondary infections are a risk for those who suffer pneumonia as a result of COVID-19, and so medics will use antibiotics and other anti-viral medication to counter that threat. Professor Singer said that while “respiratory failure” was the primary condition of a COVID-19 patient in intensive care, doctors must also work to prevent a “domino effect” of other organs being compromised. What treatments do patients receive besides being put on oxygen? Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist from the University of Reading, told Sky News that hospital patients would normally also be supported with fluids and drugs such as paracetamol to help tackle symptoms. Treatments are designed to try to help prevent what is known as a cytokine storm - a severe auto-immune reaction.

NHS Nightingale Hospital at the ExCel centre in London will treat intensive care patients

Patients given CPAP can see a turnaround in their condition in two to three days, according to Professor Singer. But those patients who need to be placed on a ventilator tend to be in intensive care for 10 to 14 days, and some receiving treatment for coronavirus can be ventilated for up to three weeks. Other illnesses have seen people ventilated for months, Professor Singer added - but that has not been the case anywhere in the world with COVID-19. “Clearly if you can avert the need for ventilation, from my experience it’s better for the patient,” he said. What happens after treatment?

Urgent care doctor Kishan Rees told Sky News the cytokine storm happens when “the body’s natural defences are overwhelmed and the body shuts down with multi-organ failure”.

The ICNARC (Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre) has recorded outcomes for 690 COVID-19 patients of whom 346 patients have died and 344 were discharged (1,559 are still in care as of 3 April).

How long can someone be in intensive care?

Those who are critically ill and are discharged can take several weeks or even

months to fully recover. Post-intensive care syndrome are problems that persist after treatment and can include physical, cognitive and psychological issues that can take a long time to clear up. Dr Carl Waldmann, an intensive care consultant from Royal Berkshire Hospital, told Sky News: “All patients that have been in intensive care do require longer than usual to be allowed to go back to work. “It is recognised that you need a gradual return - we do need to assess them and make sure they are fit and well mentally and physically before we say they can go back to work.” *Data covers the first reported 2249 intensive care patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the UK.

Photo: Courtesy of W Koh Samui Photo Categories: dining room, recessed lighting, table, terrazzo floors, accent lighting, stools, concrete floors, chair, pendant lighting, wall lighting, bench, bar, shelves

W Koh Samui Surat Thani, Thailand

The W Retreat is located between Maenam and Bophut on a wonderful stretch of powdery golden sand offering the ultimate place to unwind or get active in signature W style. The 75 allprivate Pool Villa Retreats offer an ultra chic, cutting-edge design getaway surrounded by tropical sights and sounds. Just a coconutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away are jungle treks to cascading waterfalls, the wonderful Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village and the open air-nightclubs of Chaweng Beach. Or stay in and get whisked away by our Away Spa and restaurants and bars.

Photo: Courtesy of W Koh Samui Photo Categories: outdoor, hanging lighting, small pools, tubs, showers, trees, rooftop, swimming pools, tubs, showers, decking patio, porch, deck, infinity pools, tubs, showers

Photo: Ar Ishita Sitwala Photo Categories: living room, end tables, ceiling lighting, chair

Jungalow Surat, Gujarat, India

The project aims in creating an economically modest built form for an agriculturist and his family. Abstraction of urban farming could be seen in both exterior and interior spaces. The design uses the natural light and the built form to its advantage. The site abuts access way on the south and other two sides by adjoining structures. Its location is peculiar as the

Photo: Ar Ishita Sitwala

site is located in the city fringes. The surrounding dwelling unit comprises of peculiar semi urban row houses. South facade has the main entry and is flanked by a series of balconies and stepped terrace on each floor. Activities are distributed on various levels- semi private spaces on ground floor while private spaces on upper floors. The heart of the structure is the double

Photo Categories: dining room, chair, ceiling lighting, table

heighted courtyard which is embellished with creepers and climbers. The green curtain cuts the direct entry of west sunlight inside the house and creates a buffer. The view from the spaces offers a glance of voluminous courtyard. The shape of the temple is evolved from the form of Shikhara â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a feature of Hindu temple architecture. Temple with triple height factor acts as a wind tunnel with mechanical exhaust fan. Circular windows in bedroom, out looking the landscape serves as a natural picture frame. The basic building materials are kept to its natural form and texture to comprehend the naturality of flora.

ARRCC builds “afro-minimalist” safari lodge in South African wildlife reserve Architecture and interiors studio ARRCC has completed a safari retreat in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a South African park that is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and cheetahs. Cape Town-based ARRCC aimed to create an “afro-minimalist” aesthetic at Cheetah Plains, by combining traditional safaristyle architecture with more simple, contemporary details.

Cheetah Plains is one of several safari lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of the huge Kruger National Park. With an area of over 19,000 square kilometres, it is one of the largest national parks in the world.

The Kitchen Stool Designed for mass production, the concept of the stool was inspired by the indiginous ghanaian kitchen stool. In most ghanaian indiginous homes one will find a kitchen stool and it is made robost to last for a long time. the stool is sat on during food preparation since most of the cooking was made with utensiles that were placed on the ground, like the grinding bowl â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;apotoyewaaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and it is esay to fan the coldpot whiles sitting on the stool. the stool is still used in the kichen in ghanaian homes and in other diverse ways such as, people sit on the stool when washing cloths, bathing babies in basins and for other purposes.

The stool parts of the stool are fastened with bolts and knots. this aids in packaging and tranportation of the stool, so that it can be dismantled and reassembled easily by the user. Designed by Aaron Adjacodjoe Product Designer

NECESSITY INNOVATION AND E-VISAS, WHY ITS URGENT FOR GHANA Behind closed doors braining storming as a team at the Chamber for Tourism Industries Ghana as to what do to make the tourism industry better, we come across two words, which led us to write this article; Necessity Innovation and E-Visa. We will like to start the conversation on E-Visas.

the past year, the shooting in a church and floods. On CNN and all the major news cables one of the biggest setbacks that was discussed was a drought in tourist attraction. No, on the contrary figures from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that the numbers shot up by 54% during this period wow.

Twenty-four (24) countries in the world offer E Visas and seven (7), out of them are African countries. Namely: Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. One of the major things that could be a major setback for travellers is visa.

So we went further to read why: the government immediately decided to employ the second word that caught our eyes today, “necessity innovation”. To still get tourists pouring in they offered them visa online and according to their minister for tourism this changed the dynamics of a bad situation. Sri Lanka in the writeup decided to pick 4 countries and keep marketing their country to them and

Sri Lanka as a tourist country has gone through some harrowing experiences over

these countries also have the opportunity to get visas online. No wonder a country, which had been written off, embroiled in terrorist attacks will now be doing some 54-percept rise in tourists in a matter of the same year. Here in Ghana the Vice president Mahamudu Bawumia has been leading the digital drive from the government side. This April he was at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in the United States where he spoke about Ghana going electronic when it comes to the issuance of visas. This is yet to be implemented; our expectation was that this would have been done before the activities of the year of return. This notwithstanding we are sure plans should be far advance for the implementation.

In November the whole of the continent of Africa will meet in a conference involving women in tourism organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. This presents Ghana another opportunity to deliver on this promise made by the vice president on E visas. While at it the Chamber of Tourism has chosen 5 countries we will like to market Ghana to and thus should be involved in the list of countries that could apply online. 1. China: because of their large numbers and economic power. Almost every week two billionaire are created China 2. Finland: According to the World Atlas, in a year one person travels more than 7 times

3. United States: is also the second highest in terms of travellers round the world. One person travels more than 6 times a year 4. Sweden: Swedish have 6.00 total trips per person in a year. 5. Denmark: The Danish 5.30 trips per individual every year. Necessity Innovation create the pull factor that causes people to want to make Ghana the first place of recall when it comes to destinations in Africa. Technology is critical and this is obviously the time to innovate or die. Contact the Chamber for Tourism Ghana in case you have some visa challenges travelling to Ghana.

GHANA A COUNTRY TO VISIT Ghana is proof that amazing things come in small packages. Considered to be one of Africa’s true success stories, this country is enjoying a stable democracy and incredible development. The combination creates a joyful energy across the country. With Ghana you get beautiful hinterland, sunny beaches, rich culture, lively cities, welcoming locals, tons of wildlife, and easy access to all parts of the country. There’s a big difference between northern and southern Ghana – including different religion, geography, and culture. But you’ll still feel like the country is one harmonious unit. If you’ve never been to Africa, Ghana is known as ‘Africa for beginners,’ making it a perfect destination for those who want to get their feet wet. At just over two million inhabitants Accra is the largest city in Ghana. This capital city is full of character and radiates friendliness. Whether you’re there as a solo traveller or with a family, on your big annual holiday or there for business, Accra has something to make you feel comfortable. What tourists really love are the many beaches surrounding the city – particularly Labadi Beach. Accra is home to the National Museum where you’ll find many of the countries historical treasures. You can also visit the National Theatre, International Trade Fair, the Kwame Nkrumah memorial, Independence Square, and W.E.B. Dubois Centre.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN AFRICA Zanzibar (Tanzania) The archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is semi-autonomous, and it is a truly unique destination in Africa. Zanzibar boasts an interesting blend of architecture, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish and Indian styles represented in its cities. There are many world-class beaches to choose from, and Zanzibar also boasts a very vibrant and well-preserved history. Be sure to spend time in the capital city of Stone Town, home to several fantastic museums and the 17th century Old Fort.

Djenne (Mali) Probably the most historically and architecturally interesting city in all of Mali is Djenne. The city served as an important element of the trans-Saharan gold trade, and it is still a regional hub thanks to its impressive weekly market that gathers residents from all the surrounding areas. By far the most amazing landmark in the city, however, is the Great Mosque, which is the largest mud brick building in the world. The Islamic Mosque dates back to the 13th century, although it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t officially completed until 1907.

Lake Malawi (Malawi, Tanzania & Mozambique) One of the largest bodies of water in Africa is Lake Malawi. As the name suggests, much of the lake is within the borders of Malawi, but it also stretches into the countries of Tanzania and Mozambique. If you want to see Lake Malawi, one of the best ways to do so is with a visit to the Lake Malawi National Park, located on the southern end of the lake itself. There are miles of hiking available in the park, not to mention countless vantage points where you can admire the lake and take spectacular photographs.

Lalibela (Ethiopia) The city of Lalibela in Ethiopia is known as a city of pilgrimage. Lalibela boasts 11 monolithic, rock-cut churches, each of which is fascinating to explore. Most residents are Egyptian Orthodox Christian, and most of the churches were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. If you only have time for a tour of one church in Lalibela, make it Bet Giyorgis, which is shaped like a cross and carved entirely from rock in a spectacular fashion.

Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) In the far north of Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border, is the famed Mount Kilimanjaro. The peak is the tallest in Africa, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, making it a bucket-list destination for many travelers. While the very fit can trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are also other ways to explore the area. There are several shorter, easier hikes around the base of the mountain along with some gorgeous waterfalls and plenty of amazing scenery.

Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) Africa is inhabited by many different people groups, but few as are fascinating as the Masai. This group owns the Masai Mara National Reserve toward the southern part of Kenya, and every year thousands of tourists come to explore the scenery and the wildlife. In addition to seeing everything from rhinos to lions, you can visit a local village to learn more about the Masai Mara culture, cuisine, customs and dress.

Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe) Right on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls, an incredible waterfall on the Zambezi River. In Zimbabwe, the falls as well as the surrounding town is known as Victoria Falls. Across the border in Zambia, the falls are called Mosi-oaTunya. From December to March, the falls are more dramatic because it is also the rainy season, but the rest of the year can offer a less obscured view. In addition to admiring the views, you can enjoy Victoria Falls by canoeing or rafting near its base or having a romantic sunset cruise beneath the falls.

African Property Magazine

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Eco-Friendly Safari Lodge in Africa’s Okavango Delta

GHANA A COUNTRY TO VISIT

FIFI’S COURT

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