Earlier this month (September 2018), I participated in a thought-provoking panel engaging the ‘margins’ in the research process. The panel was part of the two-day workshop ‘Speculative Infrastructures and Cities-in-the-Making,’ which was organized by Jon Silver and Paula Meth at the University of Sheffield and supported by Urban Geography journal and the University of Sheffield’s… Continue reading ‘Speculative infrastructures’ at the urban margins
Tag: Accra
Foster’s World: Seeing Ga Mashie from Child Perspective
Foster Malm, 13, moves through one of Jamestown’s bustling markets with remarkable ease. Black iPhone covertly at the ready, he shoots off the hip, capturing unexpected market-goers moving through daily life. Although barely audible over the usual market place chatter, the camera shutter sounds off like rapid fire: close-ups of fresh tomatoes and onions, action… Continue reading Foster’s World: Seeing Ga Mashie from Child Perspective
African Urbanism Conversations / 001 / Agbogbloshie
In this first African Urbanism Conversation, participants discuss the urban development, social, political, economic and environmental context of Agbogbloshie and Old Fadama, often typified as “Africa’s largest e-waste dump.” The conversation provides local context for a better understanding of what’s happening in Agbogbloshie and Old Fadama, and how the sites are intricately interlinked and connected to… Continue reading African Urbanism Conversations / 001 / Agbogbloshie
“Making space for history” in Accra’s Ga Mashie neighborhood
Cultural tourism walks a precarious line. Private sector investments can generate significant socio-economic benefits for community members and revitalize cultural interests. On the other hand there are many opportunities for exploitation— interest groups stand to profit from over-development, pricing out existing low-income residents. As the growing number of arts, culture and touristic activities in Accra’s… Continue reading “Making space for history” in Accra’s Ga Mashie neighborhood
Accra: Sensing the City Through Sound
In May, African Urbanism contributed to MIT’s Community Innovation Lab (CoLab Radio) “Listening to the City” series. The series includes sounds from cities such as a market in Mexico City, a struggling street market in Thessaloniki, Greece, and sounds of Los Angeles’ street economy. What do other cities sound like? Read descriptions of other cities included in the… Continue reading Accra: Sensing the City Through Sound
Exploring “Oxford Street”: Author Ato Quayson shares insights from new book
Prof. Ato Quayson’s new book Oxford Street: City Life and the Itineraries of Transnationalism explores the history and dynamics of one of Accra’s most popular and globalized streets – the stretch of Oxford Street in the Osu district. Quayson is a professor of English and director of the Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University… Continue reading Exploring “Oxford Street”: Author Ato Quayson shares insights from new book
Re-imagining Accra’s “public spaces”
What if we let go of the limiting idea of our public spaces as “city parks” and began exploring the entire range of social spaces that already exist in the city? This is the first in a series of posts. Talented architects, designers and public space practitioners, green space enthusiasts, and everyday citizens dream of… Continue reading Re-imagining Accra’s “public spaces”