Facilitator: Ms Charlotte Ackah – Venue: Design Lab – Date: 2 February 2026 – Time: 4:30-5:30 PM
Workshop Overview
Architecture 101 introduced students to architectural thinking and real-world design practice. Through discussion and a guided design challenge, participants explored how ideas develop from initial concepts into buildable solutions. The workshop aimed to expose students to architectural practice, build foundational design-thinking skills, and inspire interest in architecture-related careers.
Participants gained:
- Understanding of architectural thinking
- Hands-on experience with the design process
- Confidence in sketching and idea development
The following are a few student reflections on the workshop;
Participating in the recent Architecture Club workshop was an insightful and engaging experience that deepened my understanding of architecture both as an academic discipline and as a professional career.
During the workshop, we were visited by a professional architect who spoke to us about the realities of studying architecture at university. Additionally, in groups, we presented pitches on areas we wanted to renovate.
Overall, this workshop contributed to my growth as a student and as a person. The talk gave us an eye-opening perspective on architecture, presenting our ideas helped boost our confidence and improve our public speaking skills in a professional setting, and designing our models encouraged me to be more creative and think critically about how design choices impact functionality, sustainability, and how spaces are ultimately used. Ethan-Jermyne Achiampong, Grade 11
The workshop really helped me decide whether I have the discipline and motivation to study architecture. I learned that architecture is not just about visual appearance but also about human interaction with buildings. Buildings must be designed for convenience and efficiency, not just visual effect. I also learned that professors in universities may not always be closely watching presentations, so your voice and tone must capture attention. I gained new knowledge about how architecture is both a community, where people support each other, and an independent course that requires self-drive.
I would have loved to see some of Ms. Charlotte’s works and learn more about the three main software programs she uses. However, overall, the workshop was interactive and informative. Kevin Arthur, Grade 11
When Ms. Charlotte arrived, we presented our ideas and received feedback. She gave us tips on improving our presentation skills, such as not reading directly from slides but owning the work since we created it. She also advised us to present in a way that helps people visualize the ideas we are proposing.
She later showed us a video sharing someone’s perspective on architecture, which made me realize that architecture is a demanding and challenging career. However, through how she spoke about architecture and shared her positive experiences, I could see myself becoming a licensed architect in the future.
Overall, I really enjoyed the session and hope we can work with her again in the future. Ashley Adjei, Grade 11
This workshop helped me understand the different aspects of being an architect, including technical knowledge, problem-solving, and understanding what people actually need.
The session showed me that not all creative designs make good buildings. As an architect, you must recognise that you are working with others, so it is essential to communicate ideas clearly and efficiently.
It also highlighted the importance of planning, research, and sustainability when designing spaces. One key lesson I learned is that architecture requires strong time-management skills, so it’s important to maintain a structured weekly schedule. Florence Yalley, Grade 9
Acknowledgements
The Architecture Club sincerely thanks Ms. Charlotte Ackah for her invaluable guidance and contribution to student learning.
The club is also grateful for the continuous support of the CAS team and their patrons Mr. Donald Dodoo & Mr. Mawuli Zonyrah.
