Ghanaian architect David Kojo Derban and AP Valletta, a Malta-based architectural restoration firm, have been honored with an Architectural Review (AR) Award for their innovative restoration proposal for the Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys School in Accra.
The project triumphed in the Old and New category and was also one of only two entries to receive a Highly Recommended distinction. The award was presented last week during a ceremony in Milan, coinciding with Milan Design Week.
Built 170 years ago by the Basel Missionaries, the Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys School holds deep historical and cultural significance. It served as a training ground for Christian moral values within the Osu Presbyterian community and laid the foundation for Ghana’s modern educational system. David Kojo Derban, a member of the Ghana Institute of Architects and a passionate advocate for heritage conservation, sees this award as a testament to Ghana’s rich architectural legacy.
"This recognition underscores that, from a global heritage perspective, Ghana possesses invaluable architectural treasures deserving of government attention," he said. "Investing in heritage preservation can drive urban tourism, support national development, and boost our economy."
The award highlights the potential of adaptive reuse and heritage restoration in shaping Ghana’s future while honoring its past.
Built 170 years ago by the Basel Missionaries, the Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys School holds deep historical and cultural significance. It served as a training ground for Christian moral values within the Osu Presbyterian community and laid the foundation for Ghana’s modern educational system. David Kojo Derban, a member of the Ghana Institute of Architects and a passionate advocate for heritage conservation, sees this award as a testament to Ghana’s rich architectural legacy.
"This recognition underscores that, from a global heritage perspective, Ghana possesses invaluable architectural treasures deserving of government attention," he said. "Investing in heritage preservation can drive urban tourism, support national development, and boost our economy."
The award highlights the potential of adaptive reuse and heritage restoration in shaping Ghana’s future while honoring its past.
Beyond its architectural significance, this project carries profound implications for young architects in Ghana and across Africa, offering inspiration, professional validation, and a roadmap for the future of heritage conservation on the continent.
Osu: A Historical and Cultural Epicenter
Osu, also known as "Christianborg" due to its colonial-era Danish fort (now Osu Castle), has long been a melting pot of trade, religion, and governance. The area’s layered history—from its origins as a Ga settlement to its role in European colonial ventures—makes it a living archive of Ghana’s past.
The Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys School, established by the Basel Missionaries, played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s educational and moral foundations. It was a training ground for Christian ethics, literacy, and vocational skills, influencing generations of Ghanaian leaders. However, like many historic structures in Africa, it faced neglect, threatened by decay, urbanization, and shifting priorities.
The Osu Salem Presbyterian Boys School, established by the Basel Missionaries, played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s educational and moral foundations. It was a training ground for Christian ethics, literacy, and vocational skills, influencing generations of Ghanaian leaders. However, like many historic structures in Africa, it faced neglect, threatened by decay, urbanization, and shifting priorities.
The Restoration Project: A Model for Africa’s Architectural Future
The winning proposal by David Kojo Derban and AP Valletta reimagines the school not as a frozen museum piece but as a living, functional space that respects its heritage while adapting to modern needs. Key aspects of the project include:
- Preservation of original Basel Mission architecture while integrating sustainable materials.
- Adaptive reuse—ensuring the building remains relevant for contemporary education.
- Community engagement, making restoration a collaborative effort with locals.
This approach aligns with global best practices in heritage conservation, proving that Africa’s architectural past can fuel its future.
What This Means for Young Architects in Ghana and Africa
For emerging architects across the continent, the Osu Salem project is more than just an award-winning design—it’s a beacon of possibility. Here’s why:
1. Proof That African Heritage Matters on the World Stage
Too often, Africa’s architectural legacy is overlooked in global discourse. This AR Award—presented in Milan, a design capital—sends a powerful message: African heritage is world-class and worth preserving. Young architects can now point to this success as evidence that their work has international relevance.
2. Restoration as a Viable Career Path
Many young architects in Africa are steered toward new construction—skyscrapers, commercial hubs, and luxury estates—while restoration is seen as a niche field. This project demonstrates that heritage conservation is not just culturally vital but also professionally rewarding. It opens doors for specialization in:
- Adaptive reuse (repurposing old buildings for modern use).
- Sustainable retrofitting (blending tradition with eco-friendly tech).
- Urban regeneration (revitalizing historic districts like Osu).
3. A Blueprint for Community-Centered Design
The Osu Salem project emphasizes local involvement, showing that restoration isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about people. For young architects, this reinforces the importance of:
- Collaborating with historians and elders to preserve authenticity.
- Engaging the community to ensure projects serve real needs.
- Advocating for policy changes to protect endangered landmarks.
4. Inspiring a New Wave of African Architectural Identity
For decades, African cities have grappled with colonial-era urban planning and generic modern designs. Projects like this encourage architects to reconnect with indigenous design principles while innovating for the future. Imagine:
- Reviving Ghana’s historic Basel Mission buildings as cultural hubs.
- Restoring Swahili coral stone architecture along East Africa’s coast.
- Repurposing apartheid-era structures in South Africa for social good.
The possibilities are endless—and the Osu Salem project proves it can be done.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While this award is a milestone, the real work lies ahead. Will Ghana invest more in heritage preservation? Can young architects leverage this momentum to push for stronger conservation laws?
David Kojo Derban’s words resonate deeply:
"Ghana’s architectural heritage is a goldmine—not just for tourism, but for national pride and economic growth. We must protect it."
For the next generation of African architects, the message is clear: The past is not a burden—it’s a foundation. And the future of design lies in honoring it while building boldly forward.
#AfricanArchitecture
#HeritageRestoration
#NextGenArchitects
#OsuSalem
#UrbanRevival
#GhanaDesign
#ArchitecturalAward