Global engineers thinking locally: creating kindergartens for Africa

This paper reflects on the wider benefits that civil engineers can bring to individual communities when undertaking design services through engaging with local stakeholders and understanding the environment, context and culture in which they work. A sustainable kindergarten complex in Ghana is used as a case study to illustrate the benefits of civil engineers adopting a broader perspective, combining global expertise with local knowledge. The paper explains the design approach taken by the team and the key features of the design and construction, which offers a sustainable solution to the shortfall in facilities for early-years learning in Ghana and potentially throughout Africa.