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KpaKpaKpa: Design Concepts from the African Continent
Celebrating the 3-year AfridesignX research project
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Past Event
This one-day event brings together design and research pioneers from across the African continent to consider future-oriented design concepts and digital making practices. Speakers will cover the fields of robotics, fashion design, architecture and video games design. We will seek to address the role of African designers in global museums, design curricula and industry. The day will open and close with keynote presentations from Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu (NASA Mars Rover Lead Engineer) and Selly Raby Kane (fashion designer and VR film-maker). This event will be open to the public, with opportunities for questions and discussion alongside talks.
Curated by Cher Potter from the London College of Fashion and the V&A, alongside the AfriDesignX network, a pan-African network of designers and academics championing exciting initiatives across the continent. Other participants include President Emiritus of the World Design Organisation Mugendi K. M’Rithaa, roboticists Ayorkor Korsah and Ralph Borland, video game designers Wesley Kirinya and Salim Busuru, architect DK Osseo Asare, designer Dela A. Kumahor and nomadic doctor Njoki Ngumi.
10.15
Welcome to Kpakpakpa: Design Concepts from the African Continent
10.30
Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu (Engineer, NASA) on "Intersections of engineering, design and the Arts", followed by a Q&A.
11.20
Tea break.
11.35
"Ayekoo and coded mythologies" with Ayorkor Korsah (AFRON: African Robotics Network, Ashesi University Computer Science) and Wesley Kirinya (Leti Arts). Discussion hosted by Njoki Ngumi (NEST Collective).
12.40
Ralph Borland (African Robots; UCT Global Arenas) on "Stellate Innovation and comparable technologies".
13.00
Lunch.
14.00
Architect DK Osseo-Asare (LOWDO: Low Design Office, Agbogbloshie Makerspace Platform) continues the discussion on Stellate Innovation and comparable technologies with Njoki Ngumi (NEST Collective).
14.45
Designers Dela A. Kumahor from Independent UX Designer and Mokena Makeka from Makeka Design Lab, on "Kpakpakpa and concepts of design thinking". Hosted by Njoki Ngumi (NEST Collective).
15.50
Tea break.
16.05
Independent fashion designer Selly Raby Kane on, "Intersections of fashion, technology and the Arts
Q&A".
16.45
Closing discussion.
