Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Mmofra Place

Accra

Ghana

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
September 25, 2015
December 22, 2017

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

The Mmofra Foundation is a Ghana-based nonprofit organization that works to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of children. In one project, they have worked to transform a two-acre plot of underutilized green space in Accra’s Dzorwulu neighborhood into a place centered on children’s enjoyment and play. The project, called Mmofra Place (Mmofra means “children” in Akan) was inspired by a 1960 book and photo essay called Playtime in Africa, by Efua T. Sutherland and Willis Bell, which contains compelling photographs of the many imaginative children's games across Ghana. The Mmofra Foundation wanted to design a place that nurtured the kind of joy represented in the Playtime in Africa series, while also addressing Accra's rapid urbanization, its large population of young people, and the lack of safe public spaces for children.

To do this, they partnered with an international network of architects, planners, engineers , educators, artists, as well as local experts, community leaders, and teenagers. They hosted public meetings and charrettes to develop a vision, site plan, and range of strategies for revamping the space. Throughout the process, Mmofra maintained a commitment to sustainable design practices, such as sourcing local materials and building a compostable toilet. The ultimate plan is for Mmofra Place to include a community garden, performance space, library, and mutiple green spaces. With a phased development strategy, some early improvements have already taken place. The community has helped create a modular play area, public art, vegetable plots and programming. With these LQC changes, children have already begun flocking to Mmofra Place.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, all: Mmofra Foundation

Follow Mmofra Foundation

Website: mmofraghana.org

Facebook: facebook.com/mmofra.foundation

Twitter: @Mmofra_Ghana

Mmofra Place
The edible garden at Mmofra Place
Mmofra Place
The community works together in creating Mmofra Place
Mmofra Place
Simple materials can be used to make a swing
Mmofra Place
Games activate the space
Mmofra Place
A hand-made bench is a great amenity to the space
Mmofra Place
1960 photo series Playtime in Africa serves as inspiration for the project
Mmofra Place
Mmofra Place

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

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