Krio Boardhouse Research, Freetown /  / London Metropolitan University, 2013

A research project to investigate Freetown’s urban development and surprising stock of culturally significant, but unprotected and rapidly diminishing, historic timber framed Krio Boardhouses. Research was conducted with the group ‘The Architecture of Rapid Change and Scarce Resources’ at The Cass, in collaboration with the British Council in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Undertaking and compiling research both independently and in groups, city districts were initially mapped before a selection of identified boardhouses were photographed, drawn and measured in a bid to preserve their value. Field work was socially challenging but largely received positively by local communities, raising the profile of Freetown’s built heritage. In addition, we also worked with carpentry apprentices to make furniture for a local primary school.

My drawings and photographs were featured in exhibitions in both Sierra Leone and the UK and published in a book entitled ‘The Architecture of Three Freetown Neighbourhoods’.