Elsie Owusu Architects and Feilden & Mawson have been shortlisted for a civic centre in one of Ghana’s largest metropolitan areas.

The team, which also includes Arup, is one of seven finalists for the new city hall complex in Kumasi, Ashanti region.

Once known as West Africa’s Garden City, Kumasi has declined in wealth and international standing but the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is attempting to reclaim this through strategic investment in urban renewal and civic projects.

The new city hall complex is at the heart of the assembly’s drive for sustainable regeneration in the region.

The UK/Ghana team’s proposal was inspired by the Ashanti porcupine, a symbol of the ancient kingdom’s resilience.

The design would create a focal point for the community and civic pride, said a Feilden & Mawson spokeswoman, reflecting Kumasi’s position as the commercial heart of the nation and future “gateway to West Africa”.

A winner is expected to be announced next month.

This story first appeared on Building Design.