Appraisal Of Works Produced By Metal Products Design Students Of Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology (Knust), Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Metal Products Design Program (MPDP) was introduced in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 1964. The establishment of the MPDP was to contribute to effective utilization of precious and non-precious metals in Ghana.  In Ghana, the MPD has many functions which have contributed a lot in our society, for instance, from our traditional to modern homes, we see metal products. Again institutions such as churches, hospitals and other organizations also make judicious use of metal products. Individuals and functional leaders like chiefs, security officers and religious leaders do the same. Some of the metal products that one can talk about in the Ghanaian community include saucepans, tea strainers, tables, jewellery, coal pots, forks and many others. It is obvious to note that a metal product is now one of the major contributors to all areas of human needs. This study aimed at investigating and appraising works produced by students of Metal Products Design Section of Faculty of Art, KNUST to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of works of students and the future direction of works to be produced by students of the section in Ghana. The objectives of this study are to: (1) identify and describe selected types of works produced by students of MPD section,(2) discuss the sources of ideas, processes, tools and materials and equipment used to produce these works and (3) appraise selected works to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of them. The data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data were gathered through administration of questionnaires to students from year two to year four and the lecturers of the Metal Products Design Section. The secondary sources were from books, journals and internet. Selected works of students from the year 1999-2009 were purposefully sampled and appraised The study discovered the significance of Metal Products Design in our society. It identified what makes up the Metal Products Design and the type of works produced at the section. The study recommended immediate introduction of industrial attachment and welding as a major course for students, improving of equipment and tools, increasing lecturer per student ratio and upgradement of the Section to a departmental status.