The Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) on Friday rolled-out a three-year strategic development project aimed at developing the Marine Drive Public Open Space at Osu into a world class recreational facility.

The space to be developed shares a boundary with the Asomdwoe Park in Accra, the burial grounds of the late President, John Evans Atta Mills.

The development forms part of activities being instituted by GIA as part of this year’s celebration of the World Architecture Day that falls on Monday, October 6, on the theme: “Healthy Cities, Happy Cities".

A release signed by Mr Foster Osae-Akonnor, Secretary of GIA and copied to the GNA said the Institute plans to launch the project in November this year to develop the space for the benefit of the entire Citizenry.

“As part of the celebration, the GIA will focus on the well-being of communities under the theme: “Public Open Spaces and the citizenry,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the GNA, Mr Osae-Akonnor explained that the space would be properly landscaped with a water body, street furniture, and a garden, among others to serve as a recreational centre and tourists joint.

“The work would be starting in November this year to November 2017.”

The World Architecture Day, which falls on the first Monday in October of every year, was instituted by the International Union of Architects (UIA) to celebrate Architecture worldwide.

The theme for this year’s Day reflects on the role architects and architecture play in the vitality of the urban setting and in the well-being of its inhabitants.

Meanwhile, the release has questioned how architects could design and construct “healthy” spaces, facilities, housing and urban landscapes which foster happiness, health and quality of life for city-dwellers?

“By what means are architects able to bring life to cities, to infuse them with energy, to insure their viability, to anticipate and heal disorders, to forestall disintegration and to accompany their harmonious development?

Responsible architectural design has spotlighted the role of the architect in the obligation to design a sustainable environment by means of an ethical professional practice in the areas of energy, implementation and materials, the release added.