Design history, philosophy, and aesthetics of academic gowns of selected technical universities in Ghana

Abstract

Through multiple cross-sectional historical case studies, the study investigated the design histories, philosophies, and aesthetics of seven Ghanaian Technical Universities academic gowns. Maximum variation and expert sampling procedures were used to sample sixty-six participants. The data was analysed using narrative analytical techniques and a multi-method data gathering strategy. The study discovered that between 2000 and 2010, technical universities began designing their own gowns due to the high cost of renting, identification issues, and income generation, with KsTU leading the way. While some designed and constructed their gowns in-house, the majority subcontracted to gown contractors. Only two institutions have gowns for different statuses, and six have HND and management gowns. Aside from the management, all institutions continue to hire gowns for their members to supplement what they have. In turn, the institutions rent out their gowns to other institutions that are interested. This research has also explored the philosophical roots of the gowns as well as their aesthetic values based on their numerous logo interpretations. Whereas 41.7% of participants were satisfied with their gown designs, 35.4% were dissatisfied, and the rest (22.7%) were satisfied to some extent. Generally, 58.3% of participants wanted their gown designs to be improved. As a result, a design framework has been created to guide gown designs. The study suggested that academic institutions carefully review their academic gowns and aim to make them customised, appropriate, and easily identifiable in order to enhance the identity of the wearers as well as the brand identity and image of the institutions. For research and educational purposes, detailed information about the gown designs should be retained.