KEEP Hosts Prof. Uwe Kloos for Workshop on Computer Graphics and Interactive 3D Applications

The KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP) has hosted an intensive five-day workshop led by Prof. Uwe Kloos, Professor of Computer Graphics and Visualization at Reutlingen University, Germany. The workshop introduced participants to the core concepts behind real-time computer graphics and interactive 3D applications.

Supported by KEEP, the programme combined compact lectures with hands-on exercises. Participants explored the graphics pipeline, 3D transformations, cameras, lighting, materials, and rendering techniques. Building on these foundations, they learned how interaction, game mechanics, and simulation logic are implemented in modern development environments.

The workshop adopted a project-based learning approach. Participants created their own interactive 3D scene, enhanced it with visual effects and user interaction, and then developed a small game or simulation in teams. The completed projects were presented and discussed. By the end of the workshop, participants had gained a practical understanding of how interactive 3D applications are built and developed, and each team presented its own prototype.

Prof. Kloos taught Computer Graphics and interactive applications, which was oversubscribed, prompting the adoption of both in-person and online training modes.

During a courtesy call on Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering, KNUST, and the International Programmes Office (IPO), Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Project Lead for KEEP, gave the background to the collaboration. He said that under the PartnerAfrika Projekt, the KEEP team visited Stuttgart, Germany, and had the opportunity to visit Reutlingen University. This led to a joint application for an EU mobility grant, which was submitted and approved. As part of the grant, mobility opportunities are available first for faculty and later for students. Prof. Kloos is the first faculty member to visit under this arrangement.

Prof. Nyarko welcomed the delegation and underscored the importance of collaborations and partnerships. “If you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together,” he said, adding that he was pleased with the collaboration.

Prof. Kloos noted that, under the mobility grant, three faculty members from Reutlingen University will visit KNUST. He added that Reutlingen University focuses on textiles, fabric, computer science, engineering, and business administration.

Prof. Mrs. Augustina Angelina Sylverken, Vice-Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), said the possibility of collaborating using interactive graphic design in health science should be explored.

The visit and workshop form part of KEEP’s efforts to strengthen international academic partnerships and enhance practical, industry-relevant engineering education at KNUST.