The August Issue - architecture and built forms.

SEE IT

This issue is a special one because I got to col laborate with some very special people. They are both architects and really good interior and graphic designers.

I have always worked with them on the maga zine, they have mostly been behind the scenes but this time they share some of their amazing insights and work with us.

So, let’s get to it. Enjoy!

and

See It’

Denis Kibuchi

‘’Music has rhythm and melody; architecture has order and space’’

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

The Church

Perception in places and spaces.

It cannot be disputed the power design has on how the human being perceives spaces. The ability to tap into our senses in different measures and ways. Design of sacred spaces seeks to make the human being accept their mortal nature and humble themselves in the presence of the supreme being, God. From how we approach the building, an ascent into the church to mimic humans transcending into a higher presence.

‘’and (Jacob) dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on earth, and the top of it reached heaven and behold the angles of God ascending and descending on it’’

A.C.K St. Francis Church, Karen Karen Boyani Rd.

The play of scale through the use of high ceilings that reinforce this feeling of making a human feel small in the space, natural materials of stone and timber that seek to be a textural remind er of nature and its creator. The opening design allowing light to flood into the spaces in a majestic manner and the illustration of bible stories on the glass windows act as a reminder of the sacred nature of the space.

Gedi Ruins

Architecture of memory; the ruins that tell us a story of our past.

A demonstration of how architecture has been used to create a built form that protects man. Built forms that provide a safe haven and a city all at once. The materials here have stood time, an attempt to create a sort of permanence in its place. These built forms are evidence of the exist ence of people in a place, the arrangement of spaces a demonstration of the social hierarchy of the people, from the leaders to the common man, the structure of family as the smallest unit in its community.

Fort Jesus Nkurumah Rd.

Fort Jesus Nkurumah Rd.

If one could compare the creative nature of buildings, it could be compared to the dynamic nature of music. The rhythm, repetition, play with high and low tones; the ability to tell stories, its range of genres that suit different peo ple. These are all elements that manifest themselves in our built forms.

‘Just like music has different genres, it is evident architecture in different cities exhibits different characters. Both Nairobi and Mombasa are major cities; however, their built forms are different in nature. From scale, to style, to color. Built form has been adopted to suit the needs of its people and environment based on the principles of asymmetry, hierarchy and transformation.

“It is almost as if its frozen music…”

Johann Wol0fgang von Goethe

Mombasa Golf Club Azania Drive

The city under the sun. This city hosts a number of skyscrapers that have transformed the skyline of Nairobi since the 80’s. from KICC to Times Tower to the more recently Pension Towers.

In design, in order for an individual to experience architecture, an individual moves through space and time. They are able to experience the form of the buildings themselves from outside, move around and inside the building, resonate with the patterns, symbols and textures of the building.

Nairobi, through the lens

Nairobi CBD is an ensemble framed by a combination of massive towers that serve as fine examples of the Brutalism, International and Modern architec ture epoch and an exquisite collection of smaller structures through different eras that have ultimately shaped this city’s skyline.

Nairobi’s expressway

Nairobi’s skyline from Muindi Mbingu Street

Fedha Towers

Built in 1983, this building is a combination of a pyramidal and rectangular form. Its subtractive nature seen with its increase in height gives it a very distinctive character within its surround ing. Its vertical definition is further emphasized with the columns and the openings on the north and south facades that are repeated throughout the façade.

Ecobank towers and Bruce house are rectan gular forms characterized by horizontal bands repeated on the building’s façade. The distinct nature of each of the buildings is the colors used, green and red. The similar nature of the materials and flat ornamentation ties the buildings that are in close proximity together.

K.I.C.C.

Nairobi’s architectural symbol. developed in the 1974 and located within the pollical center of the Central Business District.

It takes a number of additive forms from a rectilinear base podium from which the cylin drical tower takes shape from to the conical amphitheater. This building has historically served various purposes over the years. Origi nally commissioned by the president to be the headquarters of the political party at the time, it has become host to numerous international and local conferences and hosts various offic es. To the Kenyan people it is a landmark.

A building used to provide a reference point in the city connecting the public imagination of the residents. It is more than just a building and is now a Kenyan identity, used in the print ed currency of the Kenyan economy and in the advertising power of the city.

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

Kiptoo Patrick

The built form in Mombasa takes a different approach. The building mass es attempt to mimic the low-lying nature of the coast, hence buildings of a smaller scale in terms of height. Cul tural identification in this city is para mount. With buildings exhibiting motifs and patterns that reference their cul ture and dominant Islamic religion.

Mombasa, through the lens

Mombasa Old Town Ndia Kuu Rd.

Swahili Cultural Centre Swahili Pot Hub

Mombasa’s built form has retained the practice of staying true to material. From adopting local material and fin ishes as well as the skills of developing the buildings themselves. Built forms that serve a functional purpose as well as tell the story of the place.

University of Nairobi, Mombasa Campus Aga Khan Rd.

Little Theatre Club Mbaraki Rd.

On going construction of an apartment building opposite Mkomani Mosque

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

Mumtaz Apartments, Tudor Vihiga Avenue

Total Petro Station, Mkomani Cement Rd.

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

Pembe

Canon Towers Moi Avenue

The Royal Castle Hotel Moi Avenue

Ronald Ngala / Manyimbo Road Junction

The Copy Cat Ltd, Mombasa Cathedral Rd.

Nyali Golf View Residence Links Rd.

Mohamed Jamia Masjid Luhar Wadha St.

Skylight Apartments, Tudor Heko Rd.