AN ARCHITECTURAL VIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

• As an institution of higher learning, the University of Nairobi has contributed greatly to the development of Kenya.

• 1947 when the Kenya Government drew up a plan for the establishment of a technical and commercial institute in Nairobi.

• By 1949, this plan had grown into a concept aimed at providing higher technical education for the African Great Lakes region.1951, a Royal Charter was issued to the Royal Technical College of East Africa and the foundation stone of the college was laid in April 1952.

• The Asian Community of East Africa was also planning to build a College for Arts, Science and Commerce as a living memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Memorial Academy was incorporated into the Royal Technical College of East Africa in April 1954.

• Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Sir John Lockwood, the Royal Technical College of East Africa was transformed. On 25 June 1961, the College became the second University College in East Africa, under the name "Royal College Nairobi."

• The Royal College Nairobi was renamed "University College, Nairobi" on 20 May 1964. With effect from 1970, the University of East Africa was dissolved and three African Great Lakes countries set up their national Universities. This development saw the birth of the University of Nairobi set up by an Act of Parliament.

UNITY AND WORK

The west facing façade, the most celebrated one has well designed sun shading elements that couple as aesthetics elements

UNES BOOKSTORE (FORMER LIBRARY)

The triple volume bookshop is naturally well lit with great air movement yet direct sunlight doesn’t get into the space.

The fountain was designed and created by Czech sculptor Prof Frantisek Vladimír Foit, depicts giraffes, a symbol of the university as in the logo.

PROFESSOR YAJNIK MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN

MAHATMA GANDHI WING

Designed by B.W WEBB , it is characterised by horizontal lines and contrasting vertical planes that blend in the form to create narrow plan building that sits between green areas. It is five levels makes it feel higher than it is by being in contrast with the green areas and stamps authority at the main campus. The walkways around the narrow plans enhance sun shading, through deep eves, to its internal office but levels of natural light are still uninterrupted.

Interesting to note is the marriage between Gandhi wing and the UNES bookstore.

THE HYSLOP BUILDING

• The Hyslop building is almost sacred in its location, context and detailing.

• Looking at the building as a piece of art the Hyslop building has façade detailing of the egg crate that give it its identity, it stands out differently among the main campus building.

• It forms part of the spirit of the main campus, an integral part of the whole and cannot be separated from the rest.

There are horizontal lines contrasted by vertical planes, simple elevations with great deal of detail and solid masses balanced by open spaces. The play is so control and completes an entirety where as a piece of art nothing can be removed without destabilizing the wholesomeness of the composition.

Referenceswww.archidatum.comwww.uonbi.ac.keThe University Main Campus

INTERESTING WORKS AROUND THE UNIVERSITY