The Department of Architecture hosted the 12th Annual East Africa Architecture Workshop and Exhibition from 25th to 28th August 2025 at ADD Building, Faculty of Built Environment and Design. The event explored the theme “Understanding the Concept of Sustainability in the Built Environment Today.”
The workshop was officially opened by Prof. John Mande, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Human Resource and Administration. In his remarks, he called on architects to address the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation and resource depletion. He emphasised the importance of designs that are resilient, affordable and grounded in local materials. “Architecture must go beyond aesthetics and functionality,” Prof. Mande said. “It must embrace sustainability as a guiding principle for our future.”
Prof. Robert Rukwaro, Chair of the Department of Architecture and chief rapporteur, guided the proceedings, his opening remarks set a clear tone: architecture must embrace affordability, resilience, appropriate technology and local materials as core pillars of sustainable practice. Dean-elect Prof. Owiti K'Akumu reflected on the faculty’s roots, reminding participants, “The Faculty of Built Environment and Design is one of the faculties that first formed the University. The future of this faculty is also the future of this great university.”
Over three days, the program featured 34 paper presentations, a keynote on the fundamentals of sustainable architecture by Arch. Musau Kimeu, and a book presentation by Dr. Paolo Cascone of the University of Westminster. Arch. Musau challenged the audience to rethink their approach to design. “Let us touch the earth lightly,” he urged, “so that buildings can serve us without leaving scars on the planet.”
A panel discussion brought the theme into sharp focus. Speakers identified four pillars of sustainability: environment, society, processes and resilience. The debate drew active participation from the audience, with strong calls for architects to listen more to communities and clients when shaping design solutions.
The workshop also drew participants from JKUAT, Kenyatta University, the Technical University of Mombasa and other regional institutions. Industry partners including Basco Paints, Crown Paints, Ramani Recyclers, alumni and professional associations also lent their support, highlighting the broad collaboration needed to build a sustainable future.
The workshop closed with a call for closer collaboration between academia, industry and alumni to embed sustainability in everyday practice and prepare the next generation of architects.
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