Student Short Biography
Salaash J.K is a Landscape Architect. He holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Jomo Kenyatta University of
Agriculture and Technology.
He has an interest in urban design and is currently at public works in Narok County Government.
Thesis / Project Title
PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR HOT SEMI-ARID CLIMATES.
A CASE OF THE URBAN PARK AT ISIOLO MUNICIPALITY
Thesis / Project Abstract
Public spaces are critical in determining the quality of life in urban areas; however, they face neglect especially in hot semi-arid due to climatic restrictions. The study is on their organization, their use, their response to
climate, and their sustainability.
The study reviews; the intelligent urbanism theory, the space-shaping continuum theory, and the sustainable design concepts in hot semi-arid climates.
The author prepares a land-use plan and maps out the Urban Park; which is analyzed using derived units of analysis from theories and concepts.
Data is collected using observation checklists and focused group discussions and analyzed using tables and charts.
The study finds; that public spaces at Isiolo account for 6% against recommended 13% of the land use; the design measures for enhancing use on a scale of 1-5 as inadequate (2); interventions in response to climate as highly inefficient (1) on a scale of 1-5; and sustainable design concepts are found to be appropriate (4) on a scale of 1-5.
The study recommends the use of public open spaces as the organizing element in hot and semi-arid climates. The study recommends the use of activities to enhance the use, and the use of water features to draw in users. The study suggests using windbreakers to enhance comfort. The study recommends the use of local and new technologies to improve
sustainability.
The study proposes the spatial index principle, the utility principle, the climate-responsive principle, and the sustainable design principle as the guiding principles for public spaces in hot semi-arid climates
Research Supervisors
- Prof. Anyamba, T.J.C
- Arch.Abonyo, E.O