A week spent in Nairobi, Kenya highlighted several striking similarities and differences between Nairobi and Johannesburg, specifically in the informal sector.
The trip began with the drive from the airport, to our residence, where we had our first glimpse of housing in Nairobi, as well as evidence of President Barack Obama, of the United States of America, having had a recent visit.
...with the occasional tall building.
When compared with Johannesburg, Nairobi has a much more active pedestrian system. Pavements are much larger, cleaner, active, busy and landscaped.
Looking in informal settings, an inspiring ingenuity is evident. This is juxtaposed by the severe lack of sanitation and services in general.
Railway Housing
We then had the opportunity to visit the United Nations Habitat headquarters in Nairobi
Kibera is the largest informal settlement (slum) in Kenya. This slum has been the site for a few interventions, namely a community centre/clinic/hall/IT lab; and hi-rise residential re-blocking.
Presentation
Our presentation acknowledged the process done by the designers of the Railway Housing. However, the intention of the design, by the designers, is most often not how the users perceive the design. Our project takes the Railway Housing and tries to project how it will be perceived and adapted, over time, by the users, based on principles learnt from studying settlements in Nairobi.
