UJENZIBORA

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Architecture / Decision Making / Design / Environmental Law / Ujenzibora

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The Proposed Vision of a New Uhuru Park. A Beginning Point of a Citizens-Driven-Process to Reclaim Public Spaces

Background:

We are happy to start and implement initiatives together with Other Stakeholders and Active Citizens to make Uhuru Park a vibrant and self-sustainable public space for its users and visitors.

On 24th June 2017, i triggered a conversation on twitter under the Thread, “How a Simple Public Infrastructure Agenda can Create Jobs in Any Constituency.” You may Check It Out Here This basic idea became the seed for an initiative by other interested Citizens to be involved in what we are calling The Urban Reneal of Uhuru Park and Other Public Spaces.

‘I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else. ‘ – Pablo Picasso

The WikiPedia Page for Uhuru Park is very brief. In the past, there have been perfectly terrible ideas like turning Uhuru Park into a Bus Terminus or building a 60-Storey Business Complex. We wish to make solid proposals for the Rejuvenation of Uhuru Park to make it more people centric, green and relateable to the majority of people living in and through Nairobi.

Since 1963, we are yet to conceptualise the place of public open spaces in a city. This is a great opportunity to establish the Park as a Key Public Space for all Citizens in the Capital of Nairobi complete with a Maintenance Management Framework (MMF).

Since December 9th 2017, The Uhuru Park Renewal Project Team has received numerous proposals of how to make this happen. We continue to be open to new ideas from our fellow Citizens, Planners and Experts. Constructive criticism is also welcome since we do not have a monopoly of ideas. These are Our Collective Proposals.

The 1948 Master Plan for Nairobi

The 1948 Master Plan for Nairobi City had allocated 24.96 km² of land for public open spaces, which was 27.5% of the total land area (90.64 km²). Nairobi has 7 major public open spaces:

  • Uhuru/Central Park
  • Jamhuri Park
  • City Park
  • Arboretum
  • Kamukunji Grounds
  • Jeevanjee Gardens and Uhuru Gardens.

Uhuru Park is strategically located within a walking distance from the capital city of Nairobi and borders Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, Ngong Road, Cathedral Road and Nyerere Road.

The area between Cathedral Road and Processional Way is excluded from Phase 1 of this project.

Site Plan Uhuru Park

10 Guiding Principles for The Case of Renewal of Uhuru Park

The Right to the City: By recognizing and developing the positive potential of their public spaces, cities can enhance safety and security, create economic opportunity, improve public health, create diverse public environments and public democracy.

Enjoyability: Make the park more accessible and enjoyable by all for free and without a profit motive. This will increase both the individual and social well-being of the users.

Expressiveness: Establish expressions of the diversity of our common, natural and cultural richness as Kenyans and use it as an initiative to reveal our identity.

Social Capital: The Park is an Urban Common. By integrating the greater public, we hope to improve our social capital, enhancing sense of belonging, increase the economic value of the park in order to enhance quality of life and shared prosperity. The Citizens will remain engaged and stake a claim in the City. They will be able to engage in common affairs in the renewed Park

Affordability and Ecology: The Park is a Public Space. Public spaces are a public service and must be accessible and affordable to all citizens. The Ecology of the space must also be respected and our preference is to maintain the greenness since it is one of the “Lungs” of Nairobi Central Business District.

Participatory Process: We shall endeavor to make the process of rejuvenation as participatory as possible on all levels of society. Expert advice shall be sought to put the best use case forward

Enhance Public Safety: A mixed and diverse public space (use, users, design, state of maintenance, time and so on) provides a place that is vibrant and busy and automatically reduces insecurity. Fear of crime and, to a much lesser extent, crime itself can deter people, not just vulnerable groups, from using even good quality public spaces. Uhuru Park will be safer for all. (Children, Youths and the Elderly, and Women). Physical changes to, and the better management of Uhuru Park can help to allay fears of violence and insecurity 24-Hours-A-Day

Healthy Citizenry: Quality public spaces improve people’s health by providing opportunities for physical activity and play, making walking more attractive, reducing stress and providing a calming environment. We shall introduce games that complement play and relaxation

Urban Citizenship: Citizens of all ages will volunteer for micro projects within the Park and work on park management, open space restoration, tree planting and the subsequent improvements.

Greatness and Harmony: We wish to exploit the proximity of the Park to the CBD to start an important public debate on valuing Public Spaces in Nairobi. The personality of all great cities is not solely determined by their buildings. By restoring greater harmony and order, we hope to create a park where people shall visit to be inspired to bring positive change to their neighbourhoods and Greater Nairobi.

Public Spaces like Uhuru Park are the only transit points between our day jobs and our places of residence. If only we could spend a little thought and money, we could make great contribution to our collective well-being and sense of community. We are hoping to Make Public Spaces Great again through this First Step in a series of many. According to Project for Public Spaces,”Well designed Public Spaces  should be democratically sustainable, inclusive and creative.”

Our preliminary SWOT Analysis reveals this is a great opportunity to bring positive change:

SWOT Analysis Renewal of Uhuru Park

SWOT Analysis Renewal of Uhuru Park

PROPOSAL 01: A HARMONIZED MASTER PLAN FOR UHURU PARK

We hereby propose a single unified master plan for the entire Park so that we can have a common basis for its eventual renewal. This harmony will guide planners, designers and users in the various activities. For example, we propose special zones where we shall have WiFi, a Thinkers Corner, Green Places et Cetera including a Communication Plan. This is a draft proposal which shall be updated to include all the electrical, plumbing and other mechanical installations beneath the park.

Master Plan Uhuru Park

 

PROPOSAL 02 : VEGETATION PLAN

We hereby propose to plant more trees, lawns and shrubs. Currently, the rate of planting trees is one tree planted by one celebrity per special event. Since it is one of the lungs of the City, We propose active measures to increase the vegetation cover.

Vegetation Plan Uhuru Park

PROPOSAL 03: MORE SITTING SPACE. THE LONGEST PUBLIC SEAT IN KENYA/AFRICA AT 175M

If we have people sitting at a distance of half a metre both sides, we shall be able to have 700 people seated. This does not in any way damage the ecology of the park. It is only increasing the utility on already paved areas. In between we propose clever ways of having plantings. At 700 pax, those will be more seats than those found in an Emirates airline Airbus A380.

MULTI-USE SPACES:

Not everyone wants to go and express themselves at Freedom Corner. We have therefore created within the proposed Uhuru Park Maser Plan a multiplicity of spaces to address various and diverse needs of the people including

  • PROPOSAL 04 : A Thinkers Corner with an Open Air Library/Book Drop OffPoint. We hope great ideas will come out of such a place! This would be my favorite spot in the Park.

Our Noise level analysis has proposed this to be in the quietest spot in the park. (55 decibels)

Noise levels Uhuru Park

  • PROPOSAL 05: Defined Walkways. We hope to eliminate the random footpaths and re-plant areas with trampled grass.
  • PROPOSAL 06: Playground for Children
  • PROPOSAL 07: Wire Sculptures. Their ecological footprint is minimal yet they make for great expression.
  • PROPOSAL 08: A Well Defined Freedom Corner in rememberance of Prof. Wangari Maathai
  • PROPOSAL 09: A History Study Area
  • PROPOSAL 10: A Memorial Wall/Art Installation. This can be a circular form to offer the greatest surface area for maximum use (Inner for Current Affairs and Outer Wall for Former Affairs. The footprint of the curved wall will be minimalist (approximately 200mm wide by the length of the wall)
  • PROPOSAL 11: Free WiFi Zones
  • PROPOSAL 12: Skating Zone – Hard Surface Next to the podium where the Public gets addressed during rallies.
  • PROPOSAL 13: Dining Zones. Families should be able to have a seat and enjoy meals they bring to the park (Rules to Apply)
  • PROPOSAL 14: A Hammock Zone. This has the least footprint. You can Bring-Your-Own Hammock and Chill. Will comprise of vertical posts with hooks for the hammocks
  • PROPOSAL 15: Little Book Houses: You can squeeze yourself in a booth and read away your book in peace after a busy day.
  • PROPOSAL 16: Water Fountains/Drinking Fountains
  • PROPOSAL 17: An Outdoor Gym

2018-01-16_2123_001

  • PROPOSAL 18: Tiny Coffee House (Less than 2 Square Metres. Reduce Hawkerage which clogs walking spaces)
  • PROPOSAL 19: Bike Hire Service at Corners. It is our understanding that according to City by-Laws, one cannot cycle within the park. We hereby propose the corners to be used as nodal Points for a City Wide Bike Hire Service. People can hire the bicycles to go to the CBD, Mombasa Road, Upperhill or Westlands. This will trigger design initiatives for a People-Friendly City. We intend to connect the other Six or Seven Public Parks through this Bike Hire Service.
  • PROPOSAL 20: Uhuru Park Museum. This can be constructed above the Podium/Canopy or as a redesign of the other built up structures maintaining the same footprint with zero environmental impact. If the roof and walls are made green, the impact will be positive.
  • Proposal 21: Performance stage above the Lake: This will allow performance artists to relate with this great park. The acrobats at Kencom can try their thing here at a fee but will be completely free to the public et cetera.

2018-01-16_2123

There is absolutely no reason why the park should only exst for political rallies and protests. We need to create room for Thinkers, Children, Families and other Citizens. Job Seekers in the great city should have a place to sit and reflect on their journey.

In Summary, it lies in our power to make Uhuru Park and Other Public Spaces Great Again. The possibilities are endless if we are willing!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON TWITTER via #MyUhuruPark and #NairobiYangu

REFERENCE:/ FURTHER READING

  1. Global Public Space Toolkit: From Global Principles to Local Policies and Practice, UN Habitat Link
  2. The Renewal Project Link
  3. Twitter Thread: How a Simple Infrastructure Agenda can Create Jobs Link
  4. Uhuru Park Wikipedia Page Link
  5. Istanbul – Pubic Space, Public Life (Gehl Architects) Link
  6. Chicago Estate Giant Outdoor Chess Set Link
  7. The Rapana Street Library Link
  8. Bring Your Own Hammock (BYOH) Link
  9. Design Proposals by the Public with Special Thanks to Landscape Architect Petar for the Master Plan Concept
  10. Read: 6 Examples of What Makes a Place Great?

Affordable Housing / African Architecture / Cost Information / Design / Ujenzibora

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3 Design Solutions for Micro-Parcels. Why Think Small is The New Think Big.

Greetings!

There are many people who own micro-parcels and feel intimidated because they lack the know-how of what is possible.

First, I will define a micro parcel as the “legally smallest piece of land one can own under the current laws.” This post is therefore for people who own an eighth of an acre or a sixteenth of an acre.

Why Think Small is The New Think Big. 3 Design Solutions for Micro-Parcels

Basic Rationale

The next frontier in residential housing is in the construction of tiny houses on micro-parcels. Countries which are ahead of the curve have pioneered new construction methods like 3D Printing a house in 8 hours to Modular Construction. But where should the revolution start?

TRIGGER 1: COST CONSTRAINTS

Most would-be homeowners are restrained by lacking the financial resources necessary to build. In part, this is because there are no solutions on the table.

Most of the available capital and intellectual resources in the industry are committed to those who are well able.Unfortunately, the budget of the “Small Guy” does not meet that threshold.

To arrive at viable solution, we not only need to think outside the box, but without it.

It is also obvious that people who can only afford an eighth of an acre or half of it are the majority in terms of Land Buyers. “The ants weigh more than the elephants,” says Fiona

TRIGGER 2: SPACE CONSTRAINTS

Most micro-parcels are either an eighth or smaller than an eighth. This presents a major constraint on space upon which one can build.

TRIGGER 3: IT MAKES BUSINESS SENSE

If one builds a house that can generate income as long as it is functional, it makes sense to build it affordably and within budget. This reduces the payback period. The technology wave is such that a generation is rising that is at Home Everywhere. That generation is constantly checking out affordable spaces on www.airbnb.com and similar sites offering affordable short-term accommodation. #ThinkSmall can help one build a Start-Up House that can be rent out for profit. If you work with a budget of KES. 3,000,000.00 to build, you can comfortably break even after 375 Bookings of the Asset. Immediately thereafter, the investment will start generating profits.

At a conservative estimate of 100 bookings per year, one can cover the cost of the Start Up House. This is looking at a house as an investment vehicle.

A DESIGN APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING

Taking a design approach to solve the problem, we have designed a series of 2 Bedroom Maisonettes that can fit on an eighth or a 16nth of an acre under a series called #ThinkSmall. We believe that this presents a New Frontier of Opportunity for those home owners who have small pieces of land but still want to fulfill their dreams of home ownership.

 

3 MAISONETTES YOU CAN BUILD ON A MICRO-PARCEL

Compact I : Contemporary 2 Bedroom Maisonette with Kitchen, Lounge and Balcony

Compact 1: Ujenzibora House

 

Maximal : Contemporary 2 Bedroom Maisonette with Kitchen, Lounge and Balcony

Maximal House Ujenzibora

Gyan House : Contemporary 2 Bedroom Maisonette with Kitchen, Paarking Lounge and Balcony

Gyan House: Ujenzibora 2 Bedroom Maisonette

Gyan House: Ujenzibora 2 Bedroom Maisonette

FENCING SOLUTION

While researching on this area, we realized that the typical perimeter wall methods increase the complexity of the challenge that small parcel owners face. While a perimeter wall serves as a physical barrier to intruders, if build with solid masonry blocks, it can end up blocking all the light and impeding air-circulation. This can dramatically compromise the quality of living on a micro-parcel.

ClearVu Wall Solution

ClearVu Wall Solution

2017-04-29_0749

To solve this challenge, we have proposed two approaches:

a) Using Columns and Steel Barriers such that you have the physical barrier of a wall and a lattice of steel that allows see-through and free air circulation.

b) Using an advanced fencing technology called ClearVu developed by Cochrane. Since an opaque barrier is the least desirable design solution for micro-parcels, CleaVu solves that problem.

Affordable Housing / Construction Management / Contracts / Cost Information / Decision Making / Finances / Ujenzibora

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Revealed: 7 Ways a Quantity Surveyor Can Help Your Building Project as a Cost Editor!

To attain knowledge add things every day. To attain wisdom subtract things every day. – Lao Tzu

Why a Cost Editor?
“Editing- which involves the strict elimination of the trivial, unimportant, or irrelevant – is an Essentialist craft.”
Everyone who reads a newspaper that has a lousy editor knows the feeling of being wasted.

But seldom do we reflect on the role of a good editor. A good editor leaves everyone focussed on the main issues of the story without being bogged down in unnecessary details.

When it comes to construction works, a Quantity Surveyor plays the vital role of a Cost Editor because he has carefully trained his/her eye and mind to see details. Here are 7 ways this can happen, leading to savings both in time, cost and bringing out the Lead Story in your Project.

According to Miliken, The Bills of Quantity is a fundamental instrument which has existed and developed over 300 years. It is to the discerning investor, what a pen is to a Copy editor.In my experience as a Quantity Surveyor, Bills of Quantities are entirely justified where the anticipated savings outweigh the fee charged to produce them. The role of the Quantity Surveyor as a Cost Editor in both big and small construction projects is emerging as an exceptional and an indispensable skill. Here are 7 Ways Why!

1.0 Elimination
A book editor or a film editor makes it easier for the reader to keep an eye on what is important. They do this by eliminating everything but the elements that need to be there.

A Quantity Surveyor as a Cost Editor can help your project by reviewing both the design and rationale for inclusion of certain elements. For example, in a recent building project, we proposed removal of 7 Square metres of corridors and saved the client 245,000 Shillings. The house worked just fine without the overdesign of circulation space. This was not apparent to the Architect of the Project.

2.0 Providing a Measurement Tool
A bill of quantity is a measurement tool. It captures the Lead Story of the project. It has brief description of every part of the proposed project. A recent Study revealed that where contractors are given a chance to estimate the cost of a project without a Bill of quantities, they increase costs by a factor of 10% to take care of Quantities Risk. In that sense, the very act of having a Bills of Quantity in your project can save you up to 10% of the cost of construction.

3.0 Substitution
A Quantity Surveyor prepares a Bill of Quantity for infrastructure projects (Building or Civil). A bill of quantities is a document used in tendering process which includes the materials, parts, and labor with respect to their costs. During this process of preparing the Bill of Quantities, a QS can propose substitution of the materials, methodology for construction and more affordable alternatives thereby leading to significant cost savings.

4.0 Prioritizing or Phasing.

When an author has a very long story and the publication does not have enough space, the editor decides which parts of the story to cut and publish later. In building construction, we call it Phasing a project. To achieve this, a Quantity Surveyor asks questions, listens to all the consultants (Architect, Engineer, Client Contractor et cetera), and connects the dots in order to distinguish the essential few from the trivial many. As a Cost editor, he can propose budgetary allocations that match the current financial constraints of the project. He can also help the Client to prepare cash-flow projections and phasing of the project!


5.0 Making Trade-Offs
A book writer may have many characters they want to fit in a story. They could also have many plots, twists and turns. Without a Copy editor, the whole storyline can get lost in the confusion of trying to include everything. A great editor asks, “Will this character or plot twist or detail make it better?”

The true value of a Quantity Surveyor is in helping the Client and the project Team re-discover what really matters in the project within the time, cost and quality expectations. In this case, they can suggest meaningful trade-offs, substitutability of building materials and best practice from past projects.

6.0 Time Estimation using The Labour Constant.
The Contractor’s prices for the various work items in the Bill of Quantities reflects the amount of time the estimator has allowed to complete each unit of work. This is refereed to as a Labour Constant for the particular item. It is easy for the Estimator Quantity Surveyor to help the project team calculate how long it will take to complete both individual work items and the entire project. This can help the project team to design a planning framework and formulate programmes for constructing the building.

7.0 Identifying Gaps.
A book editor or a film editor fixes gaps which break the main story line.
One of the major benefits of employing a Quantity Surveyor to measure is that, during the process of preparing Bills of Quantity, a QS will often spot gaps in the design information and will query the design team as to what is missing , will press then to finalise the outstanding information or suggest fixes.

Lastly, In the words of French writer and Poet, Antione de Saint-Exupery, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

References:
1. McKeown, Greg. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less Ebury Publishing.
2. Cunningham, T. (2016) The function and Format of Bills of Quantities: an Irish Context. Report prepared for Dublin Institute of Technology, 2016.

Architecture / Ujenzibora

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10 Tips to detect an online real estate scam. Use this as a #scamdetector

Footnotes:

Early this morning, i felt the need to draft a series of 12 tips that an ordinary man can use as a detector to avoid the prevalent real estate scams mushrooming online.
httpss://twitter.com/dnahinga/status/839329572776718337
I spared some time to turn it into an infographic. I am inspired by the thought attributed by Edmund Burke, that “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

I hope all the good people out there, both in the built environment and outside will use this as a detector of sorts. There may be more pointers but let us continue the conversation online and offline. Let us all strive to build a better society.

By the way, don’t underestimate the power of prevention. Last week, we heard a report that a scandal by Simple Homes has one under after 16,000 or more Kenyans had invested millions of shillings. Simple Homes Housing Co-operative shatters dreams of new homeowners (The Standard)
C6thMZ3WoAIfnMH
 

httpss://twitter.com/dnahinga/status/838831466272411648

This is becoming an epidemic that needs a concerted effort to contain.

The vice is slowly creeping into Kigali after leaving Nairobi weeping.

httpss://twitter.com/AKenyanGirl/status/839011047474413568

 

Here is our little contribution to sanity.

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