UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

College of Architecture and Engineering

School of the Built Environment
Department of Architecture and Building Science
BAR 613: Research Thesis (2015/2016)

BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY:

A CASE OF WAJIR TOWN

Gathungu Dennis Kibiro

B02/36625/2010
Tutor: Prof. Rukwaro Robert
DECLARATION

This thesis is my original work and, to the best of my knowledge, has not been presented for the purpose of awarding a
degree in any other institution.

AUTHOR: DATE:

Gathungu Dennis Kibiro

This thesis is submitted in part fulfillment of the examination requirements for the award of Bachelor of Architecture degree
(B. Arch), Department of Architecture and Building Science, University of Nairobi.

TUTOR: DATE:

Prof. Rukwaro Robert

YEAR COORDINATOR: DATE:

Prof. Anyamba Tom

CHAIRMAN: DATE:

Arch. Musau Kimeu

i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into
clarity...it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. (Melody Beattie)

I would like to begin by offering my paramount gratitude to God for His kindness and the blessings that he bestows on me.

To my tutor, Prof. Rukwaro, I would like to express my utmost appreciation for the invaluable input you gave me in this
undertaking. Your dedication to the course and willingness to help (even in the early mornings) as well as your attention to
detail was key to the success of this document.
To the year coordinator, Prof. Anyamba, your literal mastery, which can only be described as impeccable, assuaged the
task that was the literary piece of this document. I am greatly indebted.
To the chairman, Arch. Musau, I genuinely declare my gratitude. Your prowess in my subject of study was a requisite for its
success. Your encouragement and imperative counsel, to my colleagues and I, has helped us a great deal.
To all lecturers, Department of Architecture and Building Science. All your guidance and direction during my six years in
ADD is downright gratifying.

To Dr. Abass and his team at the Maternal Child Healthcare Wajir, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for
putting up with my intemperate questions and visits. To Mr. Okweya ;and the team at Huduma Centre, Wajir; thankyou for
your time and patience. To Mrs. Abdullahi, (First Lady of Wajir) I extended my gratitude for availing to me guides and the
permit to research into any building I desired. To Mrs. Amina Abdi, Mrs. Axlaam, Mr. Birik Ole Maray, Mr. Feisal Adan and Mr.
Mahboub Aden your support inspired me to a great extent. To Sheikh Elyas, I am especially indebted to you.

To my bay mates; Emmanuel, Magdaline, Charles, Larry, Ojijo, Lynette and Fatma; A luta continua, vitória é certa (The
struggle continues, victory is certain)

To my family to whom I am considerably beholden; my father-Charles, my mother,-Esther, my sister-Cynthia and brother-

Peter; I would like to relay my sincere gratitude for your support even though you understood so little of what I did. ii
DEDICATION

TO: The Almighty God; for [The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. (Proverbs 21:31)]
My family.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 01: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………….…... 2
1.1 Problem Statement………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 3
1.2 Research Questions…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
1.3 Research Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
1.4 Research Justification…………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
1.5 Scopes and Limitations………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
1.6 Significance of Study…………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
1.7 Organization of Study…………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Chapter 02: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction…………………………………...…………………………………………………………………. 8
2.2 Thermal Comfort………………………………..……………...……………………………………………… 9
2.21 Air Temperature…. .……………...…………………………………………………………... 10
2.22 Relative Humidity….……………..……………………………………………………… …. 10
2.23 Air Speed…………….……………...………………………………………………………… 10
2.24 Precipitation………….……………...……………………………………………………….. 11
2.25 Radiant Temperature….……………...………………….…………………..…………….. 11
2..26 Heat Resistance of clothing………..….………………………………………………..… 12
2.2.7 Metabolism…………………………..…..…………………………………………………… 12
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2.3 Agents of Heat Exchange……..……………………………………………………………………………… 13
2.3.1 Conduction………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
2.3.2 Convection…………………………………………………………………………………. 13
2.3.3 Evaporation………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
2.3.4 Radiation……………………………………………………………………………………… 13
2.4 Hot semi-arid climates………………..………………………………………………………………………… 14
2.5 Bioclimatic design for hot climates……..…………………………………………………………………… 15
2.5.1 Building in relation to the sun……….…………………………………………………….. 16
2.5.2 Wind utilisation……………….………..…………………………………………………….. 20
2.5.1 Rain water harvesting………………..…………………………………………………….. 22
2.6 Technology in design for hot climates……………….………………………………………….…………… 25
2.6.1 Walls……………………………...……...…………………………………………………….. 26
2.6.2 Windows and fenestrations………..……………………...……………………..……….. 27
2.6.3 Courtyards………….…………………..…………………………………………………….. 30
2.6.4 Roofs……………………………………..…………………………………………………….. 31
2.6.5 Wind Catchers…………..……..……...…………………………………………………….. 32
2.6.6 Building Materials………….…..….…...…………………………………………………….. 33
2.6.7 Balconies and Cantilevers….…..…...…………………………………………………….. 34
2.6.8 Landscaping…………………..…..…...…………………………………………………….. 36

2.7 The Climate of Wajir…………………………………………………………………..……………………… 38

2.7.1 Physical and topographic features…...……………………………………………….. 38
2.7.2 Ecological conditions…………………….………………………………………………. 38
2.7.3 Climatic conditions…….………………….…………………………………...………….. 39
2.8 Summary……………………………………………………………………...…………...…………………… 40 v
Chapter 03: RESEARCH METHODS

3.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 43
3.1 Purpose of Research………...………………………………………..……………………………………… 43
3.2 Research Design………….......…...………………………………..…………………………………………… 44
3.3 Time Scope…………….………...………………………..…………………………………………….……… 43
3.4 Building Study Scope…………..…....………………………………..……………………………………… 45
3.5 Sampling Design….……..…………………………………………..………………………………………… 45
3.6 Data Sources………………………………………….……………..………………………………………… 46
3.7 Data Collection Methods...……………………………………………..…………...……………………… 46
3.7.1 Interviews…. .……….………………………………………………………………………... 46
3.7.2 Observations....……….………………………………………………………………… 47
3.7.3 Questionnaires……….…………………….……………………………………………….. 47
3.8 Data Presentation and Analysis…...………………………………………..…………...………………… 48
3.8.1 Photographs and Sketches…. .………..………………………………………..………... 48
3.8.2 Graphs and Charts…. .……….………….……...………………………………..………... 48
3.8.3 3D Software Images…………....……….………….……………………………..………... 48

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Chapter 04: RESEARCH FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction……………………………...……………….………………………………………………………. 50
4.2 Development of Wajir town………...………………….………….………………………………………… 51
4.3 Case Study 01: MRS. AXLAAM’S HORI ……...…………………………….………………………………. 54
4.3.1 Background information…..……….………….…………………………………………... 55
4.3.2 Planning......…….…………..……………………………………………………………..... 56
4.3.3 Bioclimatic Design Strategies....…...….………………………………………………… 59
4.3.4 Implementation of Technology..…..……..…………………………………………….. 61
4.3.5 Climatic Analysis………………...……...……………….…………………..…………….. 65
4.4 Case Study 02: MCH CENTRE, WAJIR …………………..………………….……………………………… 66
4.4.1 Background information…..……….………….…………………………………………... 67
4.4.2 Planning......…….…………..…………………………………………………………… 68
4.4.3 Bioclimatic Design Strategies....…...….………………………………………………… 71
4.4.4 Implementation of Technology..…..……..…………………………………………….. 73
4.4.5 Climatic Analysis………………...……...……………….…………………..…………….. 77
4.5 Case Study 03: HUDUMA CENTRE, WAJIR …...…..……….………...…….……………………………… 78
4.3.1 Background information…..……….………….…………………………………………... 79
4.3.2 Planning......…….…………..…………………………………………………………… 80
4.3.3 Bioclimatic Design Strategies....…...….………………………………………………… 82
4.3.4 Implementation of Technology..…..……..…………………………………………….. 84
4.3.5 Climatic Analysis………………...……...……………….…………………..…………….. 87

vii
 4.6 Comparative Analysis of Case Studies………………………………………………..…………...…..… 88
4.6.1 Occupancy and Activity Patterns.………….…………………………………..………... 88
4.6.2 Case Studies Graphic Analysis……………………….………….…………………… 89
4.6.3 Comparative Analysis of Climatic Data…...…….…..………………………………… 92
4.6.4 Psychometric Chart Comparative Analysis…….………………….………………….. 95
4.6.5 Case Studies Survey....……….……………………………………….……..…………….. 96
4.7 Chapter Summary………………….………………………...………………..…………...………………… 97

Chapter 05: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion……………………...………..………………………………….……………..…………...…..… 100

5.1.1 Conclusion based on the objectives.………….……………………………..………….. 101
5.2 Recommendations………………….………………………...………...…………..…………...…………… 103
5.2.1 Architectural Recommendations…….…...……….………….…………………… 104
5.2.3 Further areas of study………………….…...……...…..………………………………… 107

REFERENCE LIST …...……...…..…………………………………………………………...……………………………………..108

APPENDICES…...……...…..………………………………………………………..…………….…………………….. …………..110

viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.01: An artistic photo………………………………………………......1
Figure 1.02: Ancient Iranian house…………...…………………………..…...2
Figure 1.03: Building design influenced by sun & wind………………...….2
Figure 1.04: Traditional Somali house……………………………………...….3
Figure 1.05: Modern building in Wajir……………………………………..…..3
Figure 1.06: New building in Wajir…………..……………………………..…..4
Figure 1.07: Aerial view of Wajir………..…………………………………..…..4
Figure 1.08: Map of Kenya……………………………………..…………….....5
Figure 1.09: Aerial view of Wajir………..…………………………………..…..4
Figure 2.01: Artistic photo………..…………………………………..……........7
Figure 2.02: R. Knight’s painting……...……………………………….…….....8
Figure 2.03: A stone shelter………..…………………………………...............8
Figure 2.04: Human comfort balance..………………………………...….....9
Figure 2.05: Factors affecting thermal comfort……...………..…………....9
Figure 2.06: Cool and hot air flow…………………………..…………….......10
Figure 2.07: Rain in Wajir………..…………………………………..………......11
Figure 2.08: Heat emitting surfaces……...……………………..………….....11
Figure 2.09: Men in loose clothing………………………………………….....12
Figure 2.10: Performance rate against temperature……………..….…...12
Figure 2.11: Human thermal exchange……..……………………..……......13
Figure 2.12: Bear in hibernation………..…………………………..……….....15
Figure 2.13: Termite’s nest………..…………………………………..…….......15
Figure 2.14: Building orientation considered during design….……….....16
Figure 2.15: Azimuth angle relative to true North………………..………...16
Figure 2.16: Longer facing North-South……………..…………………….....17
Figure 2.17: Window placement in a building………………..………….....17
Figure 2.18: Grid Layout………..…………………………………..……..….....18
Figure 2.19: Zigzag layout…..…………………………….……..……...............18
Figure 2.20: Inward facing house.……………………………….………….....19
Figure 2.21: An underground dwelling…..…………………………………....19
Figure 2.22: Effect of wind on building masses………………………...…....20
Figure 2.23: Buildings perpendicular to wind flow…...………..…………....21
Figure 2.24: Buildings at 450 to wind flow……………………..……………....21
Figure 2.25: Dried up water well…………………………………..……….......22
Figure 2.26: Infiltration pit…...……………………..………………………….....22
Figure 2.27: Underground tank……………………………………………........23
Figure 2.28: Sub-surface water flow……………..….………………………....23
Figure 2.29: Micro catchment……..……………………………...…..……......24
Figure 2.30: Rooftop water harvesting……..……………………...……….....24
Figure 2.31: Al-Bahr Towers………..…………………………………..…….......25
Figure 2.32: Golkanda Fort…………………………………….….…………......26
Figure 2.33: Golkanda Fort……………………….………………..…………....26
Figure 2.34: Mexican Mosque……………..…………………….......................27
Figure 2.35: Reflected sun light………………..………………………….….....27
Figure 2.36: Openings on wall………..…………………………....……..….....28
Figure 2.37: Openings on wall………..………………………….…..……........28
Figure 2.38: Stack ventilation……...…………………………………...…….....29
Figure 2.39: Reflected sun light………..……………………………….............29
Figure 2.40: Courtyards’ effect on cooling……...………..……………….....30
Figure 2.41: Courtyards’ effect on cooling……………..…………….….......30
Figure 2.42: A gazebo with a dome roof….……………………..………......31
Figure 2.43: A double roof……...……………………..…………………….......31
Figure 2.44: Multi-directional wind catcher……………………………….....32
Figure 2.45: Multi-directional wind catcher……………..….………………...32
Figure 2.46: Adobe building bricks……..……………………..………..…......33
Figure 2.47: A wall made of dung………………………………..……...….....33
Figure 2.48: Methods of sun shading…………………………..………..….....34 ix
Figure 2.49: Use of verandahs for sun-shading……………………………....34
Figure 2.50: Landscaping in courtyards…………...……………………..…...35
Figure 2.51: Heat reaction to different surfaces………………...…………..35
Figure 2.52: Effect of trees on a micro-climate…………………………..….36
Figure 2.53: Effect of trees on a micro-climate………………………….…..36
Figure 2.54: Temperature changes in landscaped areas………………...36
Figure 2.55: Effect of landscaping on a building……………………..….....37
Figure 2.56: Effect of landscaping on a building……………………...…....37
Figure 2.57: Effect of landscaping on a building………………...……..…..37
Figure 2.58: Courtyard surfaces comparison………………………….….....37
Figure 2.59: A limestone quarry…………...…………………………….....…...38
Figure 2.60: Flora in Wajir………………...……………………………………....38
Figure 2.61: Natural Ventilation…………………………………………......….40
Figure 2.62: Artificial Ventilation………………………………………..…..…..40
Figure 2.63: Wind utilisation in design……..……………………………....…..41
Figure 2.64: Wind utilisation in design.………………………………….....…..41
Figure 2.65: Wind utilisation in design……………………..………………......41
Figure 3.01: Artistic photo………..…………………………………..…….........42
Figure 3.02: Traditional Houses in Wajir……...…………………….…...…......43
Figure 3.03: Modern houses in Wajir..…………………………………............43
Figure 3.04: A section of Mrs. Axlaam’s homestead………………...…......44
Figure 3.05: MCH Wajir……...………..………………………………………......44
Figure 3.06: Wajir Map…………………………..…………………..……….......45
Figure 3.07: Aerial view of Wajir…..………..……………………….…..……...45
Figure 3.08: Mrs. Axlaam……...……………………..………………………......46
Figure 3.09: Sheikh Elyas…..…………………………………..…….................46
Figure 3.10: The Questionnaire.……………………………….…………….....47
Figure 3.11: Measuring tape…..………………………………………..……...47
Figure 3.12: Jamu-Salaam’s minaret………………………...………..…......48
Figure 4.01: Artistic photo………..…………………………………..……........49
Figure 4.02: Aerial view of Wajir……...……………………………….…….....50
Figure 4.03: Aerial view of Wajir…..……………………………...…...............50
Figure 4.04: Aerial view of Jamu-Salaam Mosque………………………....51
Figure 4.05: A banker in Wajir……...………..………….................................51
Figure 4.06: Wajir road networks…………………………..……………..........52
Figure 4.07: Mrs. Axlaam’s homestead.………………………..……….........53
Figure 4.08: MCH Wajir……...……………………..…………...........................53
Figure 4.09: Huduma Centre-Wajir………………………………………….....53
Figure 4.10: Mrs. Axlaam’s homestead……………..….………………….....54
Figure 4.11: Women in the gamas……..……………………..………..…......55
Figure 4.12: A modern house in Wajir…………………………..……….….....55
Figure 4.13: Mrs. Axlaam’s homestead.………………………………….......56
Figure 4.14: A plan of Mrs. Axlaam’s homestead……………………….....56
Figure 4.15: Mrs. Axlaam’s homestead ………………..………………..…...56
Figure 4.16: Mrs. Axlaam’s hori……………..………………………………......57
Figure 4.17: The column support………………..…………………………......57
Figure 4.18: The column support at the apex……………….....……..….....57
Figure 4.19: The sleeping Quarters….………………………...……...............58
Figure 4.20: The sleeping Quarters……………………………...………….....58
Figure 4.21: A section through the hori…..……………………………..…....58
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Figure 4.22: Hori orientation………………………………………………...…....59
Figure 4.23: Hori form…...………..………………………………………………..59
Figure 4.24: Water collection pit……………………..………………………....60
Figure 4.25: Water storage can…………………………………..……….........60
Figure 4.26: Vertical and horizontal saplings…...………………………….....61
Figure 4.27: Part section through the hori wall…………………………........61
Figure 4.28: Air flow through openings………..….………………...………....62
Figure 4.29: A hori door……..………………………………..………………......62
Figure 4.30: Openings on a hori wall……..…………………...…..…………...63
Figure 4.31: Canvas on hori roof .…………………………………..……........63
Figure 4.32: A dwelling under a tree…………………….….…………............64
Figure 4.33: Thorny plants for fencing……………………..…………………...64
Figure 4.34: MCH Building……………..……………………..............................66
Figure 4.35: MCH tower………………..………………………….…..................67
Figure 4.36: MCH building before renovations….…………....……..……....67
Figure 4.37: MCH building………..………………………….…..……...............68
Figure 4.38: MCH building……...…………………………………...…………....68
Figure 4.39: MCH building site plan………..…………………………..............68
Figure 4.40: Triage……...………..………………………………………………...69
Figure 4.41: Waiting area……………..…………….…....................................69
Figure 4.42: MCH floor plan….……………………..…………………………....69
Figure 4.43: High level vents……...…………………..……………………........70
Figure 4.44: MCH sectional drawing…………………………………………...70
Figure 4.45: Orientation……………..….………………………………………...71
Figure 4.46: Form……..……………………..………..………………………........71
Figure 4.47: Air exchange through the tower…………...……..……...….....72
Figure 4.48: Fenestrations…………………………..………..…........................72
Figure 4.49: Section through the wall……………………………………….....73
Figure 4.50: Light reflection on interior wall………….…………………..…...73
Figure 4.51: Windows ………………...…………………………………………...74
Figure 4.52: Vents…………………………..……………………………………..74
Figure 4.53: Ribbed ceiling………………………….……………………….....75
Figure 4.54: Section via the floor……………………………………………....75
Figure 4.55: MCH Building……………..….....................................................76
Figure 4.56: MCH building………………………………………………....…....76
Figure 4.57: Air flow influenced by landscaping………………...……..…..76
Figure 4.58: Huduma Centre ………………………….…………………….....79
Figure 4.59: Huduma Centre Site plan…….………………………….....…...80
Figure 4.60: Air movement through the buildings……………….………....80
Figure 4.61: Huduma Centre Floor plan……………………....................….81
Figure 4.62: Air movement through the building…………………..…..…..81
Figure 4.63: Use of fans……..……………………………....…………………...81
Figure 4.64: Use of air conditioners.…………………………………….....…..81
Figure 4.65: Orientation……………..……………….......................................82
Figure 4.66: Form………..…………………………....……..………………........82
Figure 4.67: Iron sheets for roofing………..……………….……….……........83
Figure 4.68: Air flow through openings……...………………….…...…….....83
Figure 4.69: Entry of diffused light………..…………………….………..........84
Figure 4.70: Exit of hot air……...………..……………………………………....84
Figure 4.71: MDF Ceiling……………..…………….……………………….......85
Figure 4.72: Heat logging in the main space….………...……..………......85
Figure 4.73: Effect of trees on building temperature……...………………86
Figure 4.74: Flora growth at the building front…………………..………….86
Figure 4.75: MCH building……………..….………………………………….....98
Figure 4.76: Mrs. Axlaam’s Hori……..………………………….………..…......98
Figure 4.77: Huduma Centre-Wajir……………………….……..……...….....98
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Figure 5.01: An artistic photo………………………………………………......99
Figure 5.02: Golkonda Fort…………...…………………………..…………….100
Figure 5.03: Mosque in Mexico…………………………………………..........100
Figure 5.04: MCH Building orientation………………………………………..101
Figure 5.05: Water collection pit…………………………….…………..…….101
Figure 5.06: Section via MCH wall…………..……………………………..….102
Figure 5.07: Huduma Centre’s large roof overhangs………..……….…...102
Figure 5.08: Lightweight building materials…………………..………...…...103
Figure 5.09: Lightweight House………..…………………………………..…..103
Figure 5.10: Stack Ventilation……………………….……………..….…….....104
Figure 5.11: Air movement through a building……..……………..…….....104
Figure 5.12: Cross ventilation in a building………………………..………...105
Figure 5.13: Sun movement……….………………………………..…….........105
Figure 5.14: Light reflection on the building’s interior wall…..…………...106
Figure 5.15: Vents for natural lighting…………….………………..………...106
Figure 5.16: Reflected sun light……………..……………………..................107
Figure 5.17: Wind utilisation in design………………..…………...................107

xii
LIST OF TABLES AND GRAPHS
Graph 2.01: An psychometric chart…………………………………….......10 Table 2.01: Window openings on walls…..…………………..……...............28
Graph 2.02: Mogadishu Temperature Graph..…………………………....14 Table 2.02: Volumetric specific heat for materials.………………………..33
Graph 2.03: Mogadishu Climatograph…………….………………...……..14 Table 2.03: Wajir Climate table…..…………………………………...............39
Graph 2.04: Wajir Temperature Graph……………………………………...39
Graph 2.05: Wajir Climatograph……………………………………..……….39

Table 4.01: Occupancy comparison of the hori……………………...…....88

Graph 4.01: Mrs. Axlaam’s hori climatic analysis.…………..…….............65
Table 4.02: Occupancy comparison of the MCH building…...……….....88
Graph 4.02: Mrs. MCH Wajir climatic analysis……...………………...........77
Table 4.03: Occupancy comparison of the Huduma Centre Wajir….....88
Graph 4.03: Huduma Centre climatic analysis………..…………..............87
Graph 4.04: .Comparative analysis of Mrs. Axlaam’s hori and the

external conditions.………………………………...…………...92
Graph 4.05: Comparative analysis of MCH Wajir and the

external conditions………...….....……...………..…………....93
Graph 4.06: Comparative analysis of the Huduma Centre and the

external conditions....……………………..……………...........94
Graph 4.07: Comparative analysis of the three case studies.…............95
Graph 4.08: Psychometric Chart……...……………………..…………….....96

xiii
ABSTRACT

The growth and development of Wajir can be attributed to its location; which is centralized between the towns of
Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera and Bardere; that saw it grow into a trading centre. This eventually led to the growth of other
support facilities like religious centres and administrative centres. The town is characterised by high temperatures as it
experiences a hot semi-arid climate. The town was initially occupied by the Somali who built traditional houses (hori). Over
time modernism has affected the architecture of the region whereby more modern buildings are being brought up
transforming the architectural style that defined the town. These new designs create hot indoor environments during the
day, thus challenging the user comfort. They use mechanical cooling systems which release heat (that is trying to be
avoided) and also recycle used up air within the interior spaces, therefore increasing the chances of the occupants to
contract air-borne diseases. The study was done to look into the architecture of Wajir as well as see which type of buildings
pay attribute to the defining factors of the region and most importantly provide thermal comfort for the buildings’ users.
The study was done by critically analysing three buildings of varying architecture and time periods; which is pre-colonial
(traditional Somali house - hori), colonial (Maternal Child Healthcare [MCH] Wajir) and post-colonial (Huduma Centre,
Wajir) periods. The results showed that the MCH Wajir provided more comfortable indoor conditions than the other studies
because of its ability to utilise both technology and bioclimatic design. It is then followed by the traditional Somali house
and finally, the Huduma Centre. Concluding from that, it is recommended that for a building to provide user comfort, it
needs to have a good design receptacle; that arises from technology utilisation; and utilisation of natural resources;
bioclimatic design.

xiv
Chapter 01 INTRODUCTION

‘Lamahuraan waa cawska jilaal’ (Somali Proverb)

In the rainless season dry grass is fodder

Figure 1.01: Artistic photo

Source: Christelsen, 2011
 INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

As life has arisen through the hidden aspects of natural laws, so for better or
worse the rules of nature command that life make a close adjustment to
natural background. The vetting is impartial; it can be kind or cruel, but all
living species must either adapt their physiology, through selection or
mutation, or find other defenses against the impact of environment.
(Olgyay, 1962)

Figure 1.02: An ancient Iranian ice house

In any climate, a building should be designed with respect to the climate in
Source: Kaushik, 2015
which it is located (figure 1.02). Some of the major factors that influence a
building's design include: sunlight, precipitation and wind (figure 1.03). The
sun, being the natural source of heat, is a primary factor that should be
considered while designing in the climate in study; hot semi-arid climate.
Buildings in Wajir's hot semi-arid climate should offer optimum levels of
comfort as they are shelters against the hot sun. The development of a
nearly thermostable state in our buildings should be regarded as one of the
most valuable advances in the evolution of buildings (Cannon, 1962). In
this spirit, an architect should keep in mind that heat is the major source of
discomfort in this climate.

Figure 1.03: A building design influenced by the Bioclimatic design is the design of buildings based on the local climate. This
sun and wind flow involves utilising the climatic elements to create a comfortable
Source: Levring 2015 environment for the building’s users. Technology use in design involves the
use of innovative strategies to come up with more habitable buildings.
2
Bioclimatic Design and Technology: A case of Wajir Town

Figure 1.04: A traditional Somali house (Hori)
Source: Author, 2015
Figure 1.05: A ‘modern’ building in Wajir Town
Source: Author, 2015
Bioclimatic Design and Technology: A case of Wajir Town
INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Building designs suited for Savannah climatic regions have been adapted
in Wajir which has a hot semi-arid climate. This was done, and still is being
done, without putting thought into the fact that buildings and shelters are
designed to suit their climate. Moreover, it poses difficulties as the forms are
inappropriate symbols of cultural progress.
Consequently, Bioclimatic design strategies and technology are not being
utilised. Traditional Somali houses (figure 1.04) were built with respect to the
high temperatures. However, these traditional strategies are no longer in
use because they are viewed as not being ‘modern enough’.
These foreign designs (figure 1.05) create hot indoor environments during
the day, worsening the situation. They utilise mechanical cooling systems
(figure 1.05) which release heat (that is trying to be avoided) and also
recycle used up air within the interior spaces, thus increasing the chances
of the occupants to contract air-borne diseases. A visit to the region
showed that in some of the buildings, most activity is halted at times of the
day (between noon and three O’clock) when there is too much heat. The
buildings’ occupants opted to shelter in traditional shelters that offer cooler
indoor environments. The effect of this phenomenon is the existence of
buildings that can’t serve their primary purpose in this environment, which is
protection against adverse heat.
The study hopes to show how design of buildings that provide optimum
comfort can be achieved and the technology that can be used. 3
 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
INTRODUCTION
The research questions are:
(a) How has the architecture of Wajir utilised bioclimatic design to provide
user comfort?
(b) How have the buildings in Wajir utilised technology in their design?
(c) How has the Somali traditional architecture been influenced by climate
Figure 1.06: One of the new buildings coming
and the locals’ cultural practices?
up in Wajir town
Source: Author, 2015

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

IMAGES TO BE ADDED LATER
The research objectives are:
(a) To establish how the architecture of Wajir has utilised bioclimatic design
to provide user comfort.
(b) To analyse how buildings in Wajir have utilised technology in their design
in a bid to provide thermal comfort.
(c) To examine the climate of Wajir and the cultural practices of the Somali
that influenced the architecture of their traditional houses.

1.4 RESEARCH JUSTIFICATION

The encroachment of alien designs that lack in regionalism has led to the
Figure 1.07: An aerial view of part of Wajir rise in buildings that don’t relate well to their environments. This in turn, leads
showing the semi-arid state of the region to buildings that don’t provide adequate comfort to their users. There is need
Source: Author, 2015 to re-think how to design buildings, especially those in harsh climates. 4
Bioclimatic Design and Technology: A case of Wajir Town
 INTRODUCTION

1.5 SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS

This research was limited to Kenya (figure 1.08) and specifically Wajir town (figure 1.09) and its environs. The town in study
is rich in architectural variety between modern and traditional Somali architecture.
There is a lot of material that has been documented about designing in hot semi-arid climates. It is challenging to review
all the material with the given time frame. The study has limited this research to only the most vital issues that affect the
architecture of the said climate.
Financial and time constraints limited the amount of material that can be gathered. Most information was borrowed
from secondary data. Primary data sources were a select of the author.

Figure 1.08: Kenya’s map with the highlighted Wajir County (Scale 1:150km) Figure 1.09: An aerial view of Wajir town (Scale 1:200m)
Source: KNBS 2015 Source: Google maps 2015 5
Bioclimatic Design and Technology: A case of Wajir Town
 INTRODUCTION

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

It is important for the building industry players to understand the importance and significance of buildings that relate well
with their environments. This research can be of great significance to the domain of builders and designers seeking to set
up buildings and structures in hot climates

1.7 ORGANISATION OF STUDY

Chapter one introduces the study as well as explaining the key terms which are: ‘bioclimatic design’ and ‘technology’ as
well as explaining the state of architecture in Wajir. It goes further to break down the problem in hand. It explains the
research questions and objectives that are the guide lines of the research.

The literature review is presented in chapter two with review of literature on designing in hot semi-arid climates. Building
materials and strategies are discussed. This chapter helped formulate variables that formed the basis of analytical
research on the case studies.

Chapter three gives a detailed explanation of the methods employed in carrying out the research. It explains the type of
cases studies that were used as well as the time and population scope with an explanation of why the author chose the
methods.

Chapter four presents field work, especially on analysis and presentation of data which encompasses an examination of
the study area and its architecture, giving a rendition of location, spatial planning of the town and the architectural
language.

Chapter five is the final chapter of this study, where the author gives his conclusions and recommendations based on the
findings of his fieldwork analysis. 6
Bioclimatic Design and Technology: A case of Wajir Town