UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

PROJECT

PAPER

Bds 413

Application of Sustainable

and Universal Design

Principles in Community

Centres

Case study Sauti Kuu Banda

and Community Centre.

Brodr ick T. Asyago

B05/23843/2008

Signature…………………………

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DECLARATION

I Brodrick T.Asyago hereby declare that the project work enti t led

“Applicat ion of Sustainable and Universal Design Principles in Community

Centres”

Submitted to the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Design is a record of an

original work done by me under the jur isdict ion of the

University, and this project work is submitted in the part ial fulf i lment of the

requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Interior

Design.

The results embodied in this thesis have not been s ubmitted to any

other University or Inst itute for the award of any degree or diploma .

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First ly, I thank the almighty GOD for giving me life and heath, peace and

wisdom to pursue this assignment.

I also take this opportunity to express my profound grat itude and deep

regards to my guide (Mrs. Li lac Osanjo,Faculty of Art and Design) for her

exemplary guidance, monitor ing and constant encouragement throughout

the course of this thesis. The blessing, help and gui dance given by her t ime

to t ime consultancy shall guide me a long way in the journey of l i fe on which

I am about to embark.

I also take this opportunity to express a deep sens e of grat itude to Sauti Kuu

Foundation, for its cordial support, valuable information and g uidance, which

helped me in complet ing this task through various stages.

I am obliged to staf f members of Sauti Kuu Foundat ion, Google and the

Kenya, The University of Nairobi, community support centre (KECOSCE) for

the valuable information provided by th em in their respect ive f ields. I am

grateful for their cooperation dur ing the period of my assignment.

Last ly, I thank my mother, brothers, s isters and fr iends and col leagues for

their constant encouragement without which this assignment would not be

possible.

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DEDICATION

This Research Paper is lovingly dedicated to my mother who has been my

constant source of inspirat ion. She has given me the dr ive and discipl ine to

tackle any task with enthusiasm and determination. Without her love and

support this project would not have been made possible.

I also dedicate this project to Mr. Laban Cheneri, Administrator, School of

Art and Design who has given me support , encouragement and constant

monitor ing of my academics, without his support this study would have been

impossible.

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ABSTRACT

The surface of the earth has been warming, the average temperature increasing, for several

years. People studying this do not agree on the cause of the warming trend. Some say that

man has caused the change; others claim that it is a natural trend. If some environmentalists

are to be believed, we are on the verge of massive global climate change which will see a

significant rise in sea levels, chaotic weather patterns, and catastrophic droughts all caused

by small increase in global average temperature. Whether, global warming is a problem that

can be dealt with, will depend not only on the ways that are available to governments and

people to act but also on their will to act in response to this environmental change.

Here in is one of the viable devices that can be used in addressing the environmental issues.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE TITLE PAGE ……………...................................................................…………1 DECLARATION ….......................................................................................... 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT….............................................................................. 3 DEDICATION ………………………..................………………………………… 4 ABSTRACT….................................................................................................. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................... 6 LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................. 8 LIST OF FIGURES........................................................................................... 9 CHAPTER ONE ...............................................................................................10 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 11

Profile....................................................................................................... 11 Problem statement .....................................................................................13 Main objective ............................................................................................13 Specific objectives ......................................................................................13 Research questions ....................................................................................14 Significance of the study .............................................................................14 Limitations ...................................................................................................15 Justification of the study ..............................................................................15 Scope of the study .......................................................................................15

CHAPTER TWO .................................................................................................16 LITREATURE REVIEW..................................................................................... 17

Overview.......................................................................................................17 The development of the ‘community centre’.................................................17 Early community centres in the United States ............................................18 The development of the community in Britain ........................................... 20 Community associations and centres today............................................... 24 Universal Design and community centres ................................................. 26 Basic concepts ............................................................................................26 Site Access ................................................................................................ 28 Building entance and circulation................................................................. 28 Doors ......................................................................................................... 29 Ramps, Elevators and Stairs ..................................................................... 29 Furniture .................................................................................................... 29 Specialized Furniture and Equipment ....................................................... 30 Future Scenarios of community centres .................................................... 31 Sustainable design and community centres .............................................. 32 Basic principles .......................................................................................... 32 Bamboo a sustainable and versatile material............................................. 33 Study on bamboo........................................................................................ 34 Outline of the study .................................................................................... 34 Objectives of the study................................................................................ 34 The study ................................................................................................... 35 Summary .................................................................................................... 41 Conclusion................................................................................................... 42

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE ............................................................................ 42 Introduction.................................................................................................. 42

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Space Arrangement.................................................................................... 42 Wall Finishes............................................................................................... 43 Floor finishes............................................................................................... 46 Lighting........................................................................................................ 51 Colour psychology for adults....................................................................... 53 Furniture...................................................................................................... 54 Types of furniture......................................................................................... 54 Significance of an environment friendly community centre ......................... 56

CHAPTER THREE............................................................................................. 57 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................... 58

Overview...................................................................................................... 58 Research Design.......................................................................................... 58 Target Population......................................................................................... 58 Sample Design............................................................................................. 59 Data collection methods .............................................................................. 59 Review of existing documents ..................................................................... 59 Questionnaires ............................................................................................. 61 Photography ................................................................................................. 61 Participation and observation ...................................................................... 61 Interviews...................................................................................................... 61 Data analysis and presentation..................................................................... 61 Limitations .................................................................................................... 62

CHAPTER FOUR................................................................................................ 63 SITE ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS... 64

Overview ....................................................................................................... 64 Analysis and Evaluation................................................................................. 64 Landscape...................................................................................................... 64 Interior Architecture........................................................................................ 68 Exhibition and Display.................................................................................... 71 Furniture......................................................................................................... 71

CHAPTER FIVE................................................................................................... 73 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS......... 74

Overview ....................................................................................................... 74 Summary of Findings .................................................................................... 74 Conclusion..................................................................................................... 75 Recommendations ........................................................................................ 75 Interior Architecture....................................................................................... 75 Exhibition and Display .................................................................................. 77 Furniture....................................................................................................... 78 Landscaping.................................................................................................. 79 REFERENCES.............................................................................................. 82 Books............................................................................................................ 82 Online Sources............................................................................................. 84 APPENDIX.................................................................................................. 88 Questionnaire ............................................................................................. 89

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List of tables

Table Page

Table 1.0 Basic features of the bamboo......................................................... 34

Table1.1 Annual production of plantations for producing timber and bamboo...35

Table 1.3 Colour schemes against psychological reaction............................... 53

Table 1.4 Table of people that answered the questionnaire............................. 60

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List of Figures

Figure/Picture Page

Fig.1.0 Watercolour impression of Sauti Kuu Banda by Scott Erstad .......................10

Fig 1.1 Bamboo and bits of wood being used for interior walls.................................44

Fig 1.3 Interior Finishing Materials.......................................................................... 45

Fig1.4 Woven Construction (Left) and Tufted Construction (Right)......................... 47

Fig 1.5 Cork interior Finishing Materials................................................................. 48

Fig 1.6 hard wood Interior Finish Materials Source: Morris, (2004)...................... 49

Fig 1.8 Acoustic wooden tiles arranged to give the ceiling character...................... 50

Fig1.9 the wooden acoustic tiles/slat used in the ceiling......................................... 50

Fig.2.0 Different types of blinders in different scenarios ........................................ 51

Fig 2.1 the proposed lounge seats for the main hall............................................... 52

Fig 2.2 Environmentally friendly and ergonomic task chair and a standard double pedestal

desk with a drop-leaf top......................................................................................... 55

Fig 2.3 Google Earth Maps of the site.................................................................... 56

Fig 2.4 Picture of loam soil..................................................................................... 64

Fig.2.7 The original design shows lack of ramps for the disabled.......................... 65

Fig 2.8 the bare window spaces of the hall that makes up the perimeter wall........ 67

Fig 2.9 the bare concrete floor of the pavilion......................................................... 68

Fig 3.0 Bare ceiling that needs revamping.............................................................. 69

Fig 3.1 sustainably made foldable table for home or office use.............................. 70

Fig 3.2. The kitchenette area.................................................................................. 72

Fig3.3 The toilet area.............................................................................................. 72

Fig 3.4 Modern book displays................................................................................. 72

Fig 3.5 Outdoor Reading Space.............................................................................. 79

Fig 3.6 Paving ideas: Foot paths that can be used by the handicapped.................. 80

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CHAPTER ONE

Fig.1.0 Watercolour impression of Sauti Kuu Banda by Scott Erstad

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INTRODUCTION

There are many materials in our planet that are used for building purposes,

but very few of them exhibit sustainabi l i ty traits. The most commonly used

materials include wood, t imber, steel, iron and concrete but these mater ials

have proven not to be environment f r iendly, sustainable and economic.

There is however a material that is not only environment f r iendly ,

sustainable, economic but also versat i le (Bamboo).Here is some of the

principles that wil l guide in accessing the potent ial of this material as fa r as

construct ion and interior design. But f irst, here is a prof i le of the case study

under scrut iny.

The Sauti Kuu Banda and Community centre profile

Location; Nyang’oma, Kogelo

Kenya

Building Occupancy / Site Capacity: 100

Design Description

The Project consists of two buildings on a rural block site in Alego Vi l lage

Kenya. The f irst is an octagonal external pavi l ion with single pitch roof and

the second is an associated of f ice and guest quarters under a similar s ingle

pitch roof . The bui ldings are connected by an external walkway and a water

col lect ion, f i l t rat ion and gravity feed system with electr ical power and

l ight ing.

The bui ldings are made from machine and hand cut Kenyan Stone, Concrete

and custom Timber from suppliers around the region and country. The t imber

was a part icular design feature which was cut specif ical ly for the project. I t

consisted of oversize t imber posts, beams and joists f ixed together using

custom steel plates. The longest single continuous spans were up to 9m or

30f t, made from 300x100 treated cypress t imber joints. The use of wood in

the project can be replaced by a cheaper material ‘bamboo’ which is also

more environments eff icient. The landscaping around the structure could

also use some revamping for a text book look.

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The bui lding was put up to provide rural youth with a place -based centre

which of fers services that support their vocational, educat ional &

recreational needs, including ICT and other income generating infrastructure.

Infrastructure is the crit ical gap i n rural communit ies. Typical ly, rural youth

do not have a place to meet nor build their skil ls outside of the formal school

sett ing.

The construct ion combinat ion of large t imbers, heavy massing stone and

concrete was balanced with l ighter modern f inishes (t i les and slim concrete

edges), decorat ive hardwood t imber doors and jambs, modern l ight ing and

kitchen f it out, plumbing f it t ings and telephone and internet connect ion

(provisional).

The Pavi l ion is designed to accommodate the Saut i Kuu Youth in their d aily

meetings and operat ions. The facil i ty accommodates space for up to 50 -70

persons for presentat ions and roughly 20 or more persons comfortably for

round table meetings. The undercover space has power and l ight ing suppl ied

with secure vandal proof f it t ings and at one end there is a 2.5m (8f t) white

wall for art projects and projector presentat ions. Behind the wall is the tank

rainwater col lect ion which is pumped through a centralized f i l t rat ion system

to provide dr inking water for the Pavi l ion. The t imber and concrete was

treated for termites protect for 10 years, but design improvements were

made to increase this protect ion for as long as possible, est imated at

approx. 50 years min.

The bui ldings use natural venti lat ion, keeping building width below 8m for

cross vent i lat ion, and providing regular openings at high and low levels for

air movement. The stone also acts as massing to control the temperature,

ensur ing cool condit ions against the high external temperatures. The roof

overhangs also ensure the walls massing can remain shaded and cool.

High level windows to the East ensures consistent natural l ight ing is

provided throughout the day, and a 2.5m meter canti levered overhang to the

west ensures protect ion f rom the hot af ternoon sun. The Pavi l ion has a high

roof l ine and good cover for shading with high level battens to the North

ensur ing added sun and wind driven rain protect ion.

The single pitch roofs are designed to maximize the rainwater col lect ion f rom

both structures and col lect them into a cent ral system for use in the project.

An electr ic pump on a f loat switch ensures the header tank remains

consistent ly full to act ivate the passive gravity feed delivery throughout whi le

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not using much energy. The gravity system del ivers water to two bathrooms ,

a kitchen and to the pavil ion, providing drinking water through a four f i l ter

inline system. Electr icity is f rom a grid connect ion metered through a voltage

regulator which protects the system against surges and damage to the l ight

or powered f it t ings.

Problem statement

Even though the bui ldings posses some sustainabi l i ty traits it can st i l l be

made more environment f r iendly, energy saving and aesthetics improved in

the inter iors and landscaping . Not forgetting improving accessibil i ty to the

handicapped.

Main objective

To establ ish how the appl icat ion of sustainable, universal and modern design

principles can be appl ied in the refurbishment of the community centre in an

environment f r iendly way to achieve the desired standards.

Specific objectives

To determine the level of accessibil i ty in terms of universal design pr inciples

that has been appl ied to the facil i ty and i f i t can be further improved.

To ascertain the suitabi l i ty levels of the faci l i ty ’s mater ials and furniture in

terms of ergonomics functionality comfort and general interact ions with the

users.

To establ ish the effect iveness of the current design principles appl ied

general ly to the community centre in terms of its interior and landscaping

design.

To determine suitabi l i ty of the material s used in the f inishes of the

community centre and what can be done to improve the f inishing and

furnishing.

To establ ish suitable design elements that can be appl ied to the centre to

maximize ef f iciency in spatial use in terms of circulat ion and exhibit io n and

display.

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To comprehensively recommend which l ight ing scheme can be used without

over consumption of electr ic ity.

Research Questions

What is the level of accessibi l i ty in terms of universal design principles that

have been applied to the facil i ty and can i t be improved?

What factors should be considered when select ing the centre’s materials and

furniture in order to maximize ergonomics, functionality and comfort?

What materials should be considered for the f inal f in ishes, both inter iors and

landscaping using the guiding principles of this report?

Which or what is the most suitable layout plan f it to achieve the best

circulat ion, adjacencies/ relat ionships between rooms and buildings within the

compound?

Which or what l ight ing designs are most eff icient for use in the community

centre?

Which design aspects can be applied to maximize ef f iciency in spatial use,

circulat ion and exhibit ion and display?

Significance of the study

The study wil l ident ify how sustainable, modern and universal design

principles can be effect ively and ef f icient ly blended together to achieve a

modern look facil i ty that is environment f r iendly and ful ly functional. The

study also outl ines how design aspects can be applied to enhance energy

eff iciency.

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Limitations

The locat ion of the centre is quite far so gett ing f irst hand information is a

hassle.

The t ime period for which the study has been al located for the study may not

have been suf f icient enough to gather al l the relevant data required f rom

both primary and secondary sources.

Accessibi l i ty is a major issue because it is located ab out an hour drive f rom

the city (Kisumu).

Justification of the study

The researcher bel ieves that this research wi l l be an important contr ibut ion

to exist ing knowledge about community centres and their designs.

Due to the campaign driven community centres which focus on making the

world a better place to be, then it would be signif icant to have future

community centres to follow this trend.

Though the centre was not fully completed during the study, the

administrat ion can borrow some of the ideologies in this study to improve

their faci l i ty.

Scope of the study

The scope of the study is mainly conf ined to the inter ior architecture and

landscaping aspects of the community centre and it s environs.

The study wil l also focus on which mater ials are available and which are the

most eff icient, environmentally f r iendly and sustainable .

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CHAPTER TWO

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LITERATURE REVIEW

Overview

This section is mainly concerned with the var ious design considerat ions and

issues that af fect the design of a community centre. These are the day to

day aspects that the community centre users might encounter in their dai ly

use of the facil i ty. Community centres are viewed as publ ic p laces for

special social programmes and act ivit ies, not only that, they also double up

as learning centres and also recreational centres. Community centres are

also used as a tool to boost economic act ivit ies and help the society better

its dai ly encounters.

The concept of a community centre is based on the idea that a bui lding that

has a hal l can be used for social forums to better a communit ies’ thought

process social ly, polit ical ly and economical ly, by using interact ive act ivit ies

that involve both the youth and the mature. I t also focuses on issues l ike

public health, awareness and civi l education. These are done through

campaigns, dai ly act ivit ies, forums, programmes which can be launched by

the community centre, the government or the people within th e community.

A community centre serves so many roles that it is almost impossible to

ignore the posit ive impact it would have in the society and governments

should help if not every community at least most communit ies bui ld such

centres around their environs.

The development of the ‘community centre ’

To appreciate the nature of community centre and associat ion work in the

UK we need to recognize its roots in the act ivit ies of priests and church

workers; of mutual aid and fr iendly societ ies (Bever idge 1948); of early

social work organizations (Young and Ashton 1956); and in the development

of adult education (see, for example, Kel ly 1970; Harrison 1961). We also

need to be mindful of the development of theory and pract ice in the United

States - which inf luenced a number of the early pioneers, and was a

powerful expression of the growing professionalizat ion of social welfare

neighbourhood organizing (Fisher 1994: 15).

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Early community centres in the United States

The history of community centres (centres) usually begins with the efforts of

sett lement workers and other act ivists in the inner areas of fast developing

cit ies for the use of school bui ldings af ter school hours as neighbourhood

social centres (centres). School bui ldings had been used for various

community act ivit ies for many years. However, as Robert Fisher has

commented, those arguing for social centres departed f rom previous

attempts to provide f ree adult educat ion classes and recreat ional act ivit ies

(of ten to speed up the process of 'Americanization').

The new social centres were to be dif ferent because they were not l imited to

recreational act ivit ies, and, most important, because 'socialized schools' ,

their organizers argued, could act as magnets attract ing cit izens whose

segregation into class and ethnic groups had obscured their common bonds,

loyalt ies, and responsibi l i t ies. Like social sett lements before them, social

centres would lend harmony and foster cooperat ion among the working -class

and immigrant elements and at the same t ime ease some of the dif f iculty of

slum l ife. (Fisher 1994: 16)

The best documented (and the earl iest) efforts took place in Rochester, New

York f rom 1907 onwards. Edward J. Ward, a local Presbyterian minister who

had been involved in var ious educational and recreational ef forts, became an

important advocate and the focus of a national campaign. In 1909 he joined

the Extension Department at the University of Wisconsi n where he organized

the Wisconsin Bureau of Civic and Social Development. The Bureau

sponsored a landmark national conference in 1911 on schools as social

centres in which centres (centres) were endorsed as agencies of reform

(Stubblef ield and Keane 1994: 173. See, also, Stevens 1972). While there

was signif icant disquiet amongst polit ic ians and public off icials about social

and community centres (especial ly around the extent to which they might

develop into an alternative polit ical voice and focus) the id ea took off . By

1918-19 there were community centres in 107 cit ies (the name changed from

social to community centres around 1915 and especially af ter the

establishment of the National Community Centre Associat ion in 1916). By

1923-24 there were centres in 240 cit ies and by 1930 New York City alone

had nearly 500 centre with a regular attendance of more than four mil l ion

(Fisher 1994: 16).

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Some of the early act ivists began to see social centre as important vehicles

for neighbourhood democracy. A f lavour of this concern is given by Cl inton

Childs the organizer at PS (Pub l ic School) 63, the f irst centre in New York

City ( located on the Lower East Side):

A community clubhouse and Acropolis in one; this is the Social Centre . A

Community organized about some cent re for its own pol it ical and social

welfare and expression; to peer into its own mind and l ife, to discover its

own social needs and then to meet them, whether they concern the polit ical

f ield, the f ield of health, of recreation, of educat ion, or of indust ry; such

community organizat ion is necessary if democratic society is to suceed and

endure. (Chi lds 1912 quoted by Fisher 1994: 17)

I t was a vis ion later powerful ly extol led by Mary Parker Fol lett . In 1908 she

had became involved in the movement (as chairperson of the Women's

Municipal League's Committee on Extended Use of School Bui ldings). She,

l ike the other pioneers, sought to make the centres into ' inst i tut ions for

overcoming civic apathy, further mutual understanding among groups, and

creating a local f ramework for the integrat ion of churches, trade

associat ions, lodges and youth groups' (Quandt 1970: 39). Her direct

exper ience of social and community centre radically changed her view of

democracy and the place of local groups - and was a major force behind her

work on the promotion of local networks and democrat ic forms in The New

State (1918). She drew upon insights f rom 'progressive' school ing (and

especial ly the signif icance of the group) as wel l as her own background in

pol it ical science.

Centres prepare for cit izenship through group act ivit ies, through civic c lubs

and classes and through actual pract ice in self -government. The Centres

may be a real training in self -government, a real opportunity for the

development of those qualit ies upon which genuine self -direct ion depends,

by every club or group being self -governed, and the whole Centre self -

directed and self -control led by means of delegates elected f rom each club

meeting regular ly in a Central Counci l. I f we want a nat ion which shal l be

real ly self -governed not just nominal ly self -governed, we must train up our

young people in the ways of self -direct ion. (Fol lett 1918: 371)

The real ity in the vast bulk of commun ity and social centres was that c it izen

involvement was l imited to the organization of clubs and centre act ivit ies (a

similar phenomenon had occurred in the early sett lement init iat ives.

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While club and organization leaders sometimes part ic ipated in the init ia l

neighbourhood groups, planning and supervis ion was lef t primarily to the

professional organizers who in it iated and directed the centres . The init ia l

idea of having professional serve as advisers degenerated into an el it ist

relat ionship in which social welfare professionals made al l important

decisions without the assistance of community people. (Fisher 1994: 18)

While there were some notable except ions the trend was for community

centre to become a base for professional and bureaucrat ic act ivity rather

than the r ich expression of associat ional l i fe that Follett and others argued

for. I t was a trend accelerated by the need to mobil ize neighbourhoods in

support of war efforts af ter the United States entered the First World War.

As the work in the centre developed, there was a growing cal l to have

bui ldings that could be used al l day, were designed for their purpose, and

that were not constrained by the various requirements of school ing. The

result was a growth in the numbers o f f ree-standing community centres that

offered a base for various educational, welfare and social act ivit ies.

The development of the community centre and association movement in

Britain

The community associat ion and centre movement in Br itain has had as its

object ive, ' the creat ion of a network of all -purpose and all-embracing

neighbourhood organizations' (Broady et al 1990: 12). Three bodies were

immediately signif icant in its development - the National Counci l of Social

Service (founded in 1919); the Federat ion of Residential Sett lements - which

included bodies such as Toynbee Hall and Oxford House in East London;

and the Educational Sett lements Associat ion. This latter body involved just

seven educational sett lements - but was highly inf luential through its

involvement in adult educat ion act ivit ies ( it grew out of the Adult School

movement associated with the Quakers) (Mart in 1924).

The sett lement movement had, f rom the start, emphasized the need for

people of dif ferent social c lasses to meet, mix and work together. As Pimlott

(1935: 252) put it : ' the Sett lement idea was one expression of the far wider

Christ ian-Social ist concept ion of co-operation between the classes'. The

resident ial idea involved 'University Men' l iving in, and joining in the l ife of ,

poorer areas of the 'Great Cit ies' . The educational sett lements were part of a

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wider adult educat ion movement which involved bodies such as the YMCA

and the Workers Educational Associat ion. Some local education author it ies

were also developing provision via evening inst itutes. Signif icantly these

went beyond offering continuing basic and vocat ional studies.

In al l of them great stress was also laid on the social side of the work. The

men's and women's inst itutes aimed at a club atmosphere, and student

societ ies and social act ivit ies were regarded as essent ial to the success of

the work (Kel ly 1970: 290)

To the work of the Sett lements and Inst itutes can be added the emergence of

init iat ives such as the social service clubs that grew out of the miners str ikes

of 1926/7. By 1939 there were around 2,300 of these, involving some

250,000 members. They provided unemployed people with the opportunity to

work and organize together for the benef i t o f their local communit ies. Early

act ivit ies included al lotment gardening and repair ing chi ldren's footwear;

later there was a move more general ly into handicraf t act ivity. Around the

clubs there were many adult educat ional, social and cultural act ivit ies ( op

cit : 16). Further s ignif icant developments in rural areas were f irst the

development of vi l lage halls - part icularly f rom 1910 on; and second the

phenomenal growth of women's inst itutes from 1915. (They or iginal ly began

in Canada in 1897). By 1927 there were close on 4000 Inst itutes, with

250,000 members (Kel ly 1970: 301-3). They made a fundamental impact on

vi l lage l ife through the provision of adult educat ion opportunit ies; the

development of women's self -organization; and in their concrete contr ibut io n

to init ia l ly to the war effort ( through knit t ing, f ruit bott l ing etc.) and latter in

their promot ion of rural craf ts.

With these various elements f lour ishing it is not dif f icult to see how the idea

of the community associat ion came into use as a response to the needs of

the new housing estates built fol lowing the end of the First World War. Add

to this Mary Parker Follett ’s (1918) and others bel ief in role of group and

neighbourhood act ivi t ies in sus taining a vibrant democracy the shape of the

project was clear. One of the f irst recognizable associat ions was formed in

Dagenham. This East London development had over 90,000 inhabitants by

1929 - but few services and amenit ies (W illmott 1963). Pett its Fa rm

Associat ion (formed in 1929) combined:

The encouragement of and provision for social contact;

The development of groups with an educational purpose; and

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Efforts to co-ordinate and extend local services (Broady et al 1990: 29).

The Associat ion was also used to represent the neighbourhood to the

author it ies. Other associat ions were also formed e.g. Watling, Middlesex,

f ive estates in Birmingham, and Avonmouth and Sea Mil ls in Bristol. A

national organization was set up within the National Counci l of Social

Service (NCSS) in order to promote work on new estates. In 1937 NCSS was

in contact with 171 towns having community centres in existence or

contemplated; in 1938 the number had nearly doubled to 304, 33 of which

were in Scotland ( ibid : 40).

In an ear ly paper, New Estates and Community Counci ls Paper 1 , NCSS set

out the following, inf luential, def init ion s of community centres and community

associat ions:

A Community Centre may be def ined as a bui lding which ;

(1) Serves a community organized in an associat i on which is responsible for

the management of the building; and

(2) Provides faci l i t ies for the development of the recreational, cultural and

personal welfare of members of that community; and

(3) Const itutes a meeting place for voluntary organizat ions o r other groups

in the community which need accommodation.

A Community Associat ion may be def ined as a voluntary associat ion of

neighbours democrat ical ly organized within a geographical area which

constitutes a natural community, who have come together eith er as members

of exist ing organizations or as individuals, or in both capacit ies, to provide

for themselves and their community the services which the neighbourhood

requires. (Quoted by Mess and King 1947: 73)

The quality of the building, according to Mess and King (1947: 76) was a

major determinant of the success of the centre and associat ion. A 'good

social l i fe' , they wrote, ' is dependent upon good buildings'. This included

having a large hall suitable for meetings, social events and theatre, and, if

possible, a common room, canteen, games facil i t ies and a number of small

meeting rooms. Alongside the quality of the building, the nature of the

leadership was also identif ied as a very signif icant factor in t he success of

centres and associat ions. ' In a movement with such a great possible future it

is no longer pract ical to depend upon the voluntary part -t ime leadership of

enthusiasts as was so of ten done in the early days'. Mess and King go on to

comment 'The organizat ion of the Community Associat ion and of a

23

Community Centre is a skil led and dif f icult job needing men and women who

not only have natural gif ts but considerable exper ience and training'.

With post-war reconstruct ion and developments such as the 'New Towns' the

future of community associat ions - and government funding seemed assured.

Indeed, a Ministry of Educat ion publ icat ion (1944) proposed that:

A community centre should be regarded as an essent ial amenity of normal

community l iving in normal c ircumstances;

The provision of communal faci l i t ie s for the rat ional an enjoyable use of

leisure is a necessary part of the country's educat ion system; and

Voluntary ef fort, unaided, is quite incapable of meeting the needs for social

and recreational faci l i t ies.

The number of community centres grew from around 300 in 1947 to 929 in

1960; and the number of full - t ime workers increased from around 60 in 1947

to 221 in 1956. (Broady et al 1990: 56-7). Over this period there was also

some important shi f ts in the way centres and associat ions operated: the

educat ional function expanded and the social service concept diminished;

the individual members had become more important than the corporate

member within the associat ion; dependence on local author it ies had

increased; and associat ions were more l ikely to be foc used around the

maintenance and operation of their community centres ( ibid: 70). In 1960,

following the report of the Albemarle Committee on the Youth Service (HMSO

1960), professional t raining for youth work and community centre wardens

was largely provided joint ly - but was in fact biased towards the needs of

youth workers.

These themes can also be found in Twelvetrees' (1976) study of four

community associat ions in Edinburgh. He also sug gested that there problems

around communications.

The... inward- looking associat ion loses contact with the rest of the

community as it is not concerned with meeting outside needs. The larger

associat ion representing dif ferent interests and running several act ivit ies

may st if le init iat ive through its unwieldy bureaucrat ic structure and it may co -

ordinate only in theory, or passively rather than act ively. (Twelvetrees 1976:

140)

In Britain the vis ion of the community associat ion as a way of art iculat ing

community needs and issues, and as a vehicle for tackling them had become

much more modest. Community associat ions were now largely l inked to

24

community centres .They were able to provide a base for a large number of

local groups and clubs - and in this way help to foster associat ional l i fe .

Involvement in the larger associat ion tended to be through representat ion of

the dif ferent groups and clubs, and involvement in larger social and fund -

rais ing events l ike dances, bingo and fairs . A number of centres became

focused around their bars - and in some respects came to resemble a local

version of a working men's club. In addit ion, very l i t t le research was being

undertaken around the work of community centres and associat ions, and

pract ice was not being wr it ten up. With f inancial cutbacks following the oi l

cr is is in 1974 and the r ise of Thatcherism in the late 1970s and ear ly 1980s,

and the fai lure to fully art iculate and demonstrate the contr ibut ion of

community associat ions and centres to the enhancement of local l i fe and

well-being there was a signif icant cutback in state support. Those that had

full- t ime community or development worker f requently found th em being

replaced by an administrator. The hours that bui ldings could be open for

communal use of ten shrunk through the inabil i ty to pay for caretaking,

cleaning and repairs. Increased attention was given to money -making

act ivit ies such as wedding receptions, mult i-gyms and bars.

Community associations and centres today

A signif icant number of community centres continue to of fer basic adult

educat ion act ivit ies and var ious developmental opportunit ies for older

people. Many host some sort of nursery or pre -school provision. This can be

through hir ing out space to other voluntary or commercial groups, or through

the development of their own provision. Community centres are st i l l a place

where local social and polit ical act ivity takes place (again of ten via gr oups

hir ing their rooms) and they continue to provide a faci l i ty where local people

can organize social and family events. In some inner -city areas community

centres have been able to develop substan tial programmes of work by

tapping into regeneration monies and making use of other funding streams

around early year ’s provision and cont inuing and l ifelong learning.

When Alan Twelvetrees returned to the experience of Brit ish community

associat ions in a study of democracy and the neighbourhood in 1985, he

argued that whi le community associat ions as neighbourhood associat ions

with a general ist rather than a specialist brief may have lost their way

somewhat in the 1950s and 1960s they st i l l held considerable potent ial. They

25

were a forum for local specialist groups to meet and organize; through

centres they provided a much needed community resource; and they could

be an organizat ional focus for community development (Twelvetrees 1985:

55-79).

Paul Marriot (1997) later explored the contr ibut ion of community bui ldin gs

(community centres, vi l lage hal ls, church hal ls and other faith -based

bui ldings) and was able to identify some 18,809 community bui ldings in

England and Wales. More than a third was vi l lage hal ls, a quarter are

community centres and one in twelve are church bui ldings. From a sample

survey conducted for the research project , it was est imated that 4.4 mil l ion

people - equivalent to almost 10 per cent of the total populat ion of England

and Wales - used community bui ldings every week. About 235,000 people

were involved in their management as committee members or trustees (this

f igure does not include al l the other volunteers who run act ivi t ies within the

bui ldings). In terms of more recent debates they could be signif icant

contr ibutors to the generat ion of social capital . Just whether they are to

f lourish in this role is dependent on the extent to which governments are

prepared to reverse the process of central izat ion that has occurred over the

last thirty years, and to unhook themselves f rom a narrow, object ive -dr iven

outcome or ientat ion. The benef its of associat ional and group l ife have been

amply demonstrated by Robert Putnam and others (as have the pressures on

communal l i fe). Community centres cont inue to of fer physical space where

community act ivit ies take place. With some thought, commitment and money

they could also enhance the associat ional space on of fer. Marriot (1997)

found that many of those involved in the organizat ion of community bui ldings

had a 'poorly developed sense of the changing needs of their local

community, and the market for what they have to of fer '. He continued, ' they

are of ten much more concerned with the physical management of the

bui lding than with the development of the local community and the role the

bui lding has to play within such development' . Intervent ion in this area could

both benef it the individuals involved - and contr ibute towards the deepening

of civic community.

Incorporat ion of sustainable, universal and contemporary design principles in

the revamping of the community centre ensures a well balanced, not just

environment conscious but also energy saving and eff icient.

26

Universal Design and community centres

Barbara Knecht noted in an art ic le on Universal Design in the January 2004

issue of Architectural Record, “Accessibil i ty is a ma ndate; universal design

is a movement.” Universal design is an approach to the design of the

environment, bui ldings, products and communicat ions that equitably

accommodates al l types of people and takes into account as much as

possible their dif ferences. These dif ferences include any physical

impairments or dif f icult ies speaking the dominant language.

The key concept is equivalent facil i tat ion creating a space or feature that

does not treat some people dif ferently, even when it is fully accessible and

meets the letter of the law. For example, an entry that features stairs with a

ramp off to one side may sat isfy code but is not universal since it effect ively

segregates wheelchair users to a less commonly used and intr insical ly

dif ferent path to the f ront door . The goal is to make accessibi l i ty issues as

invis ible to every user as possible. (Knetcth, 2004)

Universal Design as applied to community centre design is a relat ively

recent movement, and many design professionals are not familiar with the

best approaches to the many design issues involved. Guidel ines should be

provided to be clear about design features for such items as exter ior access

to the building (avoiding separate stairs and ramp systems) or service desk

design (avoid the high / low approach to counter height). At a minimum,

provide the seven pr inciples l isted below and work with the design team to

develop and evaluate al l bui lding features with regard to these principles.

(Dean & Demmers 2004)

Basic concepts

In 1997, the Center for Universal Design at North Carol ina State University

published The Principles of Universal Design1 to guide designers and

consumers in the evaluation of exist ing designs and in the design of usable

products and environments. These seven principles were developed in

col laborat ion with a consort ium of universal design researchers and

pract it ioners f rom across the United States. These Principles of Universal

Design are as follows: (Dean & Demmers 2004)

1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with

diverse abi l i t ies. Provide the same means of use for all users: ident ical

27

whenever possible; equivalent when not. Avoid segregating or st igmatizing

any users. Provisions for privacy, secur ity and safety should be equal ly

available to all users. Make the design appealing to all users.

2. Flexibi l i ty in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual

preferences and abil i t ies. Provide choice in methods of use. Accommodate

r ight- or lef t -handed access and use. Facil i tate the user ’s accuracy and

precision. Provide adaptabi l i ty to the user’s pace.

3. Simple and Intuit ive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand,

regardless of the user’s exper ience, knowledge, language ski l ls, or current

concentrat ion level. El iminate unnecessary complexity. Be consistent with

user expectat ions and intuit ion. Accommodate a wide range of l i teracy and

language skil ls. Arrange information consistent with its importance. Provide

effect ive prompting and feedback dur ing and af ter task complet ion.

4. Percept ible Information: The design communicates necessary information

effect ively to the user, regardless of ambient condit ions or the user’s

sensory abi l i t ies. Use dif ferent modes (pictorial, verbal, tact i le) for

redundant presentat ion of essential information. Provide adequate contr ast

between essent ial information and its surroundings. Maximize “ legibil i ty” of

essent ial information. Dif ferentiate elements in ways that can be descr ibed

( i.e., make it easy to give instruct ions or direct ions).

5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse

consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Arrange elements to

minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible;

hazardous elements el iminated, isolated or shielded. Provide warnings of

hazards and errors. Provide failsafe features. Discourage unconscious

act ion in tasks that require vigilance e.g Fire emergencies and facil i t ies.

6. Low Physical Ef fort: The design can be used ef f icient ly and comfortably

and with a minimum of fat igue. Allow user to maintain a neutral body

posit ion. Use reasonable operating forces. Minimize repetit ive act ions.

Minimize sustained physical effort.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropr iate size and space is

provided for approach, reach, manipulat ion, and use, regardless of user’s

body size, posture or mobil ity. Provide a clear l ine of sight to important

elements for any seated or standing user. Make reach to al l components

comfortable for any seated or standing user. Accommodate variat ions in

28

hand and grip size. Provide adequate space for the use of assist ive devices

or personal assistance.

Every aspect of the design of a community centre is touched by

considerat ion of universal design and accessibi l i ty, f rom transportat ion to

the site to the detailed design of part icular bui lding features. The following

sections provide information about the major aspects and point out

preferred approaches in the design.

Site Access

The site and building should be just as accessible for staff as it is for

patrons, and ideal ly the concept of Universal Design should apply for staff as

well. In addit ion to workstat ions, service desks, paths of travel, and

equipment, staf f amenit ies, such as staf f lounge and staf f lockers, if

available, must also meet accessibi l i ty requirements. Beyond prov ision of

accessible parking, the ent ire bui lding site must be accessible. The design of

site features affect ing pedestr ian movement through the site is the subject of

regulat ions and recommendations pertaining to Universal Design. ( Dean &

Demmers 2004)

Building Entrance and Circulation

In a renovated bui lding that does not require a ful l accessibi l i ty upgrade,

only one entrance and path of travel to the area of alterat ion is required to

be made accessible. Any doormats must be recessed and anchored to

prevent interference with wheelchair traff ic. At every primary entrance to the

bui lding, a sign must be posted displaying the internat ional symbol of

accessibi l i ty. (Dean & Demmers 2004)

29

Doors

Universal Design wi l l require that al l patrons enter the centre t hrough the

same doors as patrons in wheelchairs. For cost reasons, the bi -part ing

automatic doors may be the preferred opt ion for main entrances. Note that

revolving doors, which were designed to prevent large draf ts of air in tal l

bui ldings, are not usable by persons in wheelchairs, and therefore are not

acceptable if Universal Design is the design criter ia. ( Dean & Demmers,

2004)

Ramps, Elevators and Stairs

I f elevators are to be instal led later on in this project, al l of them must be

accessible, includ ing staff and f reight elevators. I t is not permitted to

designate one elevator only as accessible. Elevators must serve al l levels of

the building, including any small mezzanine levels, and must be locat ed

near a major path of travel. I f central stairs are provided near the entry to

the l ibrary, the pr inciples of Universal Design suggest that the primary

passenger elevator system be located within reasonable distance of the

stair, in order to provide an equivalent ease of vert ical circulat ion within the

l ibrary. I t should be noted that according to the code, any stairway located

more than 200 feet from the primary passenger elevator system cannot be

used for vert ical circulat ion of patrons or staff , and must be l imited to f ire

exit use only. (Lamis, 2003)

Furniture

The physical environment of a community centre depends on three factors:

the architectural quality of the building, the serenity of the environs and the

design of its furniture. These closely related elements must be harmonious

if a successful aesthetic result is to be achieved. Architecture and

furnishings must be compatible in colour, texture, mater ial, and form. This

relat ionship is part icular ly important in the l ibrary bui lding, with its large

open spaces which the eye can dist inguish as a singl e entity; such areas

appear either unif ied or disjointed according to the co rrelat ion of elements.

(Bendar, 2002)

This relat ionship creates two problems in l ibrary furniture design. First, the

design of the l ibrary bui lding must be developed before other e lements-

30

including the furniture-are considered. Second, the design of furniture must

fulf i l certain functional requirements. Aesthetic and ut i l i tar ian needs, as they

relate to the design of the building and to l ibrary operat ions, must be

determined simultaneously. (Bendar.2002)

A third problem in furniture design, not related to l ibrary type architecture,

arises f rom the fact that community centre furniture undergoes excessive

abuse and wear. Not only is it subjected to long hours of use day af ter day,

but some users mistreat the furniture. Further, certain areas of the centre

may be mult i -purpose, involving f requent handling of folding or stacking

furniture. Janitorial services such as waxing, mopping, and vacuum cleaning

are also hard on furniture. Final ly , this furniture is cost ly and cannot be

replaced frequently; normally a l i fe span of at least ten years must be

expected. {Graham, C (2001)}

Specialized Furniture and Equipment

The design and clearances for catalogues, magazine display racks,

dict ionary stands, and technology furniture are governed by the standard set

of dimensions specif ied general ly in the regulat ions for accommodating

wheelchairs. The required clear space in f ront of the furniture item is (48” x

48”) if capabil ity for both paral lel and forward approaches is desired.

Otherwise, the clear space is 48” x 30”, with the 48” dimension in the

direct ion of travel of the wheelchair. This means that a f ront approach

requires 48” clear and a side approach requires 30” clear in f ront of the

furniture item. Graham, C (2001)

The maximum reach of someone in a wheelchair is 48” above the f loor when

reaching f rom the f ront and 54” above the f loor when reaching from the side.

In general, the 48” dimension is preferred, and governs when the furniture

i tem can be approached from any direct ion. The longest reach across a work

surface is 24”, which requires that any feature of the furniture item that must

be reached, such as a data out let, must be within 24” of the edge of that

work surface. This wil l af fect counter design dimensions. Recommended

maximum height of any object to be manipulated is 48”. Graham, C (2001)

31

Future Scenarios of community centres

“I think community centres should be user -fr iendly places for discovery,

investigating and learning. That inevitably encompasses a change of image

for most of the centres I have vis ited, as the majority are austere and

unwelcoming. Also the range and extent of services needs to be increased,

using innovations such as 24-hour onl ine service in case of emergencies.

Only when their level of service is improved wil l such centres provide a

viable alternative to commercial centres.” Community centre provision is

moving away from the tradit ional hierarchy of forms, consist ing of an

imposing municipal wing in the town centre. There is evidence to suggest

that is gradual ly being replaced by a hierarchy of functions, as more

individualized and bespoke centres become more common, offering services

tai lored to specif ic target groups of users. (Worpole, K. 2004) .

With this shif t comes the need for sensit ive management of key potent ial

conf l icts of design, function and ethos:

Gett ing the r ight balance between the safety and security of users and stock-

holders, whi le at the same t ime providing a welcoming and more open plan

layout

Gett ing the prior it ies of t ime-use ref lected in the al location of space close to

or furthest f rom the entrance

Providing dedicated space for chi ldren’s services which is secure, whi lst also

easy for l ibrary staff to supervise

Ensur ing the needs of di f ferent groups of users, (the elderly, school part ies,

and students) are respected by forms of t ime management. For example, the

demand for seats and reading space of ten means that increasing numbers of

students displace older l ibrary users who may want to read newspapers and

journals, making the latter feel resentful and excluded.

Extended opening hours, along with Sunday opening, offers opportunit ies to

shape patterns of use: early evening use could be more youth -fr iendly;

Sunday could be a quiet day, on ly avai lable for browsing, borrowing and

studying.

Maintaining the dist inct ive ethics of the l ibrary: there is a danger that the

increasing range and individual ity of bui ldings and services wi l l erode the

identity of ‘the centre’, and reduce users’ inheren t trust in centres as

independent, neutral places with a dist inct role in collect ive culture.

32

In short, i t is l ikely that these centres wi l l need to be bold about the facil i t ies

and services they provide, and should be prepared to shape publ ic

expectat ions of use and convenience, rather than of fering a standardized set

of facil i t ies and services uniformly throughout the week. (Worpole, K. 2004) .

Sustainable design and community centres

Which is also cal led environmental design, environmental ly sustainable

design or environmental ly conscious design, is the philosophy of designing

physical objects, the bui lt environment, and services to comply with the

principles of social, economic, and ecological sustainabi l i ty.

Basic principles

While the pract ical appl icat ion var ies among discipl ines, some common

principles are as fol lows:

Low-impact mater ials: choose non-toxic, sustainably produced or

recycled mater ials which require l i t t le energy to process

Energy eff iciency: use manufacturing processes and produce products

which require less energy

Quality and durabi l i ty: longer -last ing and better -functioning products wi l l

have to be replaced less f requently, reducing the impacts of producing

replacements

Design for reuse and recycl ing: "Products, processes, and systems

should be designed for performance in a commercial 'af terl ife' ."

Design Impact Measures for total carbon footprint and l ife-cycle

assessment for any resource used are increasingly required and

available. Many are complex, but some give quick and accurate whole -

earth est imates of impacts. One measure est imates any spending as

consuming an average economic share of global energy use of 8,000 BTU

(8,400 kJ) per dol lar and producing CO2 at the average rate of 0.57 kg of

CO2 per dol lar (1995 dol lars US) f rom DOE f igures.

Sustainable Design Standards and project design guides are also

increasingly avai lable and are vigorous ly being developed by a wide array

of private organizations and individuals. There is also a large body of

new methods emerging f rom the rapid development of what has become

33

known as 'sustainabi l i ty science' promoted by a wide variety of

educat ional and governmental inst itut ions.

Bio mimicry: "redesigning industr ial systems on biological l ines .. .

enabl ing the constant reuse of materials in continuous closed cycles.. ."

Service substitut ion: shif t ing the mode of consumpt ion f rom personal

ownership of products to provision of services which provi de similar

functions, e.g., f rom a private automobile to a car sharing service. Such a

system promotes minimal resource use per unit of consumpt ion (e.g., per

tr ip driven).

Renewabil ity: materials should come from nearby ( local or bioregional),

sustainably managed renewable sources that can be composted when

their usefulness has been exhausted.

Appl icat ions of sustainable design, universal design and des ign for all

phi losophies range from the microcosm - small objects for everyday use,

through to the macrocosm bui ldings, cit ies, and the Earth's physical surface.

I t is a philosophy that can be appl ied in the f ields of architecture, landscape

architecture, urban design, urban planning, engineering, graphic

design, industr ial design, interior design , fashion design and human-

computer interact ion .

Sustainable design is mostly a general reaction to global environmental

cr ises, the rapid growth of economic act ivity and human populat ion,

deplet ion of natural resources, damage to ecosystems, and loss of diversity.

Bamboo a sustainable and versatile material

By the use of bamboo as an alternat ive bui lding material among many other

alternative materials it is inevitable to note that it (bamboo) would satisfy

most of the principles that support sustainabil i ty w hich is the main object ive

of this study. Bamboo’s environmental benef its arise largely out of its abi l i ty

to grow and spread quickly in some cases three to four feet per day without

the need for fert i l izers, pestic ides or much water. A bamboo grove also

releases some 35 % more oxygen into the air than a similar -sized stand of

trees, and it matures (and can be replanted) within seven years (compared

to 30-50 years for a stand of trees), helping to improve soil condit ions and

prevent erosion along the way. Another character of bamboo is that it is also

making waves in the clothing industry as an eco -chic and functional new

fabric. Softer than cotton and with a texture more akin to si lk or cashmere,

34

bamboo naturally draws moisture away from the skin, so it ’s great for hot

weather or for sweaty workouts. I t also dries in about half the t ime as cotton

clothing. Making bamboo material more viable for towels, rugs and can also

be used to furnish interiors too.

In the text i le discipl ine, some crit ics point out that the process of convert ing

bamboo to fabric can take a heavy environmental tol l, with the most cost -

effect ive and widespread method involving a harsh chemical -based

hydrolysis-alkal izat ion process followed by mult i -phase bleaching.

The Green Guide counters, though, that bamboo st i l l has a much lower

environmental impact than pesticide- laden conventional cotton and

petroleum-der ived nylon and polyester fabrics. And it is advisable to source

bamboo fabrics made with lower -eco-impact methods including str ingent

water pur if icat ion steps.

The main idea of using bamboo as the main construct ion material might

prove to be viable because bamboo exhibits not only sustainabi l i ty but also

versati le character ist ics. Due to its abi l i ty to grow fast and spread quickly

means it can be easi ly planted and har vested within the community centres’

reach. This indicates that it is possible to achieve a completely eco -fr iendly

structure that is ful ly furnished by mater ials most ly made from bamboo

including cutlery, and any/other vital faci l i t ies required in the bui lding.

STUDY ON BAMBOO

Outline of the study

The study to be undertaken should be bent towards appreciat ing the aspects

of bamboo that make it sustainable and environment f r iendly. The other point

of this study is to compare other materials and how bamboo stands out f rom

its compet itors e.g. steel, concrete and Timber in terms of their production

processes, avai labi l i ty, cost of product ion and their general effect to the

environment and the economy as a whole. I t is important also to scrut inize

how bamboo is versati le and that it can not only be used as construct ion

material but also as a furnishing material . All these factors and many others

should be put in mind, during the study. Below are the object ives of the

study.

Objectives of the study

The object ive of the study presented focuses on the product bamboo:

35

Gaining more insight into the environmental performance of bamboo

and its ‘products compared to bui lding materials more commonly used.

The second object ive focuses on the applicat ion of the product

bamboo in the building process.

Gaining more insight into the cr it ical factors of success and fai lure of

the appl icat ion of bamboo in building projects and f inding solut ions to

prevent and/or reduce the negative consequences.

For these object ives, the fol lowing research questions needed to be

answered:

What is the environmental impact of bamboo (products) in bui lding

compared to bui lding materials more commonly used?

Considering bamboo bui lding projects, what are the success and failure

factors related to the use of bamboo, and how can the negative

consequences be avoided or reduced?

The study

the following bamboo products were environmentally assessed before : Air-

dried culms of the bamboo species Guadua angustifol ia, produced in the

National Bamboo Project in Costa Rica, based on use ( including transport) in

the Netherlands. Init ia l ly, it was also crit ical to assess an Asian bamboo

species, Phyl lostachus pubescens However, due to communication problems

and lack of data this assessment could eventual ly not be executed. Bamboo

panels (Ply boo natural plain -pressed two-layered bamboo panel), produced

in Shanghai, init ia l ly, but can easi ly be processed locally can be used as

cover for inner wal ls.

Bamboo has the following character ist ics:

Basic features of the bamboo species Guadua angustifol ia

Table 1.0 Basic features of the bamboo

Density 600 kg/m3(dry); 1.5

kg/m1

Length up to 20 m

Diameter on the ground: 10–15 cm,

average: 10 cm

Thickness 9 mm (average)

36

I t is a well known fact that wood or t imber is far much an environment and

economical bui lding material compared to concrete, steel and other

alternative resources. Below is a table comparing the production of

plantat ions for producing t imber against bamboo? This is meant to give an

insight on which material is more viable, sustainable and environment

f r iendly.

Table1.1 Annual production of plantat ions for producing t imber and bamboo

N/B. Culm is a term for bamboo in its natural form.

Bamboo has been previously used for bui lding as an alternative to concrete,

steel and other building materials and many other communit ies l ike the

Japanese have used the same idea. I t is evident that these previous users of

this phenomenon acknowledge the sustainabil i ty, economic value and the

environment f r iendly traits of the Bamboo tree and its products. I t is a well

known fact that bamboo is just but a grass that grows natural ly. Some people

who have used bamboo before have researched and these are some of their

f indings: In the building industry, costs and durabi l i ty are the main factors

determining the select ion of a building material. However, with sustainabi l i ty

as a key issue in the last decades, especially in Western countr ies; the

environmental performance of bui lding materials has become more important

cr iter ion. Bamboo, as a fast growing renewable material with a simple

product ion process, is expected to be a sustainable alternative for more

tradit ional mater ials l ike concrete, steel and t imber. In many publ icat ions

Bamboo is qualif ied as a very sustainable material. However, this has never

been proven quant itat ively. The bui lding materials that are most commonly

used in the Western world have alr eady been assessed environmental ly

using tools based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology.

Data of the product ion process of both the bamboo Culm and panel were

retr ieved through interviews with experts and l iterature study. The data were

Green (total) Dry (total) Green (Culm only) Dry (Culm

only)

Bamboo 78.3 47.4 55.7 36.0

Timber 17.5 13.5 14.0 10.8

Ratio B/T 4.5 3.5 4.0 3.3

37

processed in the TWIN2002 model, an assessment tool developed, based on

the LCA-methodology, by experts f rom the Dutch consultancy company, NIBE

Research. Factors of success and failure were based on case studies and

extracted f rom interviews with people involved in the bui lding process. The

interviews were analysed using qual itat ive research methodology.

In the study presented, an LCA was conducted for bamboo, in its orig inal

form (the Culm) and in an industr ial product applicat ion (a wall panel). The

dif ferent environmental ef fects result ing from LCA were converted to unif ied

end-results by means of the TWIN 2002 model, which wi l l be discussed

below. In Europe and the United States, bamboo is being used more of ten,

either in its natural form (the Culm) or as part of an industr ial product (e.g.

in panels, parquet). In Europe, some bui lding projects were based on

bamboo construct ing. During these projects, specif ic problems encountered

during the bui lding process were a direct consequence of the use of bamboo.

In order to assess the inf luence of bamboo during the bui lding process,

major factors of failure (and success) were analysed. In future bamboo

projects, acknowledging these problems and analysing the causes wil l help

prevent a negative impact on durat ion, money an d qual ity. In 1990, Speth

[5], and Ehr lich and Ehrl ich [6] argued that, in order to achieve sustainable

development ( i.e. development that provides in the needs of the current

generations without threatening provision of the needs of future generations

[4]) in the future, the pressure on the environment should be reduced by 20 -

fold. This target has been adopted by many organisations and societ ies. One

of the ways to achieve a 20-fold environmental improvement in the bui lding

industry is using more sustainab le and renewable materials.

LCA

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the basis commonly acknowledged for

environmental assessment of products. Principal ly, in an LCA, al l

environmental ef fects occurring during the l ife cycle of a (bui lding) product

are analysed, f rom the extract ion of resources unt i l the end phase of

demolit ion or recycl ing ( ‘f rom cradle t i l l grave’). The LCA methodology

developed by the Centre of Environmental Studies (CML, in Leiden, the

Nether lands) was presented in 1992. I t was internationa l ly standardised in

the ISO 14040 series. A standard LCA includes quant if iable environmental

effects; some effects (e.g. ‘deteriorat ion of eco -systems’) are ignored unt i l a

38

general ly accepted assessment method has been developed. Furthermore,

the standard LCA provides an outcome of dif ferent effect scores; a weighing

method is not included and an overal l judgement of products is, therefore,

not possible. In order to obtain a single score and enable comparison of

products, addit ional models are necessary. At present, many of these models

are avai lable, each one having advantages and disadvantages. The validity

of the models is always subject to discussion, mainly about the applied

weighing method.

The TWIN 2002 model

For the environmental assessment of bamboo and its alternatives the TWIN

2002 model was chosen, an improvement of the TWIN model developed by

Haas [13] and the basis for many bui lding products’ assessments in the

Nether lands. The assessment process in the TWIN model follows the

methodology of LCA unti l aggregation and then adds a weight ing step:

1. Def init ion of the functional unit and process tree.

2. Inventory of environmental intervent ions.

3. Aggregation to environmental effect equivalents.

4. Weighting to indices.

TWIN was based on the f irst CML LCA methodology, whereas TWIN 2002

largely fol lows CML2, the most recent version of the LCA methodology [14].

A signif icant dif ference between the original TWIN and TWIN 2002 model

concerns the weighting: TWIN offered a weighting scale for the

environmental ef fects, whereas TWIN 2002 does actual ly not weight;

however, it adds a mult iplicat ion by environmental costs per effect

(explained below), which, for an end-performance, can be summed. The

environmental costs weighting methodology of TWIN 2002 is based on the

principle of prevent ion costs [16] or eco -costs [17]: costs that are related to

the prevention of environmental damage by certain intervent ions (e.g.

emissions), but not included in real pr ices of products and eventually paid

for by society, through general taxes. As monetary factors, these hidden

environmental costs can be coupled to environmental effects acquired

through LCA, result ing in a single score in (environmental) Euros or dol lars.

The advantage of the hidden environmental costs meth odology is the

absence of a subject ive weighting; the complexity, however, is the exact

determination of monetary factors. The monetary factors appl ied in TWIN

39

2002 were determined from various references (discussed in Ref. [18]). Data

f rom Ref. [15]. ELM (environmental load mark) shows that weaker

alternatives require more material, and that alternatives with a shorter l i fe

span need to be maintained or replaced more of ten (both leading to higher

annual environmental costs).

As a result of the interviews held with 10 people involved in the building

process of the projects, mainly fai lure factors and only few success factors

turned out to have occurred. The analysis shows that there are a couple of

moments during the bui lding process that have a signif icant impact on the

success of a bamboo project in Western countr ies (only the factors of

success and fai lure occurring in most of the studied projects are given):

The choice for a part icular bui lding method. The choice of a part icular

bui lding method causes fai lure factors that occur in most projects: the

deployment of workers f rom abroad (more expenses, communicat ion

problems), a larger and mult i - l ingual bui lding organisat ion ( leading to

more miscommunicat ion and delays) and more labour needed in

making the joints. A factor of success is the ease to dismantle a

bamboo structure.

Purchase of the bamboo. This leads to failure factors l ike an intensive

quality control, extra t ime for material preservat ion, and extra t ime and

money losses due to bamboo import. On the other hand, the

purchasing pr ice of bamboo is relat ively low (success factor).

Testing the bear ing capacity. In all cases extra tests and calculat ions,

costing t ime and money, had been made to test the bear ing capacity of

the bamboo (structure).

Acquir ing a bui lding permit. Beside the extra mechanical tests done on

the bamboo in order to obtain a bui lding permit, other tests were also

required, e.g. on the‘re safety’ of bamboo. An unexpected success

factor was the good wil l and cooperation of the involved authorit ies

because of the fascination for this new bui lding material.

A lot of other factors of success and failure cannot be clustered to a

part icular moment in the bui lding process. These are failure factors l ike the

cracks and moss forming on the material in the climate, and the sl ipper iness

of wet bamboo. Other success factors are the small amount of equipment

needed, the low weight of the culms and the sustainabi l i ty of the material.

40

In order to avoid loss of t ime, money and quality in future bamboo projects,

it is important to take the causes of the factors of failure into account before

seeking solut ions. Al l problems during the projects originate f rom 3 main

causes related to bamboo:

The shape of the material (round, hol low and tapered).

Irregular ity of the material.

Lack of knowledge and building codes for bamboo.

Only laminating the bamboo (decreasing the environmental performance) or

using a rectangular mould during the growth of bamboo even though

expensive can avoid the Ž rst cause of many problems (the shape). Good

plantat ion control and management, straightening the culms through heat

treatment and a good quality control (J. Janssen, personal communication)

can diminish disadvantages of the second main cause. Because problems

related to both causes are inherent to the natural appearance of bamboo,

they can only be diminished, not completely avoided. In spite of this,

recommendat ions can be made to avoid loss of t ime, money, and qual ity in

future bamboo projects. Some of the most important recommendat ions in the

study presented concern the use of a simple structural design and

accompanying bui lding method (preferably not lashing), which can be

executed by western workers, pre-manufacturing as many elements as

possible, preserving by the Boucher ie method and having a extensive qual ity

control before purchasing the bamboo. The third main cause of the factors of

failure, the lack of knowledge and bui lding codes for bamboo, has been

diminished since the establ ishment of INBAR in 1997 and can hopeful l y be

completely avoided in the future. INBAR is developing several internat ional

bui lding codes for bamboo. These codes (DIS22156 and 22157/ 1) have been

submitted to the ISO (International Standards Organisat ion ) through J.

Janssen’s, personal communication. Nevertheless, a lot of work st i l l needs to

be done. For instance, classif icat ion systems (already avai lable for t imber)

st i l l need to be developed for bamboo, for the raw material (c lassif icat ions

for quality and strength) as wel l as for complete joint s.

41

Summary

The environmental performance of bamboo used in Western Europe highly

depends on the form in which it is used. In its natural form (the Culm), in

several appl icat ions, bamboo proves more than 20 t imes as sustainable as

the common western bui lding materials t imber, steel and concrete. When

used as an industr ial product ( i.e. a wall panel) the environmental

advantages of the bamboo Culm are lost. Compared to most wood -based

alternatives, the environmental performance of the assessed bamboo pan el

is s light ly less favourable. Nevertheless, with some adjustments in the

product ion process, a non-bleached sustainable alternat ive of the bamboo

panel is possible. Furthermore, by applying a bamboo panel, technical

problems related to the geometry of the Culm can be avoided. Sti l l , when

choosing bamboo for its sustainabi l i ty, it is recommended that the Culm

should be used. Practical problems (failure factors) when using the bamboo

Culm in Western Europe is numerous and has a couple of bamboo-related

main sources: the shape of the material, the irregularity of the material and

the lack of knowledge and bui lding codes. Many of these problems can be

avoided in the future by fol lowing the recommendations done in this study.

Furthermore, problems wil l be avoided through centralisat ion of knowledge

and development of bamboo bui lding codes by INBAR. Therefore, many

problems in future bamboo projects in the West can be avoided, thus saving

t ime and money whi le upgrading the qual ity of these projects. The

environmental and f inancial comparison demonstrates that bamboo can

compete with bui lding materials more commonly used in Western countr ies.

While many of the failure factors can be avoided in the future, some of them

wil l remain. Bamboo is a natural product and wi l l, therefore, always have

some extent of irregular ity. I t is therefore suggested that in Western

countr ies the bamboo Culm should be used in functions were the

measurement requirements are not entirely precise or f ixed, as in temporary

bui ldings (e.g. pavi l ions and tents) or small civi l projects (e.g. bridges).

Furthermore, bamboo can play a role as a furnishing material :

42

Conclusion

I t is evident that, f rom most of the commonly used building materials,

bamboo stands out as the most ‘pocket f riendly’ in terms of its product ion,

environmental mer its and its availabil i ty. I t is also sane to state that bamboo

out of all the other bui lding materials is the most versat i le, it is also durable

and requires very l i t t le attent ion once treated, thus making it ideal for

construct ion of an environment conscious inst itut ion.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Introduction

For this section, the researcher wil l be focusing on the following key areas of

the inter ior architecture of the centre: space arrangement and al location,

traff ic f low, wall, cei l ing and f loor f inishes and l ight ing. A typical community

centre space is characterized by areas where bound paper documents

(books), f i lm, or magnetic media are stored. The space may include both

open and closed storage systems and moveable shelving systems, and be

applicable to f i le rooms and other dense storage of material i n condit ioned

off ice environments. Community centres are assumed to be general purpose,

and may include display spaces and reading, meeting, and electronic

workstat ions, as def ined by the desired level of access to materials being

stored.

Space Arrangement

According to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG) , a community centre

can be divided into six main areas; Col lect ion Space, Publ ic electronic

workstat ion space, User seating space, Staff workspace, Meeting space,

Special use space, Non assignable space ( including mechanical space.) The

researcher wil l be focusing on the collect ion space, user seat ing area,

special use space and the staff work place for this project.

Anders C. (2009) describes the col lect ion space as the space that houses

books, periodicals, non-print material, and digital resources. The number of

volumes that can be stored in a given space may vary f rom f ive to 30

volumes per square foot, depending on several factors, including the height

43

of the shelving, the width of the ais les, the type of material— for example,

reference versus chi ldren’s books—and so on.. A minimum recommendat ion

of 15 volumes per square foot wi l l produce the smallest reasonable. Reader

Seat ing Space Is def ined as the space that serves as the community centre’s

general reader seating. Typical ly this wil l include seat ing at tables, carrel

and lounge chairs. The l ibrary wi l l probably provide addit ional spaces where

a patron may sit . Special Use Space Is the space used for allocation for

index tables, newspaper racks, pamphlet f i les, microf i lm readers, or

photocopiers. Small group study rooms represent another kind of special use

space. (Anders C. 2009)

Non-assignable space - is that port ion of the f loor space that cannot be

applied or assigned direct ly to the services . This includes: janitor ’s c losets,

telecommunications closets, storage rooms, vest ibules, corr idors, stairwells,

elevator shafts, and rest rooms. Such pace is necessary to support the

operat ion of the building, but it cannot be used direct ly for service. Non-

assignable space generally comprises about 25 to 30 percent of the gross

square footage of the f inished bui lding. A minimum al location wi l l represent

25% of the gross area of the building. A moderate allocat ion wi l l represent

about 27% of the gross area, whi le an opt imum al location wi l l represent 30

percent (Anders C. 2009)

Wall Finishes

There are few walls in a community centre, since they are quite open usual ly

for open spaces with stacks and supervis ion by personnel. Nevertheless,

wall surfaces are important for the acoustic, aesthetic, and functional

aspects of the spaces. Therefore the researcher suggests use of bamboo

and bits of wood to f inish the inter iors.

44

Fig1.1 Bamboo and bits of wood being used for interior walls.

Paint

Paint is the most commonly used produc t for wal l surfaces. There are

hundreds of choices of standard colours available in addit ion to

computer ized custom colour matching. Numerous appl icat ions for paint range

from walls, doors, f rames, and mil lwork to f ire-resist ive paints for exposed

metal columns and structures. There are two major types of interior paints:

latex, which is water -based, and alkyd, which is oi l -based. Latex paints clean

up with water and soap, whi le alkyd paints must be cl eaned with hydro-

carbon based thinner. The most commonly used type of paint in such centres

is latex because of the ease of clean-up. (Morris, B. 2004)

In a public centre, the only area where f lat f inish should be used is the

painted cei l ing, where contact is not possible. Most wal ls wi l l have an

eggshell f inish, which is st i l l washable and durable, and yet st i l l h ides most

wall imperfect ions. Semi-gloss and gloss are rarely used except for certain

accent surfaces or tr im, and in restrooms or k itchenettes. There is specialty

coating systems similar to paint that produce a mult i - f lecked look. These

products have addit ives that help make them more durable and last ing, but

they require a highly skil led labourer to apply them since they are sprayed

on. Specialty coating systems are general ly useful for hiding f ingerprints and

45

pen marks, but heavy-duty impacts or penetrat ions are dif f icult to repair. A

professional is required to f i l l any dents and reapply the coating, which might

be hard to blend and match with the surrounding surface textures and

colours. However, the mult i - f leck coating product can be scrubbed more than

textural plasters. (Morris, B. 2004)

Examples of textured painted wall f in ishes

Fig 1.3 Interior Finish Mater ials Source: Morris, B. (2004)

Wood Veneer

Wood paneling is a wall treatment that can enhance a space and create

drama by introducing a r ich natural f in ish with the elements of color, texture,

scale, and modularity. The extent of a wood wall treatment is inf luenced

primari ly by design concepts and budget. In l ibraries, hard woods, such as

oak, maple, and cherry, are usually used since they provide the most durable

f inish. Some appl icat ion examples are: entry feature -wal ls behind circulat ion

stack end panels, walls and cei l ings in special col lect ion areas and in club-

like main reading rooms. The manner, in which the lumber is cut f rom the log

at the mil l, as wel l as the characterist ics of the log itself , wil l determine the

f inal appearance of the grain pattern. Morris, B. (2004)

46

Wood paneling requires more del icate attention than other wall surfaces.

Similar to a wood f loor, paneling is susceptible to scratches and abrasions.

However, it tends to hide f ingerprints and smudges, which makes the product

appearance more t imeless. There are a var iety of products avai lable to clean

and maintain wood f inishes on a regular basis. However, ref inishing may be

needed depending on the location and init ial quality of the wood panels.

(Morris, B. 2004).

Acoustic Wall Board

Acoust ic wal l panels are panels made of a medium-density, resin-sealed,

f iberglass core that are mounted on the walls .Funct ional ly, they improve the

acoust ics of the room, provide tack surface for posting, and enrich the

beauty of the space. The panels are mounted on the wal ls with dif ferent

types of mechanical fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or adhesives, and range

in surface area up to 5’ x 10’. Thicker acoustic panels have a higher NRC.

These panels are of ten covered in vinyl or fabric wal l covering selected by

the designer, and can employ many dif ferent edge condit ions. The panels

are of ten used as acoustic cei l ing board as wel l, where more choice of

f inishes is avai lable since durabi l i ty is less of a concern. In both

applicat ions, the panels are butted against each other to pro vide a clean

monolithic appearance; this type of instal lat ion also el iminates the need for

fabric or vinyl seams. (Decoust ics Acoust ic Panels Retr ieved May 14, 2012

from. www.decoustic.com)

Floor Finishes

Floor f inishes are the single most important inte r ior f inish material to be

selected since the f loor is the largest surface in the l ibrary and subject to

excessive wear f rom large numbers of patron vis its. Therefore, it is important

to focus on the performance characterist ics of f loor f inish f irst and th en the

aesthet ics later. Common materials for f loor ing include carpet, stone,

ceramic t i le, wood and resi l ient f looring such as vinyl t i le, l inoleum, and

cork.

47

Carpet

There are many posit ive attr ibutes that make carpet, both broadloom goods

and carpet t i les, the most widely used material for the majority of l ibrary

f loor areas. I t has good acoustic propert ies, can be reasonably maintained,

is relat ively inexpensive, and of fers abundant aesthet ic opportunit ies. A wel l -

chosen carpet can easi ly last up to 15 years before replacement is required

if i t is proper ly maintained. Appropr iate carpets tend to be very dense, have

at least 50% loop pi le yarns, are not too l ight in colour, and not too sol id in

appearance. (Decoustics Acoust ic Panels Retr ieved May 14, 201 2 from.

www.decoust ic.com)

Interior designers wi l l also take the yarn type and dye processes into

considerat ion. Most l ibrary carpets are made of nylon for commercial

applicat ion. Colour and pattern are other important factors in the carpet ’s

appearance retent ion qualit ies. The best colours for hiding soi l are those

that are not too l ight and not too clear. The best patterns for hiding soil are

those that are not too sol id. Patterns and textures can result f rom colour

changes, subt le pi le height var iat ions, and cut versus loop yarns. Besides

hiding soil, they can add r ichness and interest to the carpet aesthetics.

Fig1.4 Woven Construct ion (Left) and Tufted Construct ion (Right ) Source:

(www.decoustic.com)

Stone

Stone is the most last ing and classic material that has been used in l ibraries

on f loors, walls, and countertops. Not a rare natural commodity, it is a very

sustainable resource. Often, it is instal led in the highest traf f ic areas of the

l ibrary, such as the lobby and stairs. Because of its durabi l i ty, it is a

48

naturally value-engineered mater ial which can be instal led in inf inite patterns

with f inely detai led insets.

Four dif ferent f inishes of the same Belgian Bluestone Flamed f inish at left is

the roughest and l ightest, while honed f inish at r ight i s the smoothest and

darkest.

Fig 1.5 Stone Inter ior Finishing Materials Source: Morr is, B. (2004)

Cork flooring

Cork f looring is made from the outer bark of the cork oak tree, which is

primari ly grown in Portugal, Spain, and the northern parts o f I taly.

Approximately every seven to nine years, the bark is str ipped, causing no

damage to the tree. I t is a truly renewable resource, unl ike wood f looring,

where the tree has to be cut down.

49

Figure 1.6 Cork Interior Finish Mater ials Source: Morr is, B. (2004)

Ceramic ti les

Ceramic t i les are man-made f ired clay t i les that are very appropriate for

long-wearing f loor surfaces in community centres. Porcelain t i le, stoneware

t i le, and quarry t i le are al l types of ceramic t i les that are commonly used in

commercial appl icat ions. Dif ferences in the t i le composit ion, dif ferences in

the glazing ingredients and appl icat ion methods, and dif ferences in the

cooking temperature result in a wide variety of textures, sheens, effects, and

colours.

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood f looring has been used in l ibraries for centuries. I t is fair ly

expensive, so it is of ten found in upgraded areas such as special col lect ions

rooms and main reading rooms, where it gives a warm, welcoming, and r ich

look. Wood f loors generally can be ref inished many t imes and treated with

sealers and polyurethane coatings that restore their original beauty

50

Fig 1.7 Hard wood Interior Finish Mater ials Source: Morris, B. (2004)

Ceiling Finishes

Ceil ing systems are the support structure for many functions in a l ibrary.

They incorporate l ight ing, venti lat ion, f ire sprinklers, and acoustic functions

of the spaces. They can be functional and essent ial ly unnoticed by the

l ibrary patrons, such as when acoustical cei l ing t i les are used, or they can

enrich and def ine a room’s character, such as might occur with the use of a

wood plank cei l ing system. Cei l ing surfaces are also used to ref lect l ight

f rom indirect (up- light) f ixtures to give a uniform low-glare l ight quality and a

bright cei l ing

Fig 1.8 Acoustic wooden t i les arranged to give the ceil ing character

51

Acoustic Wood Slat

There are pre-assembled wood cei l ing panels avai lable on the market in

dif ferent species of wood such as oak, cedar, and hemlock. The slats are

kept paral lel by the use of inconspicuous wooden dowels. Dowels are

available also in a more f lexible mater ial l ike plast ic, which al lows for curves

in the slats. The slats can be thicker, giving the cei l ing a more gri l le - l ike

appearance, or f latter, rendering the cei l ing plane l ike a wood surface

art iculated with reveals. There are many prof i les and slat -f requencies

available. These cei l ings, part icularly the ones with the deeper slats and

backed by invisible acoustic absorption material, provide a handsome

surface with a very high NRC. (Decoust ics Acoust ic Panels Retr ieved May

14, 2012 from. www.decoustic.com)

Fig1.9 the wooden acoustic t i les /slat used in the cei l ing

Lighting

The factors that determine good functional l ight ing design in community

centres include not only the amount of l ight energy available for specif ic

visual tasks, but also the direct ion of the l ight relat ive to the eye, the

brightness of objects surrounding the task object and within the f ield of view,

and the surface ref lectance and l ight -dif fusing characteris t ics of the task

object. Glare can result , for example, f rom light ref lect ing off a computer

screen from overhead l ights, bright l ight sources such as exposed l ight bulbs

or even br ight windows, or ref lectance from glossy pages of a magazine.

Effect ive use of day l ight ing can reduce energy consumpt ion and make the

place feel more human and less inst itut ional. However, uncontrolled day

52

l ight ing can be a source of glare and can damage sensit ive materials .

(Adams 2007).The solut ion to the glare would be the introduction of bl inders

in order to regulate the amount of l ight in the hal l.

Amer ican tradit iona l pul l down bl inders Japanese sty le pul l to open b l inders

Honey comb bl inders

Fig.2.0 Different types of bl inders in dif ferent scenarios

53

Colour psychology for adults

The psychological and physiological effects of colour are apparent in

everyday l ife. I t is extremely important to understand how these colours

affect us, and the careful attention that must be paid when designing an

inter ior. Colours cannot be used f l ippant ly in any space otherwise

psychological and physiological clashes may occur. However, it is also

important to note that certain colours should not be overused simply for their

calming or excit ing effects, which was t he case in the production of

“ inst itut ional green.” These colours benef i t our mental and physical welfare.

Red : arousing, passion, love, blood, l i fe, warmth, intensity; danger,

enemy, war, stop; prost itut ion if you want to draw attent ion, use red. I t

is of ten where the eye looks f irst. Red is the colour of energy. I t 's

associated with movement and excitement . (Schultz A, 2011).

Orange: bright – excit ing, l ight – cheery, l ively, energetic; f ire,

sunsets; caution brown (darker shade of orange) – earth, cof fee,

chocolate. (Schultz .A, 2011)

White : spir itual, hope, chast ity, purity, innocence, good; white f lag,

surrender/submission; white l ies are no t as harmful; clean, cl inical,

unemotional, empty, blank. I t is also used to project the absence of

colour, or neutral ity. In some eastern parts of the wor ld, white is

associated with mourning. White associated with creativity. .

(Schultz A, 2011)

Yellow : cheerful, happiest, optimist ic; mental and spir itual

enl ightenment; l i fe-giving sun, sunshine, spring; expresses act ivity;

intense hue –egocentr ic, overbearing (Schultz A, 2011)

Green: l ight – ret ir ing, pure hue – relaxing, tranquil, natural, l i fe,

growth, fert i l i ty, hope; go; envy, t iresome, gui lty, poison,

i l lness; toward blue – colder; toward yellow – l ighter, st imulat ing,

f resh, youthful.(Schultz A, 2011)

Blue : relaxing, calmness, comfort, securi ty, yearning; spir ituality,

wisdom, nobi l i ty, dignity, honesty; cold, drunk, melancholy ,

depressing; wet, c lean, sea, sky. (Schultz A, 2011)

54

Purple: combines e lements of red and blue (physiologically opposing

colours) which are present depending upon surroundings; regal,

def ined; wealth, pompous; myst ic ism, magic, dramatic, imaginative;

lonely, mournful; under certain shades – morbid and unsett l ing; toward

red – seductive, sensual, secret ive, sweet and int imate. (Schultz A,

2011)

Table 1.3 Colour schemes against psychological reaction

Furniture

Types of furniture

Chairs

Carol Brown describes several dif ferent types of chairs are found in a

community centre, among them the lounge chair, reader chair , and task or

ergonomic chair, which is on casters, adjustable, and scient if ical ly designed

to support the body. Stools, benches, rocking chairs, and sofas are used as

well. Chairs in the publ ic area can be upholstered, sol id wood, metal f rame

with moulded plast ic shel l or upholstery, or a variety of other combinations

of materials. Upholstered chairs are usually more comfortable, give a more

resident ial, home l ike feeling to the space, and provide the oppo rtunity for

colour and pattern accents. Non-upholstered chairs may be easier to

maintain and more durable, although plast ic and wood show scratches and

handprints. One of the more important factors in consider ing a chair is its

scale in relat ionship to the intended user, the architecture and surrounding

furniture. Brown, C (2004).The structure of the centre hal l is hexagonal so it

would be appropriate to have L shaped pouf l ike seats that can be placed

side to side to form one long surrounding lounge seat a nd this wi l l serve as

the main lounge area.

55

Fig 2.1 the proposed lounge seats for the main hal l

Task Chairs

Task chairs are of ten found in both publ i c and staf f areas of the community .

These chairs are ergonomically designed to adjust to the user ’s body via

mechanisms ranging from simple seat height to a mult itude of sophist icated

adjustments. The back and seat may t i l t or be f ixed, back tension may be

increased or decreased, the back and arms may lower or r ise, etc. Casters

are attached to the base, which faci l i tate easy movement. A part icular style

of chair may come in a var iety of overall widths, depths and heights, with or

without arms, so that the r ight size can be tai lored to the appropriate use.

Armless chairs are of ten used when the space is c onf ined or when the

occupant is in and out of the chair f requently. Brown, C (2004).

56

Fig 2.2 Environmental ly fr iendly and ergonomic task chair and a standard

double pedestal desk with a drop- leaf top.

Significance of an environment friendly community centre

Community centres, community centres are public locations where members

of a community tend to gather for group act ivit ies, social support, publ ic

information, and other purposes. They may sometimes be open for the whole

community or for a specialised group within the greater community.

Examples of community centres for specif ic groups

include: Chr ist ian community centres, Is lamic community

centres, Jewish community centres, youth clubs etc I t is important to

understand that successful cit ies, towns, suburbs and even local

neighbourhoods share a set of characterist ics. Al l of these have an ongoing

sense of purpose, a dynamic. This is not to suggest that all places must

operate at a fever pitch of vitality and endless comings and goings; simply

that good places have a ‘raison d’être’, an everyday rhythm which der ives

f rom the mixture of act ivit ies one f inds there. This includes such things as

local shops, l i t t le cafes and grocery stores, perhaps local galleries,

launderettes, post of f ices, even banks. I t might also include local meet ing or

‘vi l lage’ halls where voluntary groups and enthusiasts can meet, doctors’

surgeries, sports hal ls and playing f ields, maybe a local theatre or theatre

group, an art col lege or maybe simply an area where people l ike to sit and

watch the wor ld go by .The main object ive of these centres is to help up hold

the society in all possible f ields but our focus is mainly on the social,

57

economical and environmental benef its. This means that community centres

that are char ity inspired serve as embassies for hope, restorat ion and

rehabi l itat ion, their goals include creating awareness of the environment,

helping people with disabil i t ies, char ity work and vol unteering. By using

bamboo as the main material for construct ing and furnishing the interiors of

such an inst itute it should be able to send a strong statement: ‘Thrive to

create awareness about the importance of sustaining our environment’ this is

a key issue in our day to day l ife, since we as the populat ion are facing

issues l ike global warming and deplet ion of our natural resources that we

rely on. The other issue of excess carbon emissions can be curbed even if

on a small scale.

Due to economical pract ises that are also economical but are not

environment f r iendly, this noble idea might shed l ight on how we can achieve

goals without necessari ly deplet ing our resources. How? Since bamboo is

economical, sustainable and also versat i le in its characterist ics it wil l dr ive

other people to start thinking of materials that have similar character ist ics

and this wil l lead to crit ical thinking before materials are chosen for building

purposes. This, even though it might not promise to change the wor ld, might

prove to be a strong statement to the wor ld.

58

CHAPTER THREE

59

METHODOLOGY

Overview

In this chapter, the research design as wel l as the methodology is descr ibed.

The researcher used the descr ipt ive method while conduct ing this research.

The purpose of employing the descript ive method is to descr ibe the nature of

the condit ions, as it take place during the t ime of the study and to explore

the various causes of a part icular phenomenon that is of interest to the

research.

The researcher opted to use this k ind of research consider ing the desire to

acquire f irst hand data f rom the respondents so as to formulate rat ional and

sound conclusions and recommendations for the study. The essence of a

case study is that it tr ies to i l luminate a decision or a set of decisions: why

they were taken, how they were implemented and with what result .

This chapter is also centred on the methodology employed in conduct ing the

research, identifying the target populat ion in order to come up with sample

populat ion, data collect ion methods and procedures. Procedure of analysis

of the collected data is also br ief ly descr ibed.

Research Design

The researcher employed mater ial sampling in order to address the issue of

ergonomic analysis of the furniture and other relevant mater ials used by the

patrons and also the members of staff .

The case study method was also employed in this research so as to

understand the various attr ibutes of sustainable design and universal design,

once implemented, can be tweaked to ach ieve more successful outcomes.

Target Population

The targeted populat ions of this study were the people who anticipate being

patrons of the community, which consisted mainly of young boys and gir ls,

mature and old people who expect to gain f rom the community centre’s

activit ies, they also include missionar ies and NGO personnel who look to

benef it f rom the inst i tut ions with in the Kisumu Distr ict region.

60

Sample Design

The sampling method that was applied for this case study was the random

sampling method, which served as a proper representat ion of the whole

populat ion that uses the l ibrary. Below is a table of the individuals that were

consulted.

Description Number to be sampled

Staff to be

2

Boys and gir ls (around the area) 3

Men and Women (around the area) 3

Bl ind Persons 1

Persons on wheel chairs 1

Table 1.4 Descr ipt ion of people that answered the questionnaire Source:

Author

Data collection methods

For this study, a number of research instruments were used to col lect data

and assess the data col lected.

1. Review of exist ing documents

2. Questionnaires.

3. Photography

4. Part ic ipation and observation.

5. Interviews

Review of existing documents

The researcher also reviewed exist ing documents tackling relevant issues

about the research problems and the cas e study itself . Documents l ike site

61

maps, architectural proposal drawings, plans and art ist ic impressions of the

site are to be viewed.

Questionnaires

The questionnaires were given to the part icipants aimed at evaluating how

they apply ef fect ive factors required to combat the research problems. In

addit ion, this research instrument al lowed the researcher to carry out the

quantitat ive approach effect ively with the use of stat ist ics for data

interpretat ion.

Photography

The researcher employed the use of pho tography as a method of data

col lect ion especial ly in the init ial part of the research for the site analysis.

This method al lowed the researcher to have a reference point for working

with while not on site. I t is also relat ively cheap method of data col lec t ion.

Participation and observation

To get full information the researcher part icipated in the daily act ivit ies a t

the Saut i Kuu Banda and community centre by f requenting it as an

antic ipating patron so as to get a f irsthand exper ience of the faci l i t ies.

Interviews

Formal and informal interviews were also conducted by the researcher on the

key members of the sample populat ion as well as the other members f rom

the sample group. Interviews allow the researcher to gather pert inent

information in a t ime eff ic ient manner since the feedback is immediate.

Observations made by the researcher were recorded and analyzed

af terwards.

Data analysis and presentation

Analysis of the data col lected wi l l include the following methods:

A study of the photographs in reference to each part icular problem area as

they appear on the site

Using data collected from the interviews and questionnaires to def ine the

problems deeper and gather possible solut ions.

62

Overal l synthesis of al l the col lected information into a portrait of the general

case

Organization of the synthesized data into logical whole charts and tables

Thereafter the researcher wil l present the results of the research in a wr it ten

full report, drawings, three-dimensional renders and models of the proposed

solut ions and possible concepts.

Limitations

Time constraints – The researcher experienced delays t ime and again due to

the bureaucrat ic channels at the City Hal l and this meant that the al located

t ime to carry out the research was reduced.

The researcher also had trouble accessing documents pertaining to The

Saut i Kuu Banda and community centre since very l i t t le l i teratur e is available

about the bui lding.

The distance between Nairobi and Kisumu is about 500 km, the cost of

travel l ing this distance is not cheap and of course t ime consuming

This as such restr icted the researcher to use of primary data mainly.

63

CHAPTER FOUR

64

SITE ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS

Overview

This chapter mainly seeks to address the current state of the facil i t ies and

amenit ies present at the site. The researcher analysis and evaluates the

var ious aspects of part icular interest to this study. This analysis and

evaluat ion is looked at f rom four main areas namely: Landscaping, Interior

Architecture, Exhibit ion & Display and Furniture.

The chapter also gives the reader pert inent information about the site by

addressing issues such as the locat ion of the site and its context, the

var ious geographical features present on the site, vegetat ive cov er and even

the cl imatic condit ions of the site. This is done mainly by the use information

acquired f rom the site and also the use of photos.

Analysis and Evaluation

Landscape

Location and context

Coordinates: 0°0′41.50″S 34°20.75′0″E

Fig 2.3 Google Earth Maps of the site source: Google

65

The site is located within the Kisumu Distr ict area, somewhere about an hour

drive f rom the city by the lake. The specif ic location is known as Nyang’oma,

Kogelo. I t is c lose to Senator Barack Obama Secondary and primary school.

Adjacent to the dirt road that is the main road of access. I t has no

neighbouring bui ldings and has vegetat ion and bare land surrounding it .

Access and circulation

Access to the premises is through one main gate. The public entrance is

situated at the f ront of the buildings. There is one entry / exit gate. While

this is done for ease of the circulat ion and direct approach makes one feel

l ike it is a community centre, it might greatly inconvenience personnel and

persons with vehicles

Soil

Fig 2.4 loam soi l source: Google images

Loam is the main type of soil. I t is intermediate in texture between clay and

sand, consist ing of a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, si lt , and organic matter.

Gradations in texture are of ten referred to as clay loam or sandy loam,

depending on the predominating constituent. Loam is easily worked, lacking

the excessive porosity of sandy soi ls and the compactness of clay. I t is

acceptable to near ly al l plants.

Noise

The source site has almost no sources of noise f rom the surrounding areas.

Even though the sett ing is nearby the main road , noise pollut ion f rom nearby

traff ic is very minimal because the area is somewhat remote. Air pol lut ion is

very minimal also due to the remote sett ing. Noise could come from the

66

sound of moving vehicles and their occasional hoot ing, but this is not an

issue provided the populat ion around the area does not increase . Air

pol lut ion happens when the speed of the moving vehicles st irs dust f rom the

ground which when blown by the wind ends up sett l ing on the community

centre premises. This shows that there is need for buffering.

Vegetation and Ground Cover

The site consists of quite a number of vegetat ive features. There are a

number of trees on site among them, Nandi f lame tree, eucalyptus trees and

the Grevi l lea tree. The site also has some shrubs and f lowers which wi l l be

used as hedges around the bui lding. The bui lding is surrounded by grass on

its lef t and r ight sides, and the environs al ike.

Climate

The region has an annual rainfal l of between 1,170 mm and 1,450 mm with a

mean annual temperature of 21.75 0 Celsius and a range of 15 0C and 30

0C.

Due to the observed high temperatures venti lat ion of the structures should

be eff icient in such a manner that the heat does not interfere with the

centre’s dai ly act ivit ies.

The region also receives rainfal l in abundance somet imes and thus water

harvest ing should be encouraged.

Drainage and Hydrology

Since the site is mostly f lat, the drainage channels that are on the site wi l l

be mostly man made. The main building has gutters and drainage pipes that

drain the excess rain water f rom the roof . The drainage should run out at the

back of the building. However, the site does not suf fer f rom any signif icant

drainage problems since the climat ic condit ions of Kisumu in terms of rainfall

are favourable and the r isk of f looding is very minimal. The landscaping at

the f ront and sides of the bui lding al low run -off of excess water into the main

drainage trenches, and that is the idea behind it al l. Exist ing developments

The main exist ing feature on the site is the two bui ldings. Bui lt in the ear ly

2011, the of f ice, guest house and pavi l ion are st i l l new so degradation has

67

been real ised so far. The site is on the grid and it receives services such as

electr ic ity, internet and telephone services and sewerage services have to

be put in place since there are no local providers of this service.

Paths and Ramps

The site lacks any specif ied paths and ramps for use by the physical ly

handicapped, such as those on wheelchairs or the visual ly impaired. Instead,

a large stair leading to the building is the only entrance for the public. This

shows lack of considerat ion for the handicapped individuals since accessing

the premise is pract ical ly impossible without assistance, and even so, it wil l

st i l l be very dif f icult to do so.

Fig.2.7 The original design shows lack of ramps for the disabled.

Parking

There is Lack of adequate parking facil i t ies in the publ ic area at the f ront

and also for the staff members and according to the or iginal designs no

space for parking has been al located.

68

Interior Architecture

N/B By the time of the study the buildings were stil l under construction

and were not yet fully furnished.

The researcher based his ideas on standard but hypothet ical sett ing s in

terms of the inter ior architecture.

Wall finish:

Fig 2.8 the bare window spaces of the hal l that makes up the perimeter wal l

The researcher suggests the following:

Introduction of tampered glass to seal the pavil ion

Placement of bl inders

Louvres placed at the top sect ion for venti lat ion

69

Floor finishing

Fig 2.9 the bare concrete f loor of the pavil ion

Suggestions:

Cork Flooring : i t is the most eff icient environment f r iendly way of f looring

as earl ier stated; it does not af fect deforestat ion since trees are not cut

down to get this type of f loor.

70

Ceiling

Fig 3.0 Bare cei l ing that needs revamping

Suggestions:

Wooden Acoustic Ti les, l ike above ment ioned

LED l ight systems for the l ight ing.

Incorporat ion of thematic colours .

71

Exhibition and Display

This is mainly concerned with how the centre has been presented and how

its amenit ies have been demarcated.

Signage

The community centre does not have signs and labels that punctuate and

make circulat ion easy around the facil i ty.

I t also lacks a sign board with the centres name, mission, vis ion and

object ives.

There are no signs and symbols for amenit ies l ike the toi lets, f ire

ext inguishers, k itchenettes e.t .c., which faci l i tate the circulat ion of traff ic

and create awareness for any user. Signage ensures

Suggestions:

Placement of sign board by the entrance

Introduction of signs, symbols and labels for amenit ies

The signs and symbols should be accompanied with words where

necessary.

Furniture

This section is primarily concerned with the type of furniture around the

premises of the community centre ( if there are any).During the t ime of the

study the furniture lay out of the centre had not been r eal ised, so this gave

the researcher a wide range of f ield for research on the type of furniture

required in a community centre.

Suggestions:

The researcher suggests the above ment ioned L shaped seats which can be

joined al l round to form a lounge area for the hal l, the mater ials used for

cover ing the seats are organic and sustainable and the seats can also be

used individual ly thus is a good candidate.

For the off ice area; the ear lier suggested task chair is made from

sustainable mater ials and is adequately ergonomic and comfortable to use.

The drop-leaf pedestal is also made from sustainable mater ials thus it would

be a good f it for the centre’s main off ice.

72

The researcher also suggests use of foldable tables since most act ivit ies

within the centre wi l l interchange at dif ferent t imes of the week.

Fig 3.1 sustainably made foldable table for home or off ice use . Source;

Internet

Kitchen

The community centre has a kitchenette which should be plastered and

painted, bulbs put in place and the kitchen fully furnished.

Fig3.2. the kitchenette area source: Author

Toiletry

The centre has a toi let area which requires attention in terms of paint and

inter ior presentat ion.

Fig3.3 the toilet area source: Author

73

CHAPTER FIVE

74

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Overview

This chapter sets out to conclude the research and make recommendations

based on the f indings of this research. The conclusions made by the

researcher are based upon the research questions asked at the beginning in

chapter on. The recommendations made by the researcher are based upon

the guiding design principles of this research, Susta inable design and

Universal design, which were covered in chapter two of this report.

Summary of Findings

Since the community centre was opened to the general publ ic in the 2011, it

has undergone very minimal changes in i ts design to carter to its inten ded

increase in number of patrons and improves its service provision. Most of its

facil i t ies have not been set up which is hindrance to service provision, given

it is a public centre and is suppose to serve the general Kogelo populat ion

and the environs of Kisumu at large.

The centre is intended mostly to be used by High School students, Primary

School students, Vi l lage elders and the rest of the community within the area

as a study space, recreational space, social gathering and other communal

based activit ies rather than as a place to gather information, or provide

resources to conduct research such as this one bein g carr ied out by the

researcher. The landscaping has also not been considered as a major

marker yet we al l know that community centres should be tranquil and

serene. The landscaping scheme should be ut i l ized effect ively in such a

manner that the lack of exterior reading facil i t ies such as benches should

not be witnessed. The design of the centre is also not very considerate of

individuals who are physical ly handicapped, as witnessed by the lack of

ramps for individuals on wheelchairs.

75

Conclusion

As far as sustainable design is concerned, there are pr inciples that have

been applied to the premise example the wood used is treated to stop

termites but there can be further improvements on the structure and its

inter iors by, for example, instead of using wood primar i ly other sustainable

materials l ike bamboo, cork which do not affect the environment at large

should also be incorporated. The researcher has recommended some ways

in which it can be implemented.

Universal design has not been applied and the building is not accessible to

the physical ly handicapped and even the visual ly impaired without

assistance from another party. The researcher has recommended some ways

in which it can be implemented.

Recommendations

As per the conclusions, the researcher makes recommendat ions on how to

implement the guiding principles of this research in the four areas of

concentrat ion. The appl icat ion of these pri nciples wi l l aim at interweaving

them with contemporary design principles, since af ter al l, though the centre

was recently put up, we are now living in the 21 s t century where it has to

compete with other state of the art community centres in other cit ies al l

around the wor ld.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Wall finish

The researcher proposes that the walls with the stone f inish remain as they

are. However they should be wire brushed to renew their look. This should

be done on regular t imed intervals when they sta rt fading due to regular use

of the facil i ty.

The wal ls with the intended painted f inish should be worked on thoroughly to

even them out. Af ter this they should be given a f resh coat of paint. The

researcher proposes that the walls be painted with modern colours. A sof t

orange or sof t yel low or a combination of the two would contrast wel l with

76

the natural br ick f inish and go wel l with the exter ior colours. The researcher

recommends the wal ls to retain its wooden panel l ing.

Floor Finish

In the interest of sustainabi l i ty, the researcher recommends use of cork

f looring f inish. I t wi l l however have to be restored by sanding it down and

applying a f resh coat of varnish. The f loor wi l l be maintained through regular

pol ishing. This kind of maintenance wil l ens ure that the f loor is presentable

and easy to clean.

Lighting and Electricity

The researcher recommends that the current natural l ight ing system be

maintained since it is adequate enough given the large nature of the

windows but with the introduction of blinders the natural l ight ing can be

control led. The art if icial l ight ing however needs to be reconsidered before

implementat ion the use of energy saving bulbs should be appl ied to provide

downward l ight ing for the reading areas. This is a sustainable way of

ensur ing that the centre saves on energy cost. The l ight f rom this f luorescent

energy saving bulbs is also considered more suitable for reading as

compared to that f rom incandescent bulbs. The researcher recommends

introduction of solar panels for sustai nable electr ic ity

Ceiling

The cei l ings should undergo a complete overhaul, beginning with the roof , to

prevent it f rom leaking and damaging the cei l ing below.

The researcher recommends a wooden cei l ing made from recycled t imber.

This kind of ceil ing wi l l complement the wooden f loor and the wal l panels. I t

wi l l also enhance the aesthet ic value of the inter ior.

77

EXHIBITION AND DISPLAY

Book displays for the community centre

The researcher recommends modern and sustainably designed book displays

to enhance the contemporary thematic scheme of the centre.

Fig 3.4 Modern book displays

Source: Internet

Signage

The researcher recommends that the Lettering at the face of the building be

done and painted. A large sign (1.5 by 1m) should be placed near t he

entrance. I t should contain proper signage elements l ike the name of the

centre in large lettering and maybe services offered in the centre in smaller

letters.

Labelling

The researcher proposes that proper labels that are professionally designed

and created to last should be put in place. The signs, symbols and the

78

label l ing of the amenit ies and other features should be meticulously placed

for easy spott ing and reading.

Décor

The researcher proposes that the centre should have var ious spots,

especial ly at the corners, along the wal ls and at the centre to display various

artefacts f rom the community within. The exhibit ions should be provided with

l ight ing to provide a l ight ing effect.

FUNITURE

Anthropometric Considerations

Since the patrons are there for hours at t ime, anthropometric factors of the

furniture should be considered especial ly when it come to the chairs and

table, where patrons wi l l be spending most of their t ime. Their design should

provide adequate support as wel l as comfort to the patrons.

Durability

Another key factor that the researcher wou ld recommend is that the type of

material used in making the furniture should be durable since it is going to

undergo heavy day to day usage by al l types of patrons. The furniture should

also be designed in a way that it considers the interact ion with other

elements. For example, since the chairs are going to be dragged in and out

f rom the tables, the legs should be designed in a way that they do not

damage the wooden f loor.

Accessibility

Considerat ions should be made while designing the furniture to en sure that

the principle of sustainabil i ty applies to the furniture since it is one of the

main guiding principles of this research. I t should be able to carter to a wide

var iety of individuals with dif ferent k inds of impairments ef f iciently.

79

Sustainability

As far as furniture is concerned, sustainabi l i ty being the main guiding

principle of this research, it is important that the materials used in making

the furniture be of a sustainable nature. This can be achieved through the

use of recycled materials where possible, for example in the outdoor

furniture.

Modern Design

As mentioned ear lier, modern design is going to be incorporated in this

design to bring together elements f rom the 20 t h and 21 s t century. Therefore

most of the furniture design wi l l consid er modern design as an inf luence

while incorporating all the other discussed elements discussed under this

sub-heading.

LANDSCAPING

Outdoor reading facilit ies

The premises lack any outdoor facil i t ies . This dissuades some of the patrons

f rom using the main hal l especial ly those who want to read informally, away

f rom the conf ines of the hall in a more relaxed atmosphere. Small shades

can be erected to faci l i tate this.

Fig 3.5 Outdoor Reading Space

Source: www.ideasforoutdoor l iving.com

80

Accessibility for the Handicapped

The researcher noticed that the biggest problem with the landscaping was

that it did not facil i tate accessibi l i ty to the handicapped individuals. The

researcher proposes that ramps be put up to enable individuals on

wheelchairs access the premises on their own.

Special s labs should also be put in place on a designated footpath that the

researcher recommends, which wi l l be able to guide the visual ly impaired

who use a white can in navigating to and from the premises.

Fig 3.6 Paving ideas: Foot paths that can be used by the handicapped

Source: www.ideasforoutdoor l iving.com

Parking

Adequate parking faci l i t ies should be provided for both the staff members

and the public. Parking spots for the handicapped should also b e avai led and

reserved for them. The staff parking lot should provide shade for the

vehicles since they are parked for long periods of t ime unlike those of the

public who may stay for only a few hours.

Hedge

The researcher recommends that the premise be surrounded by a hedge

along the perimeter. The hedge should be interspaced with short tree types .

This combinat ion wi l l reduce the amount of dust gett ing into the premise.

The hedge wil l also provide pr ivacy for those who want some outdoor

81

activit ies whi le at the same t ime reducing the amount of distract ions f ro m the

outside for those outside.

82

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Acknowledgement : The picture of the Lawn Community Associat ion, Swindon

sign by P. L. Chadwick. Believed to be in the public domain (sourced from

Wikimedia Commons) 2008. The premises were for many years a pub known

as The Gamekeeper. For more on the associat ion : http:/ /www.lawninfo.net/

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associat ions', the encyclopaedia of informal

educat ion. [www.infed.org/associat ion/b-comcen.html.] .

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www.decoust ic.com.

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Retrieved May 26 t h 2012 from

http:/ /www.library.uq.edu.au/papers/paperarchives

http:/ /www.bcieurobib.com/tag/modernl ibrary -furniture Retr ieved on 15th

January 2012

Library Displays http:/ /www.librarystoreltd.com/pages.aspx?content=20

Retr ieved on 29th November 2012

Library Furniture for Library Environments

Library furniture trends http:/ /www.l ibraryenvironments.com Retrieved on

29 t h November 2012

Off icial Nairobi City Counci l Website (www.nairobicity.go.ke) Retr ieved on

29 t h November 2011

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88

APPENDIX

89

Questionnaire

Structured questionnaire administered to the anticipating users and staff of the Sauti Kuu Banda and community centre.

The researcher is a final year student in the University of Nairobi’s School of Arts and Design undertaking Interior Design who wants to understand how the centre is meant to operate and how he may use his interior design knowledge to make it even better. Kindly assist by filling in the questionnaires below. The information provided will be used for scholarly purposes only.

Introduction:

How often would you use the community centre in one week?

Every day 5 days 3 days

6 days 4 days Less than 3 days

For what specific purpose would you come to the centre?

To Study To volunteer Leisure

Would the centre adequately cater to your needs?

Yes No Sometimes

Furniture

Do you like the proposed chairs in the hall area at the centre?

Yes No

How comfortable do you find them?

Comfortable Fairly comfortable Uncomfortable

What seating and backrest material would you be most comfortable with?

Padded Wooden Metallic

Other (Specify)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you like the proposed tables provided in the reading area at the centre?

Yes No

Are you comfortable with the wooden table top?

Yes No

If not, what would you prefer?

(Specify)…………………………………………………...

Interior architecture

Do you find the hall spacious enough?

Yes No

If not, what do you suggest should be done to improve this condition?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What, in your opinion, is the condition of the proposed floor finish?

Very good Good Average

90

Poor Very poor

What do you think would be the most ideal floor finish for this community centre?

Screed Tiles Ceramic tiles Timber parquet

PVC Tiles Rubber tiles Marble

Other (Specify)………………………………………… ……………….......

How good can you say the lighting conditions of the hall are during the day?

Very good Good Average

Poor Very poor

What else can be done to improve on the lighting conditions of the library in your opinion?

…………………………………………………………………………

Do you find the proposed colours of the walls appropriate?

Yes No

If No, please explain why and suggest colours you would find most appropriate for the wall finish?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Landscaping

Do you like the Centre’s proposed landscaping?

Yes No

If No, what do you suggest should be done to improve the landscape design of the library?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you for your co-operation