The August Issue - architecture and built forms.

THE

AUGUST ISSUE

Architecture & Built Forms

AS I SEE IT

This issue is a special one because I got to collaborate with some very special people. They are both architects and really good interior and graphic designers.

I have always worked with them on the magazine, they have mostly been behind the scenes but this time they share some of their amazing insights and work with us.

So, let’s get to it. Enjoy!

Denis Kibuchi Photographer Director and Editor ‘As I See It’ @_bucci_photography

2

‘’Music has rhythm and melody; architecture has order and space’’

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

3

Mercy Moturi Graduate Architect Graphic Designer Editor ‘As I See It’ @m0_turi

4

A.C.K St. Francis Church, Karen Karen Boyani Rd.

The Church

Perception in places and spaces.

It cannot be disputed the power design has on how the human being perceives spaces. The ability to tap into our senses in different measures and ways. Design of sacred spaces seeks to make the human being accept their mortal nature and humble themselves in the presence of the supreme being, God. From how we approach the building, an ascent into the church to mimic humans transcending into a higher presence. ‘’and (Jacob) dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on earth, and the top of it reached heaven and behold the angles of God ascending and descending on it’’ Genesis 28:10 5

6

The play of scale through the use of high ceilings that reinforce this feeling of making a human feel small in the space, natural materials of stone and timber that seek to be a textural reminder of nature and its creator. The opening design allowing light to flood into the spaces in a majestic manner and the illustration of bible stories on the glass windows act as a reminder of the sacred 7 nature of the space.

8

9

Fort Jesus Nkurumah Rd.

Gedi Ruins

Architecture of memory; the ruins that tell us a story of our past.

A demonstration of how architecture has been used to create a built form that protects man. Built forms that provide a safe haven and a city all at once. The materials here have stood time, an attempt to create a sort of permanence in its place. These built forms are evidence of the existence of people in a place, the arrangement of spaces a demonstration of the social hierarchy of the people, from the leaders to the common man, the structure of family as the smallest unit in its 10 community. ♥

Fort Jesus Nkurumah Rd.

11

If one could compare the creative nature of buildings, it could be compared to the dynamic nature of music. The rhythm, repetition, play with high and low tones; the ability to tell stories, its range of genres that suit different people. These are all elements that manifest themselves in our built forms.

“It is almost as if its frozen music…”

Johann Wol0fgang von Goethe ‘Just like music has different genres, it is evident architecture in different cities exhibits different characters. Both Nairobi and Mombasa are major cities; however, their built forms are different in nature. From scale, to style, to color.

Built form has been adopted to suit the needs of its people and environment based on the principles of asymmetry, hierarchy and transformation.

12

Mombasa Golf Club Azania Drive

13

Nairobi, through the lens The city under the sun. This city hosts a number of skyscrapers that have transformed the skyline of Nairobi since the 80’s. from KICC to Times Tower to the more recently Pension Towers.

In design, in order for an individual to experience architecture, an individual moves through space and time. They are able to experience the form of the buildings themselves from outside, move around and inside the building, resonate with the patterns, symbols and textures of the building.

14

Nairobi CBD is an ensemble framed by a combination of massive towers that serve as fine examples of the Brutalism, International and Modern architecture epoch and an exquisite collection of smaller structures through different eras that have ultimately shaped this city’s skyline.

Nairobi’s expressway

15

16

Nairobi’s skyline from Muindi Mbingu Street

17

Fedha Towers Built in 1983, this building is a combination of a pyramidal and rectangular form. Its subtractive nature seen with its increase in height gives it a very distinctive character within its surrounding. Its vertical definition is further emphasized with the columns and the openings on the north and south facades that are repeated throughout the façade.

Ecobank towers and Bruce house are rectangular forms characterized by horizontal bands repeated on the building’s façade. The distinct nature of each of the buildings is the colors used, green and red. The similar nature of the materials and flat ornamentation ties the buildings that are in close proximity together.

18

K.I.C.C. Nairobi’s architectural symbol. developed in the 1974 and located within the pollical center of the Central Business District.

It takes a number of additive forms from a rectilinear base podium from which the cylindrical tower takes shape from to the conical amphitheater. This building has historically served various purposes over the years. Originally commissioned by the president to be the headquarters of the political party at the time, it has become host to numerous international and local conferences and hosts various offices. To the Kenyan people it is a landmark.

A building used to provide a reference point in the city connecting the public imagination of the residents. It is more than just a building and is now a Kenyan identity, used in the printed currency of the Kenyan economy and in the advertising power of the city.

19

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

20

Kiptoo Patrick Graduate Architect Graphic Designer Creative Director and Editor ‘As I See It’ @bigpatoarts

21

Mombasa Old Town Ndia Kuu Rd.

Swahili Cultural Centre Swahili Pot Hub

Mombasa, through the lens The built form in Mombasa takes a different approach. The building masses attempt to mimic the low-lying nature of the coast, hence buildings of a smaller scale in terms of height. Cultural identification in this city is paramount. With buildings exhibiting motifs and patterns that reference their culture and dominant Islamic religion.

22

University of Nairobi, Mombasa Campus Aga Khan Rd.

Little Theatre Club Mbaraki Rd.

Mombasa’s built form has retained the practice of staying true to material.

From adopting local material and finishes as well as the skills of developing the buildings themselves. Built forms that serve a functional purpose as well 23 as tell the story of the place.

On going construction of an apartment building opposite Mkomani Mosque

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

24

Mumtaz Apartments, Tudor Vihiga Avenue

Total Petro Station, Mkomani Cement Rd.

25

Technical University of Mombasa Tom Mboya Street

26

Pembe za Ndovu Moi Avenue

27

The Royal Castle Hotel Moi Avenue

Canon Towers Moi Avenue

28

The Copy Cat Ltd, Mombasa Cathedral Rd.

Ronald Ngala / Manyimbo Road Junction

29

Nyali Golf View Residence Links Rd.

30

Skylight Apartments, Tudor Heko Rd.

This issue is a special one because I got to collaborate with some very special people. They are both architects and really good interior and graphic designers.

I have always worked with them on the magazine, they have mostly been behind the scenes but this time they share

Mohamed Jamia Masjid Luhar Wadha St.

31

bucci photography

photosbybucci@gmail.com +254 711 964 900 Instagram: @_bucci_photography Compiled and Edited by: bigpatoarts bigpatoarts@gmail.com

Eldoret International Airport Stendi Kisa - Yala Rd.

Contact us for: graduations, bridal shower, baby shower, fashion photography, conceptual photography, product photography, architecture and interior photography

Bucci 2022