INTRODUCTION

When I was sixteen, I was able to travel outside of the country for the first time. I spent two weeks in Kenya, meeting new people, and immersing myself in the culture. From driving past Africa’s largest slum Kibera, to spending the night in a hut made of dung at a local Masai village, I began to feel truly humbled. I visited a women’s village called Umoja where I learned about the archaic practices of female genital mutilation that still take place today. I listened to the stories of people not far from my age, and began to realize the immense privilege I had been born with. From then on, I knew I wanted to spend my life doing my best to enact change. Throughout my education at SCAD, I have come to realize the impact that can be made through design. The relationship between ourselves and the physical environment we are in is absolutely intrinsic. I believe we can change the world through design, and I think education is at the root of it all.

Debt, marginalization, energy poverty, and climate vulnerability are just some of the challenges facing developing countries in today’s times. Education is a crucial aspect of improving the quality of life that exists in these developing countries. Economic vitality is driven by the increase in future job placement caused by adept schooling. Self-sufficiency in educational infrastructure will help to protect nations, such as Kenya, from climate vulnerability and related issues.

The scope of the project includes the renovation of an upper level schools established by The Braeburn Group of International Schools. Utilizing a holistic approach that celebrates the existing culture and vernacular, the project will comprise of a preparatory school based in Nairobi, Kenya. The interiors of the school will be designed to enhance the success of students post-graduation to help them become productive citizens, and to ensure a happy and sustained livelihood after schooling. Primary users will include students, ages 14-18, in addition to teachers, faculty, and supporting members of the community. While maintaining the pragmatic standards of all Braeburn Schools, the design will take into consideration the following existing issues in educational interiors: Community Involvement, Classroom Confinement, Acoustical Interference, and Social & Emotional Wellbeing. With the community and environment at the forefront of the design process, Nairobi’s Newest Campus was created.