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T H E B L U E E D G E
R E C O N N E C T I N G T H E F O R G O TT E N R I V E R
-EASTERN MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA-
APRIL 2016
J O M O K E N Y A T T A U N I V E R S I T Y O F A G R I C U L T U R E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y
D E P A R T M E N T O F L A N D S C A P E A R C HI T E C T U R E
MBOLOI ANDREW KIOKO
AB242-1340/2012
PROJECT
REPORT
THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page ii of 51
I wish to express my appreciation to all those who have contributed in one way or another in the pro-
cess of research and design of this project and project report. To the J.K.U.A.T. fraternity; the Depart-
ment of Landscape Architecture for granting me an opportunity to study Landscape Architecture, to
the university library, for provision of reference material during my study. To my supervisors and lectur-
ers, thank you for your guidance. To the department of planning and urban development in Macha-
kos county, for provision of site information and relevant documents. I also benefited greatly from a
supporting cast of knowledgeable fellow students, thank you for being great classmates.
Finally special thanks to my family for the spiritual, moral and financial support through my under-
graduate education, you will forever be treasured.
Acknowledgements
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Waterways are a vital and productive resource to our environment. Rivers provide a variety of amen-
ities and services to communities across the world such as drinking water, food, travel, recreation,
wildlife habitat, connection to place, aesthetic appeal, economic development, among others.
Population increase, urbanization and evolution of human activities has led to increased demand
for ecosystem goods and services. Riverine landscapes, including river Tendelya in Machakos, have
suffered uncontrolled exploitation of these goods and services. This is may be due to the fact that
the river is community owned and not belonging to an individual, hence being a victim of tragedy
of the commons.
This design project examines the importance of the river Tendelya and its watershed to its urban and
rural community and how riverfront design can function as a unifying element for Machakos town,
river Tendelya and the immediate peri-urban zone.
Over half of the world’s future population will be living in urban environments by 2030, which will
dramatically increase the stress on a vulnerable network of water systems. A restoration of a river can
bring awareness to people while improving physical and ecological corridor connections (Bernhardt
& Palmer, 2007).
Abstract
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Before I joined upper primary school, we lived in the countryside of a rural com-
munity near a small seasonal river. I spent most of my childhood afternoons out-
doors since in lower primary school, classes ended at midday. We had many
memorable activities with my friends along the river, including swimming in the
then clean waters. It hadn’t occurred to me at the time how truly connected I
was to the river’s ecological setting until I began living in an urban environment
and attending boarding schools.
In many urban cities there is little connection between the ecology
of a river and its urban dwellers. Many urban settings include built
infrastructure with poor connections to natural elements and/or paying little
attention to the river.
Why is there a missing connection between the river and its urban setting?
Is it because cities have turned their back away from the river? How can
landscape architecture help urban communities reconnect to a river?
Narrative
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Table of content
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................ ii
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................iii
Narrative...........................................................................................................................................iv
Table of content..............................................................................................................................v
1. Chapter ONE: Introduction ........................................................................................................7
1.1 Background to study.................................................................................................................7
1.2 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................................8
1.3 Justification.................................................................................................................................9
1.4 Project Objectives....................................................................................................................10
1.4.1 Ultimate Objective ................................................................................................................10
1.4.2 Immediate Objectives ..........................................................................................................10
1.5 Site selection and location......................................................................................................11
2. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ..........................................................................................12
2.1 Human interference on rivers..................................................................................................12
2.2 The Hydrological cycle ............................................................................................................14
2.3 Storm-water management .....................................................................................................15
2.3.1 Approaches to Storm-water Management.......................................................................16
3. CHAPTER THREE: METHODS ........................................................................................................18
3.1 Data Collection and Analysis..................................................................................................18
3.2 Client Brief Development and Analysis..................................................................................25
3.3 Site Analysis ...............................................................................................................................28
3.3.3 Rain seasons and the riparian..............................................................................................30
3.3.4 Site Analysis Summary ..........................................................................................................31
3.4 Case Studies..............................................................................................................................33
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4. Chapter FOUR: Conclusions & Recommendations................................................................35
4.1 Opportunities ............................................................................................................................35
4.1.1 Machakos-Kitui highway ......................................................................................................35
4.1.2 Riverfront recreation and activities .....................................................................................35
4.1.3 Irrigation farming ...................................................................................................................36
4.1.4 Urban agriculture...................................................................................................................36
4.2 Constraints.................................................................................................................................37
4.2.1 Terrain/ steep slope...............................................................................................................37
4.2.2 Land ownership .....................................................................................................................37
5. Chapter FIVE: Design solutions..................................................................................................38
5.1 Philosophy .................................................................................................................................38
5.2 Concepts...................................................................................................................................39
6.1 Master plan ...............................................................................................................................40
6. Chapter SIX: Selected Drawings...............................................................................................40
6.2 Street scape character ..........................................................................................................41
6.3 Design strategies.......................................................................................................................42
6.4 Design strategies.......................................................................................................................43
6.5 Perspective views of selected spaces..................................................................................44
6.6 Perspective views of selected spaces.................................................................................45
6.7 Perspective views of selected spaces..................................................................................46
6.8 Perspective views of selected spaces.................................................................................47
6.9 Construction details .................................................................................................................48
6.10 Construction details ...............................................................................................................49
6.11 Cited works and Bibliography...............................................................................................50
6.12 Cited works and Bibliography...............................................................................................51
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Machakos Town, 64 kilometres southeast of Nairobi, was established in 1887 as the first ad-
ministrative centre for the new British East Africa colony, ten years before Nairobi came to
be. However, the British moved the capital to Nairobi in 1899 when Machakos fell too far
outside of the reach of the Uganda Railway that was then under construction.
As the capital of the Machakos County in Eastern Province of Kenya, Machakos Town is a
major rural centre, and also a satellite town due to its proximity to Nairobi. Its population is
rapidly growing and is 192,117 (as of 2009).
Machakos town mainly offers services such as Banking, government administration, educa-
tional, recreational, trade, sports and as a transport corridor junction. The rural neighbour-
hood, mainly acts as agricultural land with low density rural settlements.
The town is situated on a hilly neighbourhood, with the closest as Iveti hills in the East. This has
led to the ever expanding river streams and valleys within the neighbourhood.
1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to study
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1.2 Problem Statement
Rivers are great resources for both the rural and the urban setting. River Tendelya, in Eastern
Machakos town, acts as the municipality boundary which hence, theoretically, separates
the rural and the urban.
Due to the mixed character in the rivers neighbourhood on either sides, the river has been
neglected and exploited unsustainably, with pollution, sand harvesting and riverbed and
bank erosion as the main problem.
The urban setting has on-site problems such as poor infrastructure, unplanned neighbour-
hoods, poor housing facilities and waste dumping which is the major source of the river
pollution. The town has also developed towards the western side with the eastern side being
neglected however it has riverfront, which is a great asset.
The ‘rural’, Eastern side of the river, faces challenges such as farmland erosion, water and soil
pollution from farm inputs, deforestation and lack of proper circulation routes.
The rural and the urban have a poor relationship in terms of circulation connectivity, product
and service dependency.
An eroded roadside on site.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
A dump-site on the streets of
downtown Machakos.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Substandard housing in Kari-
obangi estate.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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1.3 Justification
Rivers in peri urban setting are a great resource for waterfront recreation, climate modifica-
tion, a site for great views among others.
Although only two rainy seasons are experienced in a year in Machakos, the watershed of
river Tendelya, which includes the forested Iveti hills, provides enough water to run agricultur-
al activities in the area even during the dry season.
River, water and soil pollution discourage the usability of related spaces. This is because of
poor production for agricultural activities, they are a breeding ground for pests and diseas-
es, they give a poor scenery a bad odours.
Poor housing and planning tends to be associated with poverty and insecurity. This thus
discourages development of businesses and costly investments by developers. There is thus
need for urban renewal.
The Machakos-Kitui highway, is a major transport corridor across the Ukambani region. This
provides an opportunity to channel users to the site.
Sand harvesting in river
Tendelya
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
River Tendelya just after a
flash flood.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
An heavily polluted stream
on site.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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1.4 Project Objectives
1.4.1 Ultimate Objective
The main objective of this project is to create an interactive peri-urban waterfront, with mu-
tual benefit between the urban and the rural region.
1.4.2 Immediate Objectives
• To provide measures to enhance river re-mediation and revitalization on problems such
as pollution, erosion and sand harvesting.
• To enhance site storm-water management and flash-flood management.
• To enhance physical and visual connectivity between Machakos town and river Tende-
lya.
• To propose measures on rain water harvesting and utilisation.
• Recommend measures to enhance sustainable agricultural activities on site and the im-
mediate neighbourhood.
• To give a proposal for riverfront spaces with diverse character to accommodate different
activities.
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Figure 1.2 Map of Africa,
Source: Author
Figure 1.3 Map of Kenya
Source: Logistics cluster
F i g u r e 1 . 4 M a c h a k o s t o w n f i g u r e - g r o u n d d i a g r a m
S o u r c e : A u t h o r
F i g u r e 1 . 5 S i t e b o u n d a r y a n d c o n t e x t ( S o u r c e ; G o o g l e e a r t h ,
A u t h o r )
1.5 Site selection and location
The site is located on the peri-urban east of Machakos town. It is about
55 hectares in area. The site includes about a 1.2 kilometre stretch of
river Tendelya as shown on the right.
The site includes part of the Kariobangi residential estates, public pur-
pose and recreational land along the river, vehicle garages and ag-
ricultural land. The site is bordered by the Machakos-Kitui highway on
the south, Marikiti market on the West, Machakos-Kusyomuomo road
on the East and Machakos Baptist Primary School on the North.
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2. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Human-induced land-use changes can have a significant effect on a stream’s mor-
phology. Deforestation, urbanization, agricultural practices and wetland conversion
can all contribute to stream channel degradation (Hammer 1972; Knox 1977; Hooke
1994).
Impervious surfaces are one of the many human fabrications that disrupt hydrologi-
cal processes. Impervious surfaces are simply substances that halt the penetration of
water into the soil. The result of this barrier is increased runoff, higher stream channel
velocities and greater flooding (Arnold and Gibbons 1996; Wolman 1967). Catch-
ments with 10-20 percent imperviousness can have increases in peak flows up to
two-to-three times the normal discharge (Booth 1990). However, watershed-specific
variables such as bed and bank material, riparian condition, ultimately play a role in
the severity of 10 imperviousness (Bledsoe and Watson 2001).
Banks with cleared riparian corridors will degrade faster than those with vegetation
left intact. Likewise riparian soils with high clay contents will be more resistant to ero-
sion than soils with high sand and silt content (Smerdon and Beasley 1959).
2.1 Human interference on rivers
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Hydrological changes in form of increased runoff and erosion occur when lands are
converted from forest or prairie into agricultural usage (Krug 1996). Increased runoff is
often a product of vegetation removal and improper grazing methods since vegeta-
tion plays an important role in slowing runoff and in the absorption of rainfall. Further
detrimental effects such as erosion and habitat destruction occur when livestock are
allowed unrestricted access to riparian buffers (Magilligan and McDowell 1997).
Human-induced changes also contribute to bed sediment disturbance. Agriculture,
urbanization, and timber operations can cause large amounts of sediment to be
delivered into fluvial systems (Hooke 1994).
Excessive rates of gravel deposition and events related to transport or ―gravel
waves, are one notable result of this disturbance. Channels often become sediment
storage places of gravel between high discharge events. Rather than being depos-
ited on overbank locations, sediment moves in episodic events and disrupts channel
form in the new location of deposition (Jacobson 1999).
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2.2 The Hydrological cycle
Heating of the ocean water by the sun is the key process that keeps the hydrologi-
cal cycle in motion. Water evaporates, then falls as precipitation in the form of rain,
hail, snow, sleet, drizzle or fog. On its way to Earth some precipitation may evapo-
rate or, when it falls over land, be intercepted by vegetation before reaching the
ground. The cycle continues in three different ways:
• Evaporation/transpiration – On average, as much as 40 percent of precipitation
is evaporated or transpired.
• Percolation into the ground – Water moves downward through cracks and pores
in soil and rocks to the water table. Water can move back up by capillary action
or it can move vertically or horizontally under the earth’s surface until it re-enters
a surface water system.
• Surface runoff – Water runs overland into nearby streams and lakes; the steep-
er the land and the less porous the soil, the greater the runoff. Overland flow is
particularly visible in urban areas. Rivers join each other and eventually form one
major river that carries all of the sub-basins’ runoff into the ocean.
Although the hydrological cycle balances what goes up with what comes down,
one phase of the cycle is “frozen” in the colder regions during the winter season.
During winter, for example, most of the precipitation is simply stored as snow or ice
on the ground. Later, during the spring melt, huge quantities of water are released
quickly, which results in heavy spring runoff and flooding.
Figure 2.2 Hydrological processes;
Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk;
19th April 2016
Figure 2.1 Hydrological processes;
Source: www.h2odistributors.com;
19th April 2016
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2.3 Storm-water management
Storm-water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snow-melt flows over the
land surface. The addition of roads, driveways, parking lots, rooftops and other sur-
faces that prevent water from soaking into the ground to our landscape greatly
increases the runoff volume created during storms. This runoff is swiftly carried to our
local streams, lakes, wetlands and rivers and can cause flooding and erosion, and
wash away important habitat for critters that live in the stream.
Storm-water runoff also picks up and carries with it many different pollutants that are
found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and
grease, trash, pesticides and metals. It comes as no surprise then that storm-water
runoff is the number one cause of stream impairment in urban areas.
To reduce the impacts of runoff on urban streams, EPA expanded the Clean Water
Act in 1987 to require municipalities to obtain permits for discharges of storm-water
runoff. As a result, many communities have adopted regulations requiring develop-
ers to install storm-water management practices that reduce the rate and/or volume
and remove pollutants from runoff generated on their development sites.
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• Low-Impact Development (LID) is a storm-water management approach that
seeks to manage runoff using distributed and decentralized micro-scale controls.
LID’s goal is to mimic a site’s predevelopment hydrology by using design tech-
niques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source.
Instead of conveying and treating storm-water solely in large end-of-pipe facili-
ties located at the bottom of drainage areas, LID addresses storm-water through
small-scale landscape practices and design approaches that preserve natural
drainage features and patterns. Several elements of LID—such as preserving
natural drainage and landscape features—fit right into the Green Infrastructure
approach described below.
• Green Infrastructure refers to natural systems that capture, cleanse and reduce
storm-water runoff using plants, soils and microbes. On the regional scale, green
infrastructure consists of the interconnected network of open spaces and nat-
ural areas (such as forested areas, floodplains and wetlands) that improve wa-
ter quality while providing recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, air quality
and urban heat island benefits, and other community benefits. At the site scale,
green infrastructure consists of site-specific management practices (such as in-
terconnected natural areas) that are designed to maintain natural hydrological
functions by absorbing and infiltrating precipitation where it falls.
2.3.1 Approaches to Storm-water Management
Figure 2.3: Vegetated swale in Portland, OR.
Photo: A. Omlid.
Figure 2.4: Flow-through planter in Eugene, OR.
Photo: A. Omlid.
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• Environmental Site Design (ESD), also referred to as Better Site Design (BSD), is an
effort to mimic natural systems along the whole storm-water flow path through
combined application of a series of design principles throughout the develop-
ment site. The objective is to replicate forest or natural hydrology and water qual-
ity. ESD practices are considered at the earliest stages of design, implemented
during construction and sustained in the future as a low maintenance natural
system. Each ESD practice incrementally reduces the volume of storm-water on
its way to the stream, thereby reducing the amount of conventional storm-water
infrastructure required. Example practices include preserving natural areas, mini-
mizing and disconnecting impervious cover, minimizing land disturbance, conser-
vation (or cluster) design, using vegetated channels and areas to treat storm-wa-
ter, and incorporating transit, shared parking, and bicycle facilities to allow lower
parking ratios.
Figure 2.5: Curb-cut to direct storm-water into
planter in Portland, OR. Photo: A.Omlid.
Figure 2.6: Permeable paving blocks in Portland,
OR. Photo: A.Omlid.
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3. CHAPTER THREE: METHODS
3.1 Data Collection and Analysis
Figure 3.1.1 Built-up area: Source: Author
THE CBD
Buildings house facilities
such as; a shopping mall,
banks supermarkets, retail
shops, administrative offic-
es, parastatal and private
offices, hotels and accom-
modation. Highest building
is 10 floors
RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
This is mainly a high density
residential area. Buildings
are single story, both per-
manent and semi-perma-
nent housing.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
MARKETS
Buildings include; shops,
retail stalls, semi-permanent
stalls.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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Figure 3.1.2 Topography; Source: Author Contour Interval=10m
IVETI HILLS at the background
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
The river bed and valley
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Profile section A-A1
A
A1
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Figure 3.1.3 Farmlands: Source: Author
LOWLAND/ RIVERINE
FARMING
Mainly food crops such as
maize and legumes.
Scanty timber trees along the
stream.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
HIGHER ALTITUDE
FARMING
Main crops include; Coffee,
maize, beans and related
crops. Small scale dairy
farming at some house
hold.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
URBAN AGRICULTURE
Consists of seasonal crops
such as maize, beans and
peas. Mainly done on pub-
lic land and a few unbuilt
private parcels.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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Figure 3.1.4 Forest/ Tree cover Source: Author
Hill forest cover
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Avenue tree cover
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Riparian forest cover
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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Figure 3.1.5 Land parcels: Source: Author
ANCESTRAL/ COMMU-
NAL LAND
• Parcels are family owned.
• Some are sub divided
among families.
• Agriculture is the main
economic activity.
• Parcels as large as 20
acres .
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
• Private owned land.
• Sizes range from 1 acre
to eighths of an acre.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
TOWN CBD
• Most are private and insti-
tution owned.
• Main land use activity is
commercial.
• Sub divided upto eighths
of an acre.
Photo: google.com, Feb 2016
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Figure 3.1.6 Hydrology and drainage: Source: Author
FARMLAND RUNOFF
• Major cause of soil ero-
sion
• Runoff is polluted by farm
inputs
• Carries much silt which
is deposited at the river
bed as sand.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
RIVER TENDELYA
• Main drainage channel
on site
• It’s seasonal
• Polluted
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
ROADSIDE DRAINAGE
• Mainly drains runoff from
the road
• Concrete channels
• Polluted water
• Open drains
• May contain solid waste
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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RESIDENTIAL
• Estates
• Flats
• Mansions
INDUSTRIAL
• Factories
• Packaging
• Processing
INSTITUTIONAL
• Primary &
Secondary
schools
• Bible col-
leges
• Technical
institutes
RECREATIONAL
• Parks
• Gardens
PUBLIC
PURPOSE
• Hospitals
• Public offices
• Churches
• Mosques
• Administra-
tion
COMMERCIAL
• Shops
• Retail &
Wholesale
stores
• Markets
• Service
centres
TRANSPORT
• Bus stop
• Booking
offices
• Matatu
terminus
AGRICULTURAL
• Small scale
farmlands
• Plantations
Figure 3.1.7 Machakos town land-use: Source: Author, Ministry of planning and urban development
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3.2 Client Brief Development and Analysis
From the observation made on site, several issues and spaces need to be addressed to meet people and environmental
needs. These spaces and facilities include; pedestrian and circulation routes, residential housing, commercial waterfront fa-
cilities, recreational facilities, agricultural lands, vegetation cover, river re-mediation and storm-water management facilities
and strategies and purpose facilities. The character of these spaces is discussed in the tables below.
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Figure 3.2.1 Residential housing
character
Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Figure 3.2.2River front
recreation facilities
Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Figure 3.2.3 Commercial
waterfront facilities
Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Figure 3.2.4 Street
character
Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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3.3 Site Analysis
3.3.1 Erosion, siltation and sand harvesting
River bank erosion is a major challenge in river Tendelya. This is
mainly due to the occurrence of seasonal flash floods and sand
harvesting in the area. During the rainy season, storm water
erodes river Tendelya’s water shed and washes the silt into the
river valley. As the water flows, the silt is washed and cleaned
into sand which is harvested during the during the river’s low tide
levels. Due to continuous harvesting of sand with each passing
season, the river channel continues to deepen forming tall cliffs
which are dangerous and exposed to further erosion. The dia-
grams and site photos below explain further the situation and the
proposed recommendations.
Figure 3.3.1 Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016
Figure 3.3.2 Images showing the existing river erosion related problems
Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Though the highlighted areas are the most affected due to the
river meander effect, other areas and river channel stretches are
also affected but at scanty levels.
• Creating a series of dams and weirs along the river channel.
This will help control water velocity levels hence reducing its
erosion power.
• Creating siltation pans. This act as sand harvesting points
and control siltation of the dam lakes.
3.3.1.1 Recommendations
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3.3.2 Water and Soil Pollution
Water pollution, at river Tendelya and its tributaries, is on of the
major causes why the site and the river context is under devel-
oped. This is because most people may not be willing to interact
with polluted environments, since they are associated with diseas-
es, poverty and unpleasant visual character.
The main cause of pollution on site is informal solid waste dumping
including dump sites along the river channel. Fertilizers and other
farm inputs are also a source of both soil and water pollutants in
their context.
Figure 3.3.3 Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016
Figure 3.3.4 Images and diagrams showing the sources of pollution on site
Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
• Embrace organic farming. This involves the use of organic
farm inputs that can decompose within a short period with
least impact on the ecosystem.
• Enhance ground water recharge systems. Runoff should
percolated into the ground on-site rather than being chan-
nelled away. This can be through use of permeable and
pervious paving, rain gardens, soak pits, vegetated swales,
wetlands and swamps. This prevents disposal of polluted wa-
ter into other water systems.
• Increase riparian vegetation. Vegetation cover enhances
water purification through the bio-remediation process.
• Solid waste management. Controlling waste disposal, mostly
in the urban area, minimises runoff pollution and contamina-
tion of water systems.
3.3.2.1 Recommendations
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3.3.3 Rain seasons and the riparian
Figure 3.3.5 River levels, floodplains and riparian reserves
Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016
Machakos town lies within a semi-arid climatic region which experiences two major rain seasons in a year. Sometimes the rains are
too heavy and within a short period (about 5 days) leading to flash floods in river valleys. Due to uncontrolled sand harvesting and
river bed erosion, river Tendelya cannot hold water for long and hence the riverbed is dry for the most part of the year.
Water levels in the river change with seasons (rainy and dry),
usage and weather (evaporation).
The riparian vegetation cover has been cleared exposing the
river bank to erosion and undesirable access.
• Creating a series of dams. The dams harvest and store
storm-water from the flash floods the water could be used for
irrigation farming or recreation.
• Enhancing riparian vegetation. Vegetation enhances
storm-water purification and holds soil together.
3.3.2.1 Recommendations
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3.3.4 Site Analysis Summary
Figure 3.3.6 Major spaces on site and its context Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016
Different areas
of the site and
its context have
site issues which
are analysed
with the possible
solutions and
recommenda-
tions.
The figure on the
right highlights
these areas with
their challeng-
es and possible
solutions ana-
lysed in the next
page.
01
05
02
06
03
07
04
08
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1. THE CBD 2. MARIKITI MARKET 3. THE RIVER 4. AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Machakos town CBD includes major places such as
Kiamba mall, banking halls, Gelian hotel, retail and
wholesale stores several churches, mosques, institutes
and the bus stop.
It’s the ‘farmers’ market’ It is one of the oldest places in
the town. It mainly sells unprocessed farm produce such
as cereals, fruits and vegetables.
This is a stream with an average of 10 metres wide and
upto 5 metres deep in some stretches. It has its source at
the adjacent Iveti hills. It is the main drainage channel for
eastern Machakos town. It is seasonal because the area
experiences seasonal rains.
• Control sand harvesting
• Control water and soil pollution
• Enhance storm-water purification
• Enhance river bio diversity
• Link the CBD to the river
• Enhance river/ water recreation
• Harvest flash flood water
• Tap market users into the waterfront spaces
• Enhance connectivity with the river
• Link farmlands directly to the market
These consist of farms sub divided into personal parcels.
The main crops grown include; maize, beans, peas and
coffee. There are two main planting seasons in a year,
depending on the on set of rainfall.
• Link farmlands directly to the market
• Enhance sustainable agricultural practices
• Enhance all year round farming through irrigation
• Control farmland erosion
• Purify farmland runoff before releasing it into water
systems
• Enhance access and connectivity to the river front
• Enhance storm water management practices
• Enhance vehicular and pedestrian connectivity to the
rural/ farmlands.
5. CAR REPAIR AND SERVICING CENTER 6. RESIDENTIAL ESTATES 7. FORMER SEWER PLANT 8. MACHAKOS-KITUI HIGHWAY
Its one of the major sources of semi-skilled employment
in Machakos town. Includes welding, metal works, car
painting, major and minor engine servicing and body
works.
The by-products include; use oil, paint scraps, scrap met-
These are mostly part of a settlement scheme with high
density housing. Most of the house blocks are single sto-
rey with multiple units. Each Block has upto 10 units. The
estate lies a on sloppy landscape with upto 30% slope.
This is a former open sewer treatment pond. After its clo-
sure, it dried up and people started practising small scale
urban agriculture on it. The crops grown include; maize,
beans and peas.
• Enhance urban agricultural practices
• Enhance soil re-mediation processes
• Control seepage of storm water from the polluted soil
into the river.
• Increase variety of crops grown on-site.
• Reduce congestion of structures and houses through
replanning and increased plot ratio
• Enhance privacy within residences
• Enhance views, natural lighting, ventilation and
breezes.
• Enhance access and easy way finding within the
estates.
• Re-plan to enhance security
This is a major transit corridor along the Ukambani region.
It’s a two way class C97 highway. It services towns which
include; Machakos, Masii, Makutano, Wamunyu, Katangi
and Kitui.
• Create feeder roads off the highway into the site
• Enhance pedestrian safety
• Utilise off road storm water runoff
• Enhance corridor views and visual connectivity to the
site.
• Encourage waste management procedures
• Proper access for vehicles
• Better planning of structures and garages
Figure 3.3.7 Site spaces analysis Photos: A. Mboloi, March 2016
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3.4 Case Studies
3.4.1 Osumi River Park
Osumi river flows
across southern
Albania, passing
through sever-
al towns, urban
centres and rural
landscapes.
In Albania, major
environmental
problems are
linked with the
waste-waters
and solid wastes
disposal in tanner-
ies. River systems
are the primary
means for dispos-
al of waste, espe-
cially the tannery
effluents.
Due to river water
pollution, the usa-
bility of the river-
front decreased
with time.
AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4
RESEARCH BY DESIGN: EXPLORING RESILIENT WAYS OF ‘URBAN BY NATURE’
Test Site: Osumi Island in Berat, Albania
Figures 3.4 Osumi riverfront design diagrams Author: AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4
THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 34 of 51
CASE STUDY OBSERVATIONS
• The design utilises the different seasons for different activities along the river.
• The site displays a different visual character during the different seasons such
as high tide water levels and low tide.
• Enhancing circulation routes opens up the site to more users.
• Use of natural flood mitigation systems such as afforestation.
• The design considers long term impacts such as tourists attraction and main-
tenance costs.
• The design enhances a physical and visual link between the city and the
river.
• The design maximises on natural mitigations to site problems.
This design proposal was don by AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4. The main objective was
to enhance the link between river Osumi and the town of Berat. They met this
by introducing spaces the can accommodate diverse activities during different
seasons.
Figures 3.5 Osumi riverfront design diagrams Author: AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4
DESIGN PLAN
1:2000
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
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This is a major transit corridor along the Ukambani region.
It’s a two way class C97 highway. It services towns which include; Machakos,
Masii, Makutano, Wamunyu, Katangi and Kitui.
Its benefits and services can be harnessed through;
• Creating feeder roads off the highway into the site
• Enhancing pedestrian safety along the highway
• Utilising off road storm water runoff
• Enhancing corridor views and visual connectivity to the site
Though river Tendelya is a small seasonal stream, about eight meters wide on
average, it has the potential to accommodate riverfront recreation activities
and facilities. Maximisation of its use has been limited by pollution and erosion,
hence not fully exploited. Its benefits and services can be harnessed through;
• Damming the river channel to harvest storm-water during flash floods. This
water can be utilised in irrigation and water recreation.
• Enhancing riparian vegetation cover to enable natural storm-water
• Purification and soil erosion management.
• Designing spaces with diverse character and user comfort to attract people.
4. CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Opportunities
4.1.1 Machakos-Kitui highway
4.1.2 Riverfront recreation and activities
Figure 4.1.1 The machakos-Kitui
highway
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Figure 4.1.2 River Tendelya
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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The eastern side of the site is mainly made up of agricultural lands. The crops grown on
these farms are mainly seasonal and take about one season to mature. Thus crop farming
is only active during the wet season.
If enough water was provided, the area has potential to grow crops throughout the year.
Through storm-water harvesting, enough water to carry out irrigation would be collected.
The benefits of year round farming include;
• Higher food production hence food security
• Higher incomes to farmers from sale of surplus
• It’s a source of farm jobs during summer, which is rare
Due to the high building density in the Kariobangi residential estate on site, residents lack
enough land to practice agricultural activities. However there are fertile sites which are
unfit for building construction such as the abandoned sewer treatment pond, which offer
an opportunity for agricultural practices.
Urban agriculture offers benefits such as;
• It’s a source of fresh farm produce to urban dwellers
• It offers an opportunity for one to practice farming in an urban context
• It is a source of income from labour services provision to sale of surplus products.
4.1.3 Irrigation farming
4.1.4 Urban agriculture
Figure 4.1.3 A maize farm on site
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Figure 4.1.4 Urban agriculture
next to Kariobangi estate
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
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The site within a river valley hence a dramatic terrain. The immediate neighbour-
hood to the east is the Iveti hills. The steep terrain comes with challenges such
as;
• Access and circulation within the site
• Difficulties in development of infrastructure such as roads and buildings. This
discourages development within the area.
Most of the land in the marked site is private owned with the farmlands on the
east of the river being ancestral.
Acquiring this land for development or infrastructure expansion would be chal-
lenging since the land parcels are owned by different people and compensa-
tion processes would be tedious.
4.2.1 Terrain/ steep slope
4.2.2 Land ownership
Figure 4.2.1 Iveti hills in the
background.
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
Figure 4.2.2 High density Kari-
obangi residential estate
Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
4.2 Constraints
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5. CHAPTER FIVE: DESIGN SOLUTIONS
5.1 Philosophy
The project site lies in a peri-urban zone which comprises of both the urban and
the rural character. The urban comprises of character such as; high Building
densities, higher plot ratio, higher plot coverage, more hardscape, more surface
runoff, less ground water recharge/ seepage, taller buildings, more
circulation routes, higher human population, lesser plant cover, more vehicular
traffic hence more vehicular pollution and more waste production.
The rural character includes; lower Building densities, lower plot ratio, lower plot
coverage, less hardscape, less surface runoff, less ground water recharge/
seepage, shorter buildings, less circulation routes, lower human population and
density, more plant cover, less vehicular traffic hence less vehicular pollution.
The project seeks to create an interactive urban-rural transition zone, with a rich
environment where there is mutual benefit to all elements involved.
DIVERSITY IN TRANSITION
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5.2 Concepts
CONNECTIVITY
DIVERSITY
FLUIDITY
This will involve the use of planting variety and
creation of diversified ecosystems to create a rich
system that fits into the site character.
Activity diversity will involve creating variety of
spaces that accommodate different activities at
different seasons.
Creating visual corridors will encourage user
movement to the framed destinations.
Enhancing pedestrianization as a mode of
circulation on site will open up the site to more
users.
The design strategies will seek to enhance smooth
flow of users and activity relations between spaces
to prevent incompatibility of neighbouring spaces.
The design should seek to enhance smooth flow
(visually) of design spaces and allow for smooth
wind movement
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6. CHAPTER SIX: SELECTED DRAWINGS
•Controlsandharvesting
•Enhancesrivervalleyviews
•Enhancesthemicroclimate
•Enhancesriverbiodiversity
•Enhancesriver/waterrecreation
•Harvestflashfloodwater
•Controlsandharvesting
•Controldamsiltation
•Enhancessustainablesandharvesting
•Controlriverchanneldeepening
•Linkfarmlandsdirectlytothe
market
•Enhancesustainableagricultural
practices
•Enhanceallyearroundfarming
throughirrigation
•Controlfarmlanderosion
•Purifyfarmlandrunoffbeforere-
leasingitintowatersystems
•Increaseslandvalues
•Attractswaterfrontusers
•Opensupthesitetousers
•Greenbuildingswithenhances
viewsandbreezes
•Actsaspublicgrounds
•Suitableformassgathering
•Relaxationgrounds
•Riverwalksandtrails
01.RECREATIONALGROUNDS
•Actsaspublicgrounds
•Suitableforsmallgroupgatherings
•Relaxationgrounds
•Riverwalksandtrails
•Seasonaldiversesportingactivities
07.RECREATIONALPARK
02.SANDANDSILT
COLLECTIONPOINT
08.RESIDENTIALESTATES
11.RECREATIONFIELDS
12.PUBLICPURPOSE
FACILITIES
13.PUBLICOFFICES
14.RIPARIANFORESTS
09.GARAGES
10.URBANAGRICULTURE
03.DAMLAKE
04.AGRICULTURALLAND
05.OFFICEPARK
06.LINEARPARKS
•Reducecongestionofstructures
andhousesthroughreplanning
andincreasedplotratio
•Enhanceprivacywithinresidences
•Enhanceviews,naturallighting,
ventilationandbreezes.
•Enhanceaccessandeasyway
findingwithintheestates.
•Re-plantoenhancesecurity
•Rehearsalgroundsforarenausers
•Recreationgroundsforresidents
•Recreationgroundsforpublicoffices
workers
•Housesindoorarena,gymnasiumand
accommodationblocks
•Attractssportingactivities
•Enhancessportstourism
•Providespublicandadministration
servicestoresidentsandvisitors
•Buildingsdesignedtotapbreezesand
views
•Greenbuildings
•Enhanceswaterpurification
•Erosioncontrol
•Soilfertilitymanagement
•EnhancedBiodiversity
•Woodlandvalue
•Encouragewastemanagement
procedures
•Properaccessforvehicles
•Betterplanningofstructuresand
garages
•Taptownusersintothewaterfront
spaces
•Enhanceconnectivitywiththe
river
•Providescomfortablespacesfor
pedestrians
•Linkfarmlandsdirectlytothe
market
•Enhanceurbanagriculturalpractices
•Enhancesoilre-mediationprocesses
•Controlseepageofstormwaterfromthe
pollutedsoilintotheriver.
•Increasevarietyofcropsgrownon-site.
N
04080200m
6.1Masterplan
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D O U B L E H O U S E U N I T D O U B L E H O U S E U N I TB U F F E R L I N E A R
P A R K
D R I V E
W A Y
4 0 0 03 5 0 0 4 0 0 0 9 0 0 09 0 0 0 1 2 0 0
1500
1500
1000
P A T HD R I V E
W A Y
RAIN
GARDEN
RAIN
GARDEN
RAIN
GARDEN
DRAIN
D O U B L E H O U S E U N I T
SECTIONPARTPLANBIRD’SEYEVIEW
STREETSCAPESECTION-PERSPECTIVE
LINEARPARKPERSPECTIVE
D O U B L E H O U S E U N I T
Ramp to aid cyclists and
wheel chairs
Street lighting. Solar pow-
ered. Enhances securi-
ty, safety and extended
hours of use
Rain garden. Enhances storm
water management.
Residential Units. Increased plot ratio with reduced plot coverage
eases ground congestion. Gives room to more green spaces
Residential Units.
Spaced and buffered to enhance privacy and family space
Linear park.
Enhances pedestrian circulation to the riverfront
Sub surface drainage.
Safer than open drains.
Lesser chances of clog-
ging
Pebble back fill. Filters
water before draining into
the sub surface drain.
One-way driveway.
Controls overtaking
and vehicle speed
hence safer streets.
Roadside planting. En-
hances aesthetics, dust
and soil erosion control
Median drain. Allows for sep-
arated drainage for drive-
ways and other spaces.
Street benches. Attracts
users and provides resting
areas.
Porous street paving
to manage storm wa-
ter
Street finish to pattern to
enhance aesthetics
Shade trees with seasonal flowering
to enhance user comfort
ORIENTATION.
Faces East to maximise
river valley views, tap
wind breeze for natural
cooling and ventilation
RESIDENTIAL UNIT ELEVATION
6.2Streetscapecharacter
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STORM WATER MANAGEMENT DIVERSITY AND VARIETY USER COMFORT
DAM LAKES RIVER WATER LEVELS SHADE
DAM MICRO-CLIMATE
LAKE BREEZE AND WIND CHIMNEYS
GREEN PAVING
VIEWS AND AESTHETICS
ACTIVITIES AND SPACES
PLANTING DESIGN
RAIN GARDENS AND DRAINS
SOAK PITS
PERMEABLE/ PERVIOUS PAVING
DDDDDDDAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM LLLLLAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKESSSSSSSS
LOW TIDE LAKE LEVEL
COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT
• Restaurants
• Tuck shops
WATER/ WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES
• Boat riding
• Fishing
• Flood plain agriculture
• Dirt biking
DECIDUOUS TREES
• Trees such as Terminalia spinosa shed
leaves during the dry season exposing
its structural branches framework.
SEASONAL BLOOM
• Trees such as Jacaranda mimosifolia
bloom during the dry season enhanc-
ing the spaces appearance.
RECREATION
• Children playgrounds
• Meadows grand lawns
PUBLIC SPACES
• Plazas
• Promenade
• River walks
• Nature trails
HIGH TIDE LAKE LEVEL
• Water level falls due to evaporation,
seepage and irrigation
• Flood plain used for dirt biking and
quad bike riding.
• Flood plain on farmland is used to
grow short season crops.
• Dams act as a reservoir for flash flood water which is then used for irrigation and en-
hancing waterfront related activities
• Rain gardens enhance street drainage, ground water recharge, storm-water purifi-
cation and roadside greenery.
• Soak pits enhance drainage in hardscapes on site, ground water recharge and sur-
face cooling through evaporation in dry seasons.
• Permeable paving enhance water seepage into the ground hence ground water
recharge and better channel-less drainage.
• Green paving allows for growth of green cover enhancing biodiversity and cooler
paving.
• Permeable paving enhance water seepage into the ground hence ground water
recharge and better channel-less drainage.
• Green paving allows for growth of green cover enhancing biodiversity and cooler
paving.
• Green paving provides better semi-softscape aesthetics.
• Site structures such as the restaurants are
designed to face the windward direction
hence trapping maximum wind breeze
for natural cooling.
• Spaces and planting are oriented
along the breeze. This maximises
wind flow for natural cooling and
ventilation.
• Water level increases on rain onset.
• Higher water level encourages boating
activities
• Dry crops season crops an flood plain
are harvested before rains begin
SHADE SAILS
• Inverted/ funnel shaped to harvest rain
water.
• Fixed seats and solid benches
SHADE STRUCTURES
• Provide partial shade
• Aesthetic design
6.3Designstrategies
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SECURITY AND SAFETY SITE MAINTENANCE
CIRCULATION MODES
RAIN WATER HARVESTING
RESIDENTIAL BUFFERS, FOR SECURITY AND PRIVACY SOLAR LIGHTING
NATURAL LIGHTING
DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS
VEHICULAR VS PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
SPATIAL ORGANISATION FOR EASY WAY FINDING
OPEN SPACES, MINIMAL BLIND SPOTS
LIGHTING
Availability of various modes of accessing the site and moving about such as;
• Vehicles
• Bicycles
• Pedestrian
Spaces are designed enhance user experience by enhancing spatial visual and aural
qualities through;
• framing views
• Aesthetic paving finish
• Enhanced corridor views
• Solar powered lighting reduces
running costs by reduced electrici-
ty bills.
• Large windows on buildings en-
hances maximised natural lighting
reducing electricity running costs.
• Plants such as Agaves are succulent hence drought resistant. These reduces irrigation running and maintenance costs.
• Shade structures designed as inverted funnels to tap rain water for on site use.
• Guttered roofs to maximise rain water harvesting
6.4Designstrategies
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BOATING, FISHING ACTIVITIES
• Variety of activities to attract site users
FLOODED FLOODPLAIN
• Increased water level during the rainy season
• Greener vegetation due to water availability
• Enhanced agriculture on farms through irrigation
DIRT BIKING ON FLOOD PLAIN
• Dry flood plain offers a good site for dirt
and quad biking
• Rocks and old tyres (TO DETAIL B) define the
safe biking zone
• Stepped flood wall acts as spectator stands
• Planter benches (to DETAIL G) provide riverside sitting areas.
• Surface finish pattern and lighting enhances promenade aesthetics
• Stone pitching with plant pockets stabilizes the slope
• GREEN lawned terraces, reduced hardscape cover.
• Utilises the existing site slope.
• Usable for private and public gatherings.
• River views and breeze.
SEASONAL FARMING ON FLOOD PLAIN
• Farmland side river banks provide a
good site for short season crops such as
sweet potatoes
HIGH TIDE DAM LEVEL
AMPHITHEATRE
LOW TIDE DAM LEVEL
P R O M E N A D E
6.5Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
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• Shaped to harness breezes to enhance natural cooling
• Faces the river to maximise on views
• Enhance aesthetic value
• Natural cooling effect
• Modified soakpits (TO DETAIL C) absorbs surface runoff, enhances ground water recharge.
• Permeable paving enhances storm water management
• Solar powered lighting
• Funnel shaped sheds for rain water harvesting
• Variety of spaces and structures such as water slides, sand pits
• Bright colours to enhance a cheerful environment
CHILDREN PLAY GROUND
P L A Z A
W A T E R F E A T U R E S
R E S T A U R A N T S
6.6Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
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• Slope management
• Aesthetic character
• Safety Bollards
• Grass variety for aesthetics and suit activities
• Green roof
• Aestheti planting
• Wind chimneys
• Proper signage
• Aesthetic lighting
• Green roof
• Lake views
• Lake breezes
• Sitting terraces
GABIONS
MEADOW AND GREEN ROOF
SHOPS AND STORES
E N T R A N C E
6.7Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
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• Parking
• Turning space
• Lighting for security
• Planting for shade
TOP VIEW LIGHTING
P A R K I N G L O T S T O R E S S E R V I C E R O A D
6.8Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
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6.9Constructiondetails
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6.10Constructiondetails
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of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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report

  • 1. T H E B L U E E D G E R E C O N N E C T I N G T H E F O R G O TT E N R I V E R -EASTERN MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA- APRIL 2016 J O M O K E N Y A T T A U N I V E R S I T Y O F A G R I C U L T U R E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y D E P A R T M E N T O F L A N D S C A P E A R C HI T E C T U R E MBOLOI ANDREW KIOKO AB242-1340/2012 PROJECT REPORT
  • 2. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page ii of 51 I wish to express my appreciation to all those who have contributed in one way or another in the pro- cess of research and design of this project and project report. To the J.K.U.A.T. fraternity; the Depart- ment of Landscape Architecture for granting me an opportunity to study Landscape Architecture, to the university library, for provision of reference material during my study. To my supervisors and lectur- ers, thank you for your guidance. To the department of planning and urban development in Macha- kos county, for provision of site information and relevant documents. I also benefited greatly from a supporting cast of knowledgeable fellow students, thank you for being great classmates. Finally special thanks to my family for the spiritual, moral and financial support through my under- graduate education, you will forever be treasured. Acknowledgements
  • 3. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page iii of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page iii of 51 Waterways are a vital and productive resource to our environment. Rivers provide a variety of amen- ities and services to communities across the world such as drinking water, food, travel, recreation, wildlife habitat, connection to place, aesthetic appeal, economic development, among others. Population increase, urbanization and evolution of human activities has led to increased demand for ecosystem goods and services. Riverine landscapes, including river Tendelya in Machakos, have suffered uncontrolled exploitation of these goods and services. This is may be due to the fact that the river is community owned and not belonging to an individual, hence being a victim of tragedy of the commons. This design project examines the importance of the river Tendelya and its watershed to its urban and rural community and how riverfront design can function as a unifying element for Machakos town, river Tendelya and the immediate peri-urban zone. Over half of the world’s future population will be living in urban environments by 2030, which will dramatically increase the stress on a vulnerable network of water systems. A restoration of a river can bring awareness to people while improving physical and ecological corridor connections (Bernhardt & Palmer, 2007). Abstract
  • 4. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page iv of 51 Before I joined upper primary school, we lived in the countryside of a rural com- munity near a small seasonal river. I spent most of my childhood afternoons out- doors since in lower primary school, classes ended at midday. We had many memorable activities with my friends along the river, including swimming in the then clean waters. It hadn’t occurred to me at the time how truly connected I was to the river’s ecological setting until I began living in an urban environment and attending boarding schools. In many urban cities there is little connection between the ecology of a river and its urban dwellers. Many urban settings include built infrastructure with poor connections to natural elements and/or paying little attention to the river. Why is there a missing connection between the river and its urban setting? Is it because cities have turned their back away from the river? How can landscape architecture help urban communities reconnect to a river? Narrative
  • 5. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page v of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page v of 51 Table of content Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................ ii Abstract ............................................................................................................................................iii Narrative...........................................................................................................................................iv Table of content..............................................................................................................................v 1. Chapter ONE: Introduction ........................................................................................................7 1.1 Background to study.................................................................................................................7 1.2 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................................8 1.3 Justification.................................................................................................................................9 1.4 Project Objectives....................................................................................................................10 1.4.1 Ultimate Objective ................................................................................................................10 1.4.2 Immediate Objectives ..........................................................................................................10 1.5 Site selection and location......................................................................................................11 2. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ..........................................................................................12 2.1 Human interference on rivers..................................................................................................12 2.2 The Hydrological cycle ............................................................................................................14 2.3 Storm-water management .....................................................................................................15 2.3.1 Approaches to Storm-water Management.......................................................................16 3. CHAPTER THREE: METHODS ........................................................................................................18 3.1 Data Collection and Analysis..................................................................................................18 3.2 Client Brief Development and Analysis..................................................................................25 3.3 Site Analysis ...............................................................................................................................28 3.3.3 Rain seasons and the riparian..............................................................................................30 3.3.4 Site Analysis Summary ..........................................................................................................31 3.4 Case Studies..............................................................................................................................33
  • 6. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page vi of 51 4. Chapter FOUR: Conclusions & Recommendations................................................................35 4.1 Opportunities ............................................................................................................................35 4.1.1 Machakos-Kitui highway ......................................................................................................35 4.1.2 Riverfront recreation and activities .....................................................................................35 4.1.3 Irrigation farming ...................................................................................................................36 4.1.4 Urban agriculture...................................................................................................................36 4.2 Constraints.................................................................................................................................37 4.2.1 Terrain/ steep slope...............................................................................................................37 4.2.2 Land ownership .....................................................................................................................37 5. Chapter FIVE: Design solutions..................................................................................................38 5.1 Philosophy .................................................................................................................................38 5.2 Concepts...................................................................................................................................39 6.1 Master plan ...............................................................................................................................40 6. Chapter SIX: Selected Drawings...............................................................................................40 6.2 Street scape character ..........................................................................................................41 6.3 Design strategies.......................................................................................................................42 6.4 Design strategies.......................................................................................................................43 6.5 Perspective views of selected spaces..................................................................................44 6.6 Perspective views of selected spaces.................................................................................45 6.7 Perspective views of selected spaces..................................................................................46 6.8 Perspective views of selected spaces.................................................................................47 6.9 Construction details .................................................................................................................48 6.10 Construction details ...............................................................................................................49 6.11 Cited works and Bibliography...............................................................................................50 6.12 Cited works and Bibliography...............................................................................................51
  • 7. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 7 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 7 of 51 Machakos Town, 64 kilometres southeast of Nairobi, was established in 1887 as the first ad- ministrative centre for the new British East Africa colony, ten years before Nairobi came to be. However, the British moved the capital to Nairobi in 1899 when Machakos fell too far outside of the reach of the Uganda Railway that was then under construction. As the capital of the Machakos County in Eastern Province of Kenya, Machakos Town is a major rural centre, and also a satellite town due to its proximity to Nairobi. Its population is rapidly growing and is 192,117 (as of 2009). Machakos town mainly offers services such as Banking, government administration, educa- tional, recreational, trade, sports and as a transport corridor junction. The rural neighbour- hood, mainly acts as agricultural land with low density rural settlements. The town is situated on a hilly neighbourhood, with the closest as Iveti hills in the East. This has led to the ever expanding river streams and valleys within the neighbourhood. 1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to study
  • 8. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 8 of 51 1.2 Problem Statement Rivers are great resources for both the rural and the urban setting. River Tendelya, in Eastern Machakos town, acts as the municipality boundary which hence, theoretically, separates the rural and the urban. Due to the mixed character in the rivers neighbourhood on either sides, the river has been neglected and exploited unsustainably, with pollution, sand harvesting and riverbed and bank erosion as the main problem. The urban setting has on-site problems such as poor infrastructure, unplanned neighbour- hoods, poor housing facilities and waste dumping which is the major source of the river pollution. The town has also developed towards the western side with the eastern side being neglected however it has riverfront, which is a great asset. The ‘rural’, Eastern side of the river, faces challenges such as farmland erosion, water and soil pollution from farm inputs, deforestation and lack of proper circulation routes. The rural and the urban have a poor relationship in terms of circulation connectivity, product and service dependency. An eroded roadside on site. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 A dump-site on the streets of downtown Machakos. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Substandard housing in Kari- obangi estate. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 9. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 9 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 9 of 51 1.3 Justification Rivers in peri urban setting are a great resource for waterfront recreation, climate modifica- tion, a site for great views among others. Although only two rainy seasons are experienced in a year in Machakos, the watershed of river Tendelya, which includes the forested Iveti hills, provides enough water to run agricultur- al activities in the area even during the dry season. River, water and soil pollution discourage the usability of related spaces. This is because of poor production for agricultural activities, they are a breeding ground for pests and diseas- es, they give a poor scenery a bad odours. Poor housing and planning tends to be associated with poverty and insecurity. This thus discourages development of businesses and costly investments by developers. There is thus need for urban renewal. The Machakos-Kitui highway, is a major transport corridor across the Ukambani region. This provides an opportunity to channel users to the site. Sand harvesting in river Tendelya Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 River Tendelya just after a flash flood. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 An heavily polluted stream on site. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 10. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 10 of 51 1.4 Project Objectives 1.4.1 Ultimate Objective The main objective of this project is to create an interactive peri-urban waterfront, with mu- tual benefit between the urban and the rural region. 1.4.2 Immediate Objectives • To provide measures to enhance river re-mediation and revitalization on problems such as pollution, erosion and sand harvesting. • To enhance site storm-water management and flash-flood management. • To enhance physical and visual connectivity between Machakos town and river Tende- lya. • To propose measures on rain water harvesting and utilisation. • Recommend measures to enhance sustainable agricultural activities on site and the im- mediate neighbourhood. • To give a proposal for riverfront spaces with diverse character to accommodate different activities.
  • 11. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 11 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 11 of 51 Figure 1.2 Map of Africa, Source: Author Figure 1.3 Map of Kenya Source: Logistics cluster F i g u r e 1 . 4 M a c h a k o s t o w n f i g u r e - g r o u n d d i a g r a m S o u r c e : A u t h o r F i g u r e 1 . 5 S i t e b o u n d a r y a n d c o n t e x t ( S o u r c e ; G o o g l e e a r t h , A u t h o r ) 1.5 Site selection and location The site is located on the peri-urban east of Machakos town. It is about 55 hectares in area. The site includes about a 1.2 kilometre stretch of river Tendelya as shown on the right. The site includes part of the Kariobangi residential estates, public pur- pose and recreational land along the river, vehicle garages and ag- ricultural land. The site is bordered by the Machakos-Kitui highway on the south, Marikiti market on the West, Machakos-Kusyomuomo road on the East and Machakos Baptist Primary School on the North.
  • 12. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 12 of 51 2. CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW Human-induced land-use changes can have a significant effect on a stream’s mor- phology. Deforestation, urbanization, agricultural practices and wetland conversion can all contribute to stream channel degradation (Hammer 1972; Knox 1977; Hooke 1994). Impervious surfaces are one of the many human fabrications that disrupt hydrologi- cal processes. Impervious surfaces are simply substances that halt the penetration of water into the soil. The result of this barrier is increased runoff, higher stream channel velocities and greater flooding (Arnold and Gibbons 1996; Wolman 1967). Catch- ments with 10-20 percent imperviousness can have increases in peak flows up to two-to-three times the normal discharge (Booth 1990). However, watershed-specific variables such as bed and bank material, riparian condition, ultimately play a role in the severity of 10 imperviousness (Bledsoe and Watson 2001). Banks with cleared riparian corridors will degrade faster than those with vegetation left intact. Likewise riparian soils with high clay contents will be more resistant to ero- sion than soils with high sand and silt content (Smerdon and Beasley 1959). 2.1 Human interference on rivers
  • 13. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 13 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 13 of 51 Hydrological changes in form of increased runoff and erosion occur when lands are converted from forest or prairie into agricultural usage (Krug 1996). Increased runoff is often a product of vegetation removal and improper grazing methods since vegeta- tion plays an important role in slowing runoff and in the absorption of rainfall. Further detrimental effects such as erosion and habitat destruction occur when livestock are allowed unrestricted access to riparian buffers (Magilligan and McDowell 1997). Human-induced changes also contribute to bed sediment disturbance. Agriculture, urbanization, and timber operations can cause large amounts of sediment to be delivered into fluvial systems (Hooke 1994). Excessive rates of gravel deposition and events related to transport or ―gravel waves, are one notable result of this disturbance. Channels often become sediment storage places of gravel between high discharge events. Rather than being depos- ited on overbank locations, sediment moves in episodic events and disrupts channel form in the new location of deposition (Jacobson 1999).
  • 14. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 14 of 51 2.2 The Hydrological cycle Heating of the ocean water by the sun is the key process that keeps the hydrologi- cal cycle in motion. Water evaporates, then falls as precipitation in the form of rain, hail, snow, sleet, drizzle or fog. On its way to Earth some precipitation may evapo- rate or, when it falls over land, be intercepted by vegetation before reaching the ground. The cycle continues in three different ways: • Evaporation/transpiration – On average, as much as 40 percent of precipitation is evaporated or transpired. • Percolation into the ground – Water moves downward through cracks and pores in soil and rocks to the water table. Water can move back up by capillary action or it can move vertically or horizontally under the earth’s surface until it re-enters a surface water system. • Surface runoff – Water runs overland into nearby streams and lakes; the steep- er the land and the less porous the soil, the greater the runoff. Overland flow is particularly visible in urban areas. Rivers join each other and eventually form one major river that carries all of the sub-basins’ runoff into the ocean. Although the hydrological cycle balances what goes up with what comes down, one phase of the cycle is “frozen” in the colder regions during the winter season. During winter, for example, most of the precipitation is simply stored as snow or ice on the ground. Later, during the spring melt, huge quantities of water are released quickly, which results in heavy spring runoff and flooding. Figure 2.2 Hydrological processes; Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk; 19th April 2016 Figure 2.1 Hydrological processes; Source: www.h2odistributors.com; 19th April 2016
  • 15. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 15 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 15 of 51 2.3 Storm-water management Storm-water runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snow-melt flows over the land surface. The addition of roads, driveways, parking lots, rooftops and other sur- faces that prevent water from soaking into the ground to our landscape greatly increases the runoff volume created during storms. This runoff is swiftly carried to our local streams, lakes, wetlands and rivers and can cause flooding and erosion, and wash away important habitat for critters that live in the stream. Storm-water runoff also picks up and carries with it many different pollutants that are found on paved surfaces such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals. It comes as no surprise then that storm-water runoff is the number one cause of stream impairment in urban areas. To reduce the impacts of runoff on urban streams, EPA expanded the Clean Water Act in 1987 to require municipalities to obtain permits for discharges of storm-water runoff. As a result, many communities have adopted regulations requiring develop- ers to install storm-water management practices that reduce the rate and/or volume and remove pollutants from runoff generated on their development sites.
  • 16. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 16 of 51 • Low-Impact Development (LID) is a storm-water management approach that seeks to manage runoff using distributed and decentralized micro-scale controls. LID’s goal is to mimic a site’s predevelopment hydrology by using design tech- niques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source. Instead of conveying and treating storm-water solely in large end-of-pipe facili- ties located at the bottom of drainage areas, LID addresses storm-water through small-scale landscape practices and design approaches that preserve natural drainage features and patterns. Several elements of LID—such as preserving natural drainage and landscape features—fit right into the Green Infrastructure approach described below. • Green Infrastructure refers to natural systems that capture, cleanse and reduce storm-water runoff using plants, soils and microbes. On the regional scale, green infrastructure consists of the interconnected network of open spaces and nat- ural areas (such as forested areas, floodplains and wetlands) that improve wa- ter quality while providing recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, air quality and urban heat island benefits, and other community benefits. At the site scale, green infrastructure consists of site-specific management practices (such as in- terconnected natural areas) that are designed to maintain natural hydrological functions by absorbing and infiltrating precipitation where it falls. 2.3.1 Approaches to Storm-water Management Figure 2.3: Vegetated swale in Portland, OR. Photo: A. Omlid. Figure 2.4: Flow-through planter in Eugene, OR. Photo: A. Omlid.
  • 17. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 17 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 17 of 51 • Environmental Site Design (ESD), also referred to as Better Site Design (BSD), is an effort to mimic natural systems along the whole storm-water flow path through combined application of a series of design principles throughout the develop- ment site. The objective is to replicate forest or natural hydrology and water qual- ity. ESD practices are considered at the earliest stages of design, implemented during construction and sustained in the future as a low maintenance natural system. Each ESD practice incrementally reduces the volume of storm-water on its way to the stream, thereby reducing the amount of conventional storm-water infrastructure required. Example practices include preserving natural areas, mini- mizing and disconnecting impervious cover, minimizing land disturbance, conser- vation (or cluster) design, using vegetated channels and areas to treat storm-wa- ter, and incorporating transit, shared parking, and bicycle facilities to allow lower parking ratios. Figure 2.5: Curb-cut to direct storm-water into planter in Portland, OR. Photo: A.Omlid. Figure 2.6: Permeable paving blocks in Portland, OR. Photo: A.Omlid.
  • 18. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 18 of 51 3. CHAPTER THREE: METHODS 3.1 Data Collection and Analysis Figure 3.1.1 Built-up area: Source: Author THE CBD Buildings house facilities such as; a shopping mall, banks supermarkets, retail shops, administrative offic- es, parastatal and private offices, hotels and accom- modation. Highest building is 10 floors RESIDENTIAL ESTATES This is mainly a high density residential area. Buildings are single story, both per- manent and semi-perma- nent housing. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 MARKETS Buildings include; shops, retail stalls, semi-permanent stalls. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 19. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 19 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 19 of 51 Figure 3.1.2 Topography; Source: Author Contour Interval=10m IVETI HILLS at the background Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 The river bed and valley Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Profile section A-A1 A A1
  • 20. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 20 of 51 Figure 3.1.3 Farmlands: Source: Author LOWLAND/ RIVERINE FARMING Mainly food crops such as maize and legumes. Scanty timber trees along the stream. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 HIGHER ALTITUDE FARMING Main crops include; Coffee, maize, beans and related crops. Small scale dairy farming at some house hold. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 URBAN AGRICULTURE Consists of seasonal crops such as maize, beans and peas. Mainly done on pub- lic land and a few unbuilt private parcels. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 21. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 21 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 21 of 51 Figure 3.1.4 Forest/ Tree cover Source: Author Hill forest cover Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Avenue tree cover Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Riparian forest cover Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 22. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 22 of 51 Figure 3.1.5 Land parcels: Source: Author ANCESTRAL/ COMMU- NAL LAND • Parcels are family owned. • Some are sub divided among families. • Agriculture is the main economic activity. • Parcels as large as 20 acres . Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 RESIDENTIAL ESTATES • Private owned land. • Sizes range from 1 acre to eighths of an acre. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 TOWN CBD • Most are private and insti- tution owned. • Main land use activity is commercial. • Sub divided upto eighths of an acre. Photo: google.com, Feb 2016
  • 23. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 23 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 23 of 51 Figure 3.1.6 Hydrology and drainage: Source: Author FARMLAND RUNOFF • Major cause of soil ero- sion • Runoff is polluted by farm inputs • Carries much silt which is deposited at the river bed as sand. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 RIVER TENDELYA • Main drainage channel on site • It’s seasonal • Polluted Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 ROADSIDE DRAINAGE • Mainly drains runoff from the road • Concrete channels • Polluted water • Open drains • May contain solid waste Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 24. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 24 of 51 RESIDENTIAL • Estates • Flats • Mansions INDUSTRIAL • Factories • Packaging • Processing INSTITUTIONAL • Primary & Secondary schools • Bible col- leges • Technical institutes RECREATIONAL • Parks • Gardens PUBLIC PURPOSE • Hospitals • Public offices • Churches • Mosques • Administra- tion COMMERCIAL • Shops • Retail & Wholesale stores • Markets • Service centres TRANSPORT • Bus stop • Booking offices • Matatu terminus AGRICULTURAL • Small scale farmlands • Plantations Figure 3.1.7 Machakos town land-use: Source: Author, Ministry of planning and urban development
  • 25. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 25 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 25 of 51 3.2 Client Brief Development and Analysis From the observation made on site, several issues and spaces need to be addressed to meet people and environmental needs. These spaces and facilities include; pedestrian and circulation routes, residential housing, commercial waterfront fa- cilities, recreational facilities, agricultural lands, vegetation cover, river re-mediation and storm-water management facilities and strategies and purpose facilities. The character of these spaces is discussed in the tables below.
  • 26. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 26 of 51
  • 27. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 27 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 27 of 51 Figure 3.2.1 Residential housing character Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Figure 3.2.2River front recreation facilities Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Figure 3.2.3 Commercial waterfront facilities Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Figure 3.2.4 Street character Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 28. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 28 of 51 3.3 Site Analysis 3.3.1 Erosion, siltation and sand harvesting River bank erosion is a major challenge in river Tendelya. This is mainly due to the occurrence of seasonal flash floods and sand harvesting in the area. During the rainy season, storm water erodes river Tendelya’s water shed and washes the silt into the river valley. As the water flows, the silt is washed and cleaned into sand which is harvested during the during the river’s low tide levels. Due to continuous harvesting of sand with each passing season, the river channel continues to deepen forming tall cliffs which are dangerous and exposed to further erosion. The dia- grams and site photos below explain further the situation and the proposed recommendations. Figure 3.3.1 Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016 Figure 3.3.2 Images showing the existing river erosion related problems Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Though the highlighted areas are the most affected due to the river meander effect, other areas and river channel stretches are also affected but at scanty levels. • Creating a series of dams and weirs along the river channel. This will help control water velocity levels hence reducing its erosion power. • Creating siltation pans. This act as sand harvesting points and control siltation of the dam lakes. 3.3.1.1 Recommendations
  • 29. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 29 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 29 of 51 3.3.2 Water and Soil Pollution Water pollution, at river Tendelya and its tributaries, is on of the major causes why the site and the river context is under devel- oped. This is because most people may not be willing to interact with polluted environments, since they are associated with diseas- es, poverty and unpleasant visual character. The main cause of pollution on site is informal solid waste dumping including dump sites along the river channel. Fertilizers and other farm inputs are also a source of both soil and water pollutants in their context. Figure 3.3.3 Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016 Figure 3.3.4 Images and diagrams showing the sources of pollution on site Source: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 • Embrace organic farming. This involves the use of organic farm inputs that can decompose within a short period with least impact on the ecosystem. • Enhance ground water recharge systems. Runoff should percolated into the ground on-site rather than being chan- nelled away. This can be through use of permeable and pervious paving, rain gardens, soak pits, vegetated swales, wetlands and swamps. This prevents disposal of polluted wa- ter into other water systems. • Increase riparian vegetation. Vegetation cover enhances water purification through the bio-remediation process. • Solid waste management. Controlling waste disposal, mostly in the urban area, minimises runoff pollution and contamina- tion of water systems. 3.3.2.1 Recommendations
  • 30. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 30 of 51 3.3.3 Rain seasons and the riparian Figure 3.3.5 River levels, floodplains and riparian reserves Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016 Machakos town lies within a semi-arid climatic region which experiences two major rain seasons in a year. Sometimes the rains are too heavy and within a short period (about 5 days) leading to flash floods in river valleys. Due to uncontrolled sand harvesting and river bed erosion, river Tendelya cannot hold water for long and hence the riverbed is dry for the most part of the year. Water levels in the river change with seasons (rainy and dry), usage and weather (evaporation). The riparian vegetation cover has been cleared exposing the river bank to erosion and undesirable access. • Creating a series of dams. The dams harvest and store storm-water from the flash floods the water could be used for irrigation farming or recreation. • Enhancing riparian vegetation. Vegetation enhances storm-water purification and holds soil together. 3.3.2.1 Recommendations
  • 31. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 31 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 31 of 51 3.3.4 Site Analysis Summary Figure 3.3.6 Major spaces on site and its context Source: A. Mboloi, google earth, March 2016 Different areas of the site and its context have site issues which are analysed with the possible solutions and recommenda- tions. The figure on the right highlights these areas with their challeng- es and possible solutions ana- lysed in the next page. 01 05 02 06 03 07 04 08
  • 32. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 32 of 51 1. THE CBD 2. MARIKITI MARKET 3. THE RIVER 4. AGRICULTURAL LANDS Machakos town CBD includes major places such as Kiamba mall, banking halls, Gelian hotel, retail and wholesale stores several churches, mosques, institutes and the bus stop. It’s the ‘farmers’ market’ It is one of the oldest places in the town. It mainly sells unprocessed farm produce such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. This is a stream with an average of 10 metres wide and upto 5 metres deep in some stretches. It has its source at the adjacent Iveti hills. It is the main drainage channel for eastern Machakos town. It is seasonal because the area experiences seasonal rains. • Control sand harvesting • Control water and soil pollution • Enhance storm-water purification • Enhance river bio diversity • Link the CBD to the river • Enhance river/ water recreation • Harvest flash flood water • Tap market users into the waterfront spaces • Enhance connectivity with the river • Link farmlands directly to the market These consist of farms sub divided into personal parcels. The main crops grown include; maize, beans, peas and coffee. There are two main planting seasons in a year, depending on the on set of rainfall. • Link farmlands directly to the market • Enhance sustainable agricultural practices • Enhance all year round farming through irrigation • Control farmland erosion • Purify farmland runoff before releasing it into water systems • Enhance access and connectivity to the river front • Enhance storm water management practices • Enhance vehicular and pedestrian connectivity to the rural/ farmlands. 5. CAR REPAIR AND SERVICING CENTER 6. RESIDENTIAL ESTATES 7. FORMER SEWER PLANT 8. MACHAKOS-KITUI HIGHWAY Its one of the major sources of semi-skilled employment in Machakos town. Includes welding, metal works, car painting, major and minor engine servicing and body works. The by-products include; use oil, paint scraps, scrap met- These are mostly part of a settlement scheme with high density housing. Most of the house blocks are single sto- rey with multiple units. Each Block has upto 10 units. The estate lies a on sloppy landscape with upto 30% slope. This is a former open sewer treatment pond. After its clo- sure, it dried up and people started practising small scale urban agriculture on it. The crops grown include; maize, beans and peas. • Enhance urban agricultural practices • Enhance soil re-mediation processes • Control seepage of storm water from the polluted soil into the river. • Increase variety of crops grown on-site. • Reduce congestion of structures and houses through replanning and increased plot ratio • Enhance privacy within residences • Enhance views, natural lighting, ventilation and breezes. • Enhance access and easy way finding within the estates. • Re-plan to enhance security This is a major transit corridor along the Ukambani region. It’s a two way class C97 highway. It services towns which include; Machakos, Masii, Makutano, Wamunyu, Katangi and Kitui. • Create feeder roads off the highway into the site • Enhance pedestrian safety • Utilise off road storm water runoff • Enhance corridor views and visual connectivity to the site. • Encourage waste management procedures • Proper access for vehicles • Better planning of structures and garages Figure 3.3.7 Site spaces analysis Photos: A. Mboloi, March 2016
  • 33. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 33 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 33 of 51 3.4 Case Studies 3.4.1 Osumi River Park Osumi river flows across southern Albania, passing through sever- al towns, urban centres and rural landscapes. In Albania, major environmental problems are linked with the waste-waters and solid wastes disposal in tanner- ies. River systems are the primary means for dispos- al of waste, espe- cially the tannery effluents. Due to river water pollution, the usa- bility of the river- front decreased with time. AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4 RESEARCH BY DESIGN: EXPLORING RESILIENT WAYS OF ‘URBAN BY NATURE’ Test Site: Osumi Island in Berat, Albania Figures 3.4 Osumi riverfront design diagrams Author: AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4
  • 34. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 34 of 51 CASE STUDY OBSERVATIONS • The design utilises the different seasons for different activities along the river. • The site displays a different visual character during the different seasons such as high tide water levels and low tide. • Enhancing circulation routes opens up the site to more users. • Use of natural flood mitigation systems such as afforestation. • The design considers long term impacts such as tourists attraction and main- tenance costs. • The design enhances a physical and visual link between the city and the river. • The design maximises on natural mitigations to site problems. This design proposal was don by AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4. The main objective was to enhance the link between river Osumi and the town of Berat. They met this by introducing spaces the can accommodate diverse activities during different seasons. Figures 3.5 Osumi riverfront design diagrams Author: AZPML+ STUDIOARCH4 DESIGN PLAN 1:2000 BIRD’S EYE VIEW
  • 35. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 35 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 35 of 51 This is a major transit corridor along the Ukambani region. It’s a two way class C97 highway. It services towns which include; Machakos, Masii, Makutano, Wamunyu, Katangi and Kitui. Its benefits and services can be harnessed through; • Creating feeder roads off the highway into the site • Enhancing pedestrian safety along the highway • Utilising off road storm water runoff • Enhancing corridor views and visual connectivity to the site Though river Tendelya is a small seasonal stream, about eight meters wide on average, it has the potential to accommodate riverfront recreation activities and facilities. Maximisation of its use has been limited by pollution and erosion, hence not fully exploited. Its benefits and services can be harnessed through; • Damming the river channel to harvest storm-water during flash floods. This water can be utilised in irrigation and water recreation. • Enhancing riparian vegetation cover to enable natural storm-water • Purification and soil erosion management. • Designing spaces with diverse character and user comfort to attract people. 4. CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Opportunities 4.1.1 Machakos-Kitui highway 4.1.2 Riverfront recreation and activities Figure 4.1.1 The machakos-Kitui highway Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Figure 4.1.2 River Tendelya Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 36. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 36 of 51 The eastern side of the site is mainly made up of agricultural lands. The crops grown on these farms are mainly seasonal and take about one season to mature. Thus crop farming is only active during the wet season. If enough water was provided, the area has potential to grow crops throughout the year. Through storm-water harvesting, enough water to carry out irrigation would be collected. The benefits of year round farming include; • Higher food production hence food security • Higher incomes to farmers from sale of surplus • It’s a source of farm jobs during summer, which is rare Due to the high building density in the Kariobangi residential estate on site, residents lack enough land to practice agricultural activities. However there are fertile sites which are unfit for building construction such as the abandoned sewer treatment pond, which offer an opportunity for agricultural practices. Urban agriculture offers benefits such as; • It’s a source of fresh farm produce to urban dwellers • It offers an opportunity for one to practice farming in an urban context • It is a source of income from labour services provision to sale of surplus products. 4.1.3 Irrigation farming 4.1.4 Urban agriculture Figure 4.1.3 A maize farm on site Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Figure 4.1.4 Urban agriculture next to Kariobangi estate Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016
  • 37. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 37 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 37 of 51 The site within a river valley hence a dramatic terrain. The immediate neighbour- hood to the east is the Iveti hills. The steep terrain comes with challenges such as; • Access and circulation within the site • Difficulties in development of infrastructure such as roads and buildings. This discourages development within the area. Most of the land in the marked site is private owned with the farmlands on the east of the river being ancestral. Acquiring this land for development or infrastructure expansion would be chal- lenging since the land parcels are owned by different people and compensa- tion processes would be tedious. 4.2.1 Terrain/ steep slope 4.2.2 Land ownership Figure 4.2.1 Iveti hills in the background. Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 Figure 4.2.2 High density Kari- obangi residential estate Photo: A. Mboloi, Feb 2016 4.2 Constraints
  • 38. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 38 of 51 5. CHAPTER FIVE: DESIGN SOLUTIONS 5.1 Philosophy The project site lies in a peri-urban zone which comprises of both the urban and the rural character. The urban comprises of character such as; high Building densities, higher plot ratio, higher plot coverage, more hardscape, more surface runoff, less ground water recharge/ seepage, taller buildings, more circulation routes, higher human population, lesser plant cover, more vehicular traffic hence more vehicular pollution and more waste production. The rural character includes; lower Building densities, lower plot ratio, lower plot coverage, less hardscape, less surface runoff, less ground water recharge/ seepage, shorter buildings, less circulation routes, lower human population and density, more plant cover, less vehicular traffic hence less vehicular pollution. The project seeks to create an interactive urban-rural transition zone, with a rich environment where there is mutual benefit to all elements involved. DIVERSITY IN TRANSITION
  • 39. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 39 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 39 of 51 5.2 Concepts CONNECTIVITY DIVERSITY FLUIDITY This will involve the use of planting variety and creation of diversified ecosystems to create a rich system that fits into the site character. Activity diversity will involve creating variety of spaces that accommodate different activities at different seasons. Creating visual corridors will encourage user movement to the framed destinations. Enhancing pedestrianization as a mode of circulation on site will open up the site to more users. The design strategies will seek to enhance smooth flow of users and activity relations between spaces to prevent incompatibility of neighbouring spaces. The design should seek to enhance smooth flow (visually) of design spaces and allow for smooth wind movement
  • 40. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 40 of 51 6. CHAPTER SIX: SELECTED DRAWINGS •Controlsandharvesting •Enhancesrivervalleyviews •Enhancesthemicroclimate •Enhancesriverbiodiversity •Enhancesriver/waterrecreation •Harvestflashfloodwater •Controlsandharvesting •Controldamsiltation •Enhancessustainablesandharvesting •Controlriverchanneldeepening •Linkfarmlandsdirectlytothe market •Enhancesustainableagricultural practices •Enhanceallyearroundfarming throughirrigation •Controlfarmlanderosion •Purifyfarmlandrunoffbeforere- leasingitintowatersystems •Increaseslandvalues •Attractswaterfrontusers •Opensupthesitetousers •Greenbuildingswithenhances viewsandbreezes •Actsaspublicgrounds •Suitableformassgathering •Relaxationgrounds •Riverwalksandtrails 01.RECREATIONALGROUNDS •Actsaspublicgrounds •Suitableforsmallgroupgatherings •Relaxationgrounds •Riverwalksandtrails •Seasonaldiversesportingactivities 07.RECREATIONALPARK 02.SANDANDSILT COLLECTIONPOINT 08.RESIDENTIALESTATES 11.RECREATIONFIELDS 12.PUBLICPURPOSE FACILITIES 13.PUBLICOFFICES 14.RIPARIANFORESTS 09.GARAGES 10.URBANAGRICULTURE 03.DAMLAKE 04.AGRICULTURALLAND 05.OFFICEPARK 06.LINEARPARKS •Reducecongestionofstructures andhousesthroughreplanning andincreasedplotratio •Enhanceprivacywithinresidences •Enhanceviews,naturallighting, ventilationandbreezes. •Enhanceaccessandeasyway findingwithintheestates. •Re-plantoenhancesecurity •Rehearsalgroundsforarenausers •Recreationgroundsforresidents •Recreationgroundsforpublicoffices workers •Housesindoorarena,gymnasiumand accommodationblocks •Attractssportingactivities •Enhancessportstourism •Providespublicandadministration servicestoresidentsandvisitors •Buildingsdesignedtotapbreezesand views •Greenbuildings •Enhanceswaterpurification •Erosioncontrol •Soilfertilitymanagement •EnhancedBiodiversity •Woodlandvalue •Encouragewastemanagement procedures •Properaccessforvehicles •Betterplanningofstructuresand garages •Taptownusersintothewaterfront spaces •Enhanceconnectivitywiththe river •Providescomfortablespacesfor pedestrians •Linkfarmlandsdirectlytothe market •Enhanceurbanagriculturalpractices •Enhancesoilre-mediationprocesses •Controlseepageofstormwaterfromthe pollutedsoilintotheriver. •Increasevarietyofcropsgrownon-site. N 04080200m 6.1Masterplan
  • 41. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 41 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 41 of 51 D O U B L E H O U S E U N I T D O U B L E H O U S E U N I TB U F F E R L I N E A R P A R K D R I V E W A Y 4 0 0 03 5 0 0 4 0 0 0 9 0 0 09 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1500 1500 1000 P A T HD R I V E W A Y RAIN GARDEN RAIN GARDEN RAIN GARDEN DRAIN D O U B L E H O U S E U N I T SECTIONPARTPLANBIRD’SEYEVIEW STREETSCAPESECTION-PERSPECTIVE LINEARPARKPERSPECTIVE D O U B L E H O U S E U N I T Ramp to aid cyclists and wheel chairs Street lighting. Solar pow- ered. Enhances securi- ty, safety and extended hours of use Rain garden. Enhances storm water management. Residential Units. Increased plot ratio with reduced plot coverage eases ground congestion. Gives room to more green spaces Residential Units. Spaced and buffered to enhance privacy and family space Linear park. Enhances pedestrian circulation to the riverfront Sub surface drainage. Safer than open drains. Lesser chances of clog- ging Pebble back fill. Filters water before draining into the sub surface drain. One-way driveway. Controls overtaking and vehicle speed hence safer streets. Roadside planting. En- hances aesthetics, dust and soil erosion control Median drain. Allows for sep- arated drainage for drive- ways and other spaces. Street benches. Attracts users and provides resting areas. Porous street paving to manage storm wa- ter Street finish to pattern to enhance aesthetics Shade trees with seasonal flowering to enhance user comfort ORIENTATION. Faces East to maximise river valley views, tap wind breeze for natural cooling and ventilation RESIDENTIAL UNIT ELEVATION 6.2Streetscapecharacter
  • 42. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 42 of 51 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT DIVERSITY AND VARIETY USER COMFORT DAM LAKES RIVER WATER LEVELS SHADE DAM MICRO-CLIMATE LAKE BREEZE AND WIND CHIMNEYS GREEN PAVING VIEWS AND AESTHETICS ACTIVITIES AND SPACES PLANTING DESIGN RAIN GARDENS AND DRAINS SOAK PITS PERMEABLE/ PERVIOUS PAVING DDDDDDDAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM LLLLLAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKESSSSSSSS LOW TIDE LAKE LEVEL COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT • Restaurants • Tuck shops WATER/ WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES • Boat riding • Fishing • Flood plain agriculture • Dirt biking DECIDUOUS TREES • Trees such as Terminalia spinosa shed leaves during the dry season exposing its structural branches framework. SEASONAL BLOOM • Trees such as Jacaranda mimosifolia bloom during the dry season enhanc- ing the spaces appearance. RECREATION • Children playgrounds • Meadows grand lawns PUBLIC SPACES • Plazas • Promenade • River walks • Nature trails HIGH TIDE LAKE LEVEL • Water level falls due to evaporation, seepage and irrigation • Flood plain used for dirt biking and quad bike riding. • Flood plain on farmland is used to grow short season crops. • Dams act as a reservoir for flash flood water which is then used for irrigation and en- hancing waterfront related activities • Rain gardens enhance street drainage, ground water recharge, storm-water purifi- cation and roadside greenery. • Soak pits enhance drainage in hardscapes on site, ground water recharge and sur- face cooling through evaporation in dry seasons. • Permeable paving enhance water seepage into the ground hence ground water recharge and better channel-less drainage. • Green paving allows for growth of green cover enhancing biodiversity and cooler paving. • Permeable paving enhance water seepage into the ground hence ground water recharge and better channel-less drainage. • Green paving allows for growth of green cover enhancing biodiversity and cooler paving. • Green paving provides better semi-softscape aesthetics. • Site structures such as the restaurants are designed to face the windward direction hence trapping maximum wind breeze for natural cooling. • Spaces and planting are oriented along the breeze. This maximises wind flow for natural cooling and ventilation. • Water level increases on rain onset. • Higher water level encourages boating activities • Dry crops season crops an flood plain are harvested before rains begin SHADE SAILS • Inverted/ funnel shaped to harvest rain water. • Fixed seats and solid benches SHADE STRUCTURES • Provide partial shade • Aesthetic design 6.3Designstrategies
  • 43. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 43 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 43 of 51 SECURITY AND SAFETY SITE MAINTENANCE CIRCULATION MODES RAIN WATER HARVESTING RESIDENTIAL BUFFERS, FOR SECURITY AND PRIVACY SOLAR LIGHTING NATURAL LIGHTING DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS VEHICULAR VS PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION SPATIAL ORGANISATION FOR EASY WAY FINDING OPEN SPACES, MINIMAL BLIND SPOTS LIGHTING Availability of various modes of accessing the site and moving about such as; • Vehicles • Bicycles • Pedestrian Spaces are designed enhance user experience by enhancing spatial visual and aural qualities through; • framing views • Aesthetic paving finish • Enhanced corridor views • Solar powered lighting reduces running costs by reduced electrici- ty bills. • Large windows on buildings en- hances maximised natural lighting reducing electricity running costs. • Plants such as Agaves are succulent hence drought resistant. These reduces irrigation running and maintenance costs. • Shade structures designed as inverted funnels to tap rain water for on site use. • Guttered roofs to maximise rain water harvesting 6.4Designstrategies
  • 44. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 44 of 51 BOATING, FISHING ACTIVITIES • Variety of activities to attract site users FLOODED FLOODPLAIN • Increased water level during the rainy season • Greener vegetation due to water availability • Enhanced agriculture on farms through irrigation DIRT BIKING ON FLOOD PLAIN • Dry flood plain offers a good site for dirt and quad biking • Rocks and old tyres (TO DETAIL B) define the safe biking zone • Stepped flood wall acts as spectator stands • Planter benches (to DETAIL G) provide riverside sitting areas. • Surface finish pattern and lighting enhances promenade aesthetics • Stone pitching with plant pockets stabilizes the slope • GREEN lawned terraces, reduced hardscape cover. • Utilises the existing site slope. • Usable for private and public gatherings. • River views and breeze. SEASONAL FARMING ON FLOOD PLAIN • Farmland side river banks provide a good site for short season crops such as sweet potatoes HIGH TIDE DAM LEVEL AMPHITHEATRE LOW TIDE DAM LEVEL P R O M E N A D E 6.5Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
  • 45. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 45 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 45 of 51 • Shaped to harness breezes to enhance natural cooling • Faces the river to maximise on views • Enhance aesthetic value • Natural cooling effect • Modified soakpits (TO DETAIL C) absorbs surface runoff, enhances ground water recharge. • Permeable paving enhances storm water management • Solar powered lighting • Funnel shaped sheds for rain water harvesting • Variety of spaces and structures such as water slides, sand pits • Bright colours to enhance a cheerful environment CHILDREN PLAY GROUND P L A Z A W A T E R F E A T U R E S R E S T A U R A N T S 6.6Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
  • 46. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 46 of 51 • Slope management • Aesthetic character • Safety Bollards • Grass variety for aesthetics and suit activities • Green roof • Aestheti planting • Wind chimneys • Proper signage • Aesthetic lighting • Green roof • Lake views • Lake breezes • Sitting terraces GABIONS MEADOW AND GREEN ROOF SHOPS AND STORES E N T R A N C E 6.7Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
  • 47. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 47 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 47 of 51 • Parking • Turning space • Lighting for security • Planting for shade TOP VIEW LIGHTING P A R K I N G L O T S T O R E S S E R V I C E R O A D 6.8Perspectiveviewsofselectedspaces
  • 48. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 48 of 51 6.9Constructiondetails
  • 49. THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 49 of 51THE BLUE EDGE: RECONNECTING THE FORGOTTEN RIVER MACHAKOS TOWN, KENYA Page 49 of 51 6.10Constructiondetails
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