STUDIO
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI STAFF
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE Mbai C.
ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026 (YM)
Muhia B. (YM)
Too D.
BAR 213: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 3: FIRST SEMESTER
Anyamba T.
PROJECT 2A: SPACE/FRAME (3 weeks) Otieno A.
Musyoki
1. Introduction
The previous project provided foundational lessons on how architectural space is shaped by
human function, anthropometrics, and ergonomics. Through analysis of existing architectural
spaces and the earlier pavilion design, key insights were gained regarding:
The spatial requirements of different functions and activities.
The visual and physical relationships between functions.
The dimensions, proportions, and scale of architectural elements, furniture, and
fittings.
The role of circulation systems in connecting functions, both horizontally and
vertically.
The graphic presentation of design through plans, sections, elevations, and 3D
drawings.
The current project builds on these lessons, moving beyond functional adequacy to explore
deeper architectural principles of form, space, and order. It emphasizes how functions are
not only accommodated but also enriched through deliberate design choices. The project is
an opportunity to apply ergonomics and anthropometrics while also cultivating sensitivity to
aesthetics, spatial quality, and organizational logic.
2. Brief
The University seeks to develop a simple living environment to host a visiting professor
within the ADD compound. The design brief consists of:
A lounge space
A kitchen space
A bathroom
A sleeping space
Circulation (horizontal and vertical)
These functions must be accommodated within the given spatial limits defined by three
cubes of varying sizes:
Cube A: 3000mm × 3000mm × 3000mm
Cube B: 4500mm × 4500mm × 6000mm
Cube C: 4500mm × 6000mm × 6000mm
The challenge is to organize and articulate these cubes into a coherent architectural
composition. Their arrangement should not only satisfy the practical requirements but also
demonstrate an understanding of:
Form: The geometric clarity of the cubes and their transformation through
combination or interpenetration.
Space: The quality of the living environment generated by interior volumes,
transitions between cubes, and relationships of openness and enclosure.
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Order: The underlying logic guiding how the cubes are related, how circulation ties
them together, and how hierarchy and rhythm are established within the composition.
In addition to ergonomics and anthropometrics, students are expected to:
1. Introduce aesthetic appeal by manipulating design tools such as mass, proportion,
rhythm, light, materiality, balance, texture, and hierarchy.
2. Explore spatial qualities such as interpenetration of volumes, juxtaposition of
spaces, single vs. double volumes, and continuity between interior and exterior.
3. Consider circulation systems that reinforce order while enabling seamless functional
flow.
4. Anticipate structural and enclosure requirements, even if only minimally
represented at this stage.
For Phase 1 (Project 2A_ exploration of spatial order), the design will concentrate on the
fundamentals of spatial definition rather than complete buildings. Students will work
with:
Floor planes to establish boundaries of activity areas.
Minimal vertical elements (partial walls, screens, columns) to suggest separation
without full enclosure.
Supporting elements such as columns, beams, or platforms that define extents of the
cubes.
Circulation connectors (stairs, and pathways) as the main devices linking the three
cubes.
At this stage, the emphasis is on form, space, and order—how volumes are composed,
related, and experienced—without being constrained by enclosure details.
Phase 2 (Project 2B_ architectural resolution) will advance the design by addressing:
Enclosure (vertical planes, overhead planes, and openings).
Fenestrations to control light, ventilation, and views.
Structure as an organizing and expressive system.
Building technology and materials that bring texture, colour, and atmosphere.
Aesthetic considerations that unify form and function into a coherent architectural
statement.
Phase 2 is about transformation from spatial experiment to architectural resolution
— turning cubes and planes into architecture that responds to climate, materiality, and
aesthetics.
3. Approach:
The design process will proceed in two stages:
1. Site Documentation and Analysis
Conducted to establish an understanding of the project context.
Investigate orientation, sun path, wind direction, noise, vegetation, and
pedestrian/vehicular circulation.
Identify opportunities and constraints of the site (views, adjacencies, access points,
privacy needs).
Produce base drawings and diagrams to inform design proposals.
2. Design Development
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Each student will design their own living environment, applying lessons from
ergonomics and anthropometrics while integrating the principles of form, space, and
order.
Students should:
o Test multiple cube arrangements (side-by-side, stacked, interpenetrated,
offset).
o Evaluate spatial and experiential consequences, such as openness vs.
enclosure, compression vs. expansion, visual connections vs. separation.
o Refine arrangements into coherent designs that are:
Functionally efficient (meeting programmatic needs).
Ergonomically appropriate (comfortable and usable).
Architecturally meaningful (expressive of form, space, and order).
4. Mode of presentation- At least
o 6no. A3 Drawings; freehand sketches showing the site and its context.
o A site model highlighting any key existing features and ground profile.
o 6no. A3 Drawings; freehand sketches depicting floor plans, sections, three
dimensional drawings to scale 1:50
o 4no. physical/card study models on A4 bases.
5. Schedule
DATE: ACTIVITY
15th Sep 2025 Project Introduction / site visit
16th Sep 2025 Desk crits
18th Sep 2025 Presentation of site model,
documentation/analysis
22nd Sep 2025 Desk crits
23rd Sep 2025 Desk crits
25th Sep 2025 Presentation of preliminary designs
29th Sep 2025 Desk crits
30th Oct 2025 Desk crits
2nd Oct 2025 Presentation of advanced designs
6th Oct 2025 Grading project 2A/ Introduction project
2B
6. Note:
All students are expected to be in studio during the scheduled times and ensure their
progress cards are duly updated by their respective tutors after the
crits/presentations/marking.
References:
1. Francis D.K. Ching – Form, Space, and Order
o The foundational book for this exercise; introduces geometry, spatial
relationships, organization, and order.
2. Francis D.K. Ching – Architecture: Form, Space, and Order (Student
Workbook) (if available)
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o Practical companion with exercises to reinforce concepts.
3. Le Corbusier – Towards a New Architecture
o Seminal text on form, proportion, and the aesthetics of modern architecture.
Supplementary Texts (Application & Design Thinking)
4. Francis D.K. Ching – Architecture: Form, Space, and Order (or Architectural
Graphics)
o For graphic communication of design ideas.
5. Edward White – Path, Portal, Place
o Explores circulation and spatial sequencing in architecture.
6. Christian Norberg-Schulz – Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of
Architecture
o On place, context, and spatial meaning—important for the site analysis part.
7. Juhani Pallasmaa – The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses
o Expands spatial design beyond visual form into human experience.
Technical / Human-Centered References
8. Neufert – Architects’ Data
o For anthropometrics, ergonomics, and functional dimensions.
9. Ernst Neufert – Architectural Standards (various editions)
o Detailed technical standards for spatial requirements.
10.Alexander, Ishikawa & Silverstein – A Pattern Language
o On recurring spatial and organizational patterns in architecture.
Case Study / Visual Inspiration
11.Richard Weston – Key Buildings of the 20th Century
o Case studies with plans, sections, and analysis of form/space/order.
12.Peter Zumthor – Thinking Architecture
o Essays on atmosphere, materiality, and experiential space.
13.Rem Koolhaas – S,M,L,XL
o Experimental exploration of form, scale, and order in contemporary practice.
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