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60 UBUNIFU - 2025ArticleAreas of concern in traditional Kikuyu housingVisual comfort: The designs rely on small openings that limit natural light.Ventilation: They have limited cross-ventilation due to smaller, shaded openings.Thermal comfort: They have thick walls that retain warmth, but if high diurnal temperature swings feel cold at night.
UBUNIFU - 2025 61Areas of concern in traditional Kikuyu housingSecurity: Structures with natural materials like wood or clay, are vulnerable to break-ins or weathering.Fire Resistance: Wood and thatch are flammable, posing higher risks in dense urban settings.Durability and longevity: Natural erosion, rain, and pests can degrade organic materials over time, reducing structural lifespan.Electricity: Traditional buildings were not designed with modern electrical needs in mind, which can complicate retrofitting.
Give it a beat… then we move...This isn’t about mastering a style. It’s about asking a better question, and being willing to sit in the discomfort of not This isn’t about mastering a style. It’s about asking a better question, and being willing to sit in the discomfort of not theisn’t62 UBUNIFU - 2025This isn’t about mastering a style. It’s about asking a better question, and being willing to sit in the discomfort of not knowing the answer yet.This isn’t about mastering a style. It’s about asking a better question, and being willing to sit in the discomfort of not knowing the answer yet.
UBUNIFU - 2025 63Artist: SarinaWorkplace: Aga Khan High School
64 UBUNIFU - 2025 This project envisions a smarter, more connected way of living—one where homes, workplaces, schools, and leisure spaces existwithin a single, walkable environment. By reducing dependenceon long commutes, the design saves time, supports dailyconvenience, and enhances overall well-being.ArticleterracesNgong
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66 UBUNIFU - 2025 ArticleHusseinSudi
UBUNIFU - 2025 67A turning point came when I was selected for the Ubunifu program by Boogertman & Partners. As a third-year student competing alongside final-year students, I initially felt out of place. The pressure was intense, and there were moments I nearly gave up. But the experience taught me resilience, creativity, and the strength of collaboration. With the guidance and support of the team at the firm, I pushed through and emerged more confident and inspired than ever.I joined architecture believing that buildings could change lives. Over time, that belief evolved into a deep commitment to sustainability, not just as a design principle, but as a responsibility. As Bjarke Ingels put it, “Sustainability is not about doing less harm, it’s about doing more good.” That philosophy now shapes the way I design and think about architecture’s role in our future.Architecture, to me, is no longer just a profession, it’s a way of creating meaningful change. While this project is conceptual, it reflects a real belief: that architecture must go beyond aesthetics to address the urgent needs of our communities and environment. To anyone on a similar path: don’t be discouraged by difficulty. The journey is the process and growth often begins right where it gets tough.My journey through architecture has been one of transformation, perseverance, and self-discovery. When I began, I lacked even the basic skills, sketching was unfamiliar, and keeping up with my peers was a constant challenge. But through dedication, relentless effort, and the unwavering support of my lecturers, I found my footing. What started as uncertainty grew into passion, and eventually, a calling. I realized that design could be a powerful tool to improve both the environment and people’s [email protected] University
ArticleNairobi’s population is growing rapidly, driven by increased investment and expanding opportunities. Every day, thousands of people commute from distant residential areas into the city in search of work, education, and better services. While the government has improved road networks and created major corridors like Ngong Road, Thika Road, and Mombasa Road, the lack of efficient mass transit has resulted in long commutes (often taking 30 minutes to over an hour) leading to pollution, time loss, and reduced quality of life. The Ubunifu Programme gave me the opportunity to explore this pressing urban challenge and propose a design-led response.This project envisions a smarter, more connected way of living; one where homes, workplaces, schools, and leisure spaces exist within a single, walkable environment. By reducing dependence on long commutes, the design saves time, supports dailyconvenience, and enhances overall well-being. It responds to Nairobi’s growing urban pressures with a human-centered, climate-conscious solution that brings people, purpose, and place together.Imagine a neighborhood where your office is just a short walk from your apartment, your children’s school is nearby, and you can shop, relax in green courtyards, or meet friends on rooftop gardens, all without the need for a car.68 UBUNIFU - 2025\"The lack of efficient mass transit has resulted in long commutes, leading to pollution, time loss, and reduced quality of life.\"THIS PROJECT ENVISIONS A SMARTERMORE CONNECTED WAY OF LIVING...NGONGTERRACEBY HUSSEIN SUDI
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ArticleLocationThe project is located along Ngong Road, one of Nairobi’s major arterial roads connectingthe city center to key suburbs and institutions. The area is characterized by rapid urban development, high traffic volumes, and increasing demand for housing, commercial, and social amenities.Its strategic position offers access to public infrastructure and economic hubs, making it an ideal setting for a compact, mixed-use development 70 UBUNIFU - 2025
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ArticleThe Project draws inspiration from the breathtaking Ngong Hills, a natural wonder that lends its name to this renowned highway. The architectural form is designed to echo the hills’ rolling contours, adapted into a stepped-like form to create dynamic, layered spaces.Inspired by the silhouette of the Ngong Hills, the concept begins with the idea of alternating peaks and dips, reflecting the natural topography of the hills.Hill And ValleyThe mass is split and staggered to introduce light, air, and movement, breaking monotony and allowing visual and spatial permeability across the site.Split and PushDifferent programmatic functions are arranged across multiple levels, enhancing spatial diversity and encouraging vertical integration of living, working, and learning.Creating LevelsInspired by the silhouette of the Ngong Hills, the concept begins with the idea of alternating peaks and dips, reflecting the natural topography of the hills.Creating Rectilinear ShapesBridges span between blocks, creating elevated pathwaysthat foster interaction, connectivity, and a sense of communityamong users at various levels.Bridge Connecting the TowersThe buildings are terraced back, echoing the slope of the hills while providing green platforms, social terraces, and opportunities for passive environmental control.Creating Stepped Terrace72 UBUNIFU - 2025
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Article74 UBUNIFU - 2025 The result is a sculpted, connectedskyline of terraced towers and green bridges; a built landscape that mirrors the Ngong Hills while addressing Nairobi’s call for sustainable, inclusive urban living.Final FormStudio and small one-bedroomunits, designed for individualsor couples seeking affordableliving spaces.StandardAPARTMENT TIERSThree-bedroom units, suitablefor larger families or those seekingmore room and comfortable living within the affordablePremium Larger one-bedroom andtwo-bedroom units, ideal forsmall families or couples seekingmore space.Deluxe
UBUNIFU - 2025 75Material AnalysisBiocement offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement, harnessing biological processes for sustainable construction.In my research, I developed biocement from seaweed, helping to clean the Kenyan coast while recycling this abundant resource into a renewable material. In case of shortages, we aim to promote seaweed farming, providing economic opportunities for local communities.Similar innovations, like Prometheus Materials’ microalgae biocement, demonstrate how algae-based solutions can reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the building industry. This approach not only addresses environmental challenges but also transforms waste into a valuable resource for a greener future.Making of biocement1. Harvesting and PreparationSeagrass is harvested, typically from areas where it accumulates naturally as waste (e.g, washed-up seagrass along beaches). The material is cleaned to remove impurities like salt and sand They are then dried to remove water content. This is important to prepare them for furthermixing with other ingredients2. Extraction of Calcium CarbonateSeagrass naturally contains calcium carbonate (a major component of cement) in its tissue due to its ability to incorporate minerals from seawater. The calcium carbonate is isolated through mechanical grinding, followed by chemical treatment to ensure purity.3. Formation of Bio-CementBiomineralizing microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) are introduced to the seagrass material. These microorganisms enhance the production of additional calcium carbonate by precipitating it from dissolved CO2 when fed with nutrients. A biopolymer scaffold, such as alginate or cargeenan, is also added to stabilize the mixture andprovide a structural framework. Over several hours, the calcium carbonate crystals form on the biopolymer scaffold, creating a strong, cohesive material that serves as bio-cement.4. Combination with AggregatesThe bio-generated calcium carbonate is then combined with aggregates like sand or recycled materials. In some cases, other natural binders oradditives are included to enhance the material’s strength and properties.5. Shaping and CuringThe biocement is shaped into blocks or structural components through conventional molds or advanced 3D printing techniques. Curing is achieved through dehydration over several days, an important difference to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concretes, which cure via hydration.BioCement from Algae (Seaweed)An image of a Sandy beach with palm trees of Watamu,covered in dry seaweed, KenyaMasonry block using algae based cement produced by Prometheus materialsSource: Ben Dreith (2022)
Before we leap, let’s take one step back...No one taught us how to design for dignity. We had to feel it first.No one taught us how to design for dignity. We had to feel it first. empathy76 UBUNIFU - 2025 No one taught us how to design for dignity. We had to feel it first.No one taught us how to design for dignity. We had to feel it first.
UBUNIFU - 2025 77Artist: SarinaWorkplace: Aga Khan High School
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UBUNIFU - 2025 79 I encourage you to explore your desires, stay inspired, and pursue the structures that help you tell your stories and impact your community. However you choose to create, your approach is valid, and your journey matters. KogiJaneroseWhat if architecture could tell stories, spark emotions, and connect communities? Is there a world where pragmatism and utopia could co-exist? That question has guided much of my journey as a final-year architecture student at the Technical University of Kenya. While I resist being defined solely by my career, I embrace the many layers of who I am; an artist, swimmer, storyteller, sister, daughter, and friend. My passion lies in crafting designs that embody the spirit of people and place while giving back to the community.In the past, I explored my love for documenting creativity through a project called Afri Artistic Creations. Though it’s currently paused, it taught me the beauty and challenges of nurturing a creative community. That same sense of curiosity and wonder led me to apply to Boogertman’s Ubunifu Programme; a platform that pushed my creativity to new heights.The program, centered around affordable housing solutions, offered me the opportunity to explore bold concepts like social incubators. These vibrant spaces were designed to breathe life into housing modules, engaging people at different social levels while fostering connections. Using comics, storytelling, and creative materials, I envisioned a design that resonated with the broader community. I explored how architecture could shape emotions and spark engagement, incorporating innovative tools like 3D printing and virtual reality to bring the vision to life.Stepping into the corporate environment felt overwhelming initially, but it challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. It was in this space that I discovered my potential to create, collaborate, and innovate, even amidst moments of self-doubt.To anyone reading this, I encourage you to explore your desires, stay inspired, and pursue the structures that help you tell your stories and impact your community. However you choose to create, your approach is valid, and your journey matters.The Ubunifu Programme reaffirmed my belief that architecture is more than creating structures; it is about connecting with people, building communities, and inspiring [email protected] University of Kenya
80 UBUNIFU - 2025ArticleThe journey of my project began with materialresearch, but I found myself asking, “What if I couldbring these materials to life?” Instead of simplystudying them, I envisioned creating superheroesthat represented each material; characters thatcould tell their own stories through their uniqueproperties and traits. I knew this approach wasunconventional, but I wanted to find a way tointeract with materials in a more engaging, humanway. By personifying the materials, I created anarrative where the materials became the heroes,and the audience could relate to them beyondthe confines of architecture. This sparked thechain reaction I had hoped for: people seeingthe materials in a new light, connecting with thememotionally, and understanding their role in thestory of architecture in a more profound way. Tomy joy, it sparked excitement and conversationsbeyond the realm of architecture, as peopleengaged with the stories and design in a way thatwas both surprising and inspiring.01. Material Researchguadua bamboo(Structurally stableand an alternativematerial)Facade design-colored for vibrancyand create visual interestand the Birth of SuperheroesMaterial Research
UBUNIFU - 2025 81perforated brickcreates and triggersa feeling ofengagement andtouch Hanging gardens create sereneenvironmentLight refelective surfaceskeep away heat
82 UBUNIFU - 2025 Articleengage the sensesMaterials thatBAMBOOGraceful and HEMPCRETELight and MightyPERFORATED BRICKAiry and BrightNEWSPAPER WOODPaper thin, ResilientCLTStrong and
UBUNIFU - 2025 83Site analysis is often approached as a technical endeavor, yet I believe it can also be profoundly intuitive. When I visited the site, I chose an unconventional method, emotional mapping. Amidst the chaotic traffic and the monotony of the surroundings, I felt a myriad of emotions; restlessness, dullness, and moments ofdetachment. These emotions told a story; not just about the site’s physical conditions but also about its potential to evoke deeper human experiences. While subjective, this approach aligned with my commitment to creating personable design experiences. By tapping into the emotions the site evoked, I reframed its chaos and monotony asopportunities for contrast, connection, and vibrancy. Emotional mapping became more than just a tool; it became a lens to envision how the space could evolve, shaping a design thatconnects with the people who interact with it.of the site as isEmotional MappingCHAOSBORING CONFUSIONSTEADINESS02. Site Analysis
84 UBUNIFU - 2025 ArticleAt least i canshowcase my artwork on the weekendsand makea livingIts really convinientto leave my childrenat the playscapes asi rest at homeHow about wechill at the outdoortheatre after a longday in collegeThe co-livinglounges are a nicetouch after retirementOh look after i putmy baby to sleepi can go chill in therelaxation gardensJaniceThe Mature FamilyThe FlatmatesThe Elderly Couple
UBUNIFU - 2025 85The concept of social incubators ismore than just a design solution; it’s an exploration of how architecture can foster connection, growth,and community. Imagine spaces that do not merely serve as structures but as living, breathingenvironments that nurture social interactions, inspire collaboration, and promote emotional well-being.These incubators are designed to evolve with the community they serve, creating dynamic hubswhere people from all walks of life come together to share, learn, and grow. The social incubators break away from traditional design thinking, offering a transformative approach to housing that prioritizes human connection and emotional engagement. At their core, social incubators are about creating not just homes, but thriving, interconnected communities where the spirit of collaboration can flourish.act as main anchorSocial Incubators03. ConceptMeet the diverse individuals who breathe life into the social incubators. Each character represents a different aspect ofcommunity life:1. Janice: A single person, navigating independence and connections.2. The Mature Family: Parents and children creating a nurturing home.3. The Elderly Couple: Partners enjoying the warmth of lifelong companionship. 4. The Flatmates: A mix of personalities from varying backgrounds, finding harmony in shared living. These characters interactwith the social incubators, bringing vibrancy and diverse needs to the spaces, highlighting the potential for emotional engagement and community growth.
86 UBUNIFU - 2025 ArticleMental Box 1Mental Box 2Mental Box 3
UBUNIFU - 2025 87Mental Box 4Mental Box 5The Mental Box Experiment:Each mental box represents an experiment in how architecture can evoke different emotions:Eg Box 4: An enclosed, desolate space, triggering feelings of isolation or constraint.As you explore each space, feel free to ask yourself: What emotion does this box evoke for you?
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Hang on a sec...\"We didn’t just design spaces. We designed new ways of thinking, with shaky hands and open minds\"We didn’t just design spaces. We designed new ways of thinking, with shaky hands and open mindswith90 UBUNIFU - 2025 \"We didn’t just design spaces. We designed new ways of thinking, with shaky hands and open minds\"We didn’t just design spaces. We designed new ways of thinking, with shaky hands and open minds
UBUNIFU - 2025 91Artist: BradWorkplace: Boboth Studios`
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UBUNIFU - 2025 56KimingiJosephUniversity of [email protected] Ubunifu Programme has been a revolutionary engagement with the human condition, particularly in addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. This initiative provided a unique platform to explore highrise incremental construction as an innovative approach to housing Nairobi's low-income student population acrossvarious stages of their lifecycle. By emphasizing adaptabilityand sustainability, this proposal sought to redefine how urban housing can evolve alongside its occupants' changing needs.UBUNIFU - 2025 93
Article94 UBUNIFU - 2025 ENEA is located on a 30x20m plot on Rhapta Road next to One Africa Place, Westlands, 300m from Westlands Roundabout. The site is fronted by residential apartments to the West and commercial developments to the North and North East. To the South East is also a large provision for educational land use, primarily consisting the main campus of the University of Nairobi.ENEA
UBUNIFU - 2025 95Only 2 in 5 students of the University of Nairobi are accommodated within its halls of residence, creating a demand for dignified student housing outside campus that has spurred developments such as Qwetu/Qejani Chiromo.
Article96 UBUNIFU - 2025 ENEA reinterprets this demand for student housing into affordable full-lifecycle living that gives students simultaneous access to Westlands’ academic, commercial and residential opportunities throughout their lifetime. ENEA is Swahili for growth, expansion and transformation, where student’s households evolve to accommodate changing demographic structures within the same environment. This continuity begets a strong community where social bonds are sustained over decades, as in traditional African societies.01. Concept
UBUNIFU - 2025 97“Images illustrating the evolving demographics of our target audience ; from student life, through family formation, to senior living , all within a continuous, community-rooted environment.”
Article98 UBUNIFU - 2025 Solid 20-storey block matching height of adjacent One Africa and PWC Tower.Voids subtracted from outside face for natural lighting and ventilation. External faces rotated to face North/South for reduced direct solar exposure.02. Massing
UBUNIFU - 2025 99Form terraced towards South Western view. Attractor-point computational algorithm used to optimize module heights relative to view base point.Central courtyard defined to reduce plan depth for enhanced passive cooling and lighting.
Article100 UBUNIFU - 2025 Lifecycle evolution simulated algorithmically to visualize the efflect of evolving occupancy on façade void ratios and appearance.