AFRICAN HERITAGE ARCHIVES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (AHARI), BOMAS OF KENYA, NAIROBI.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, School of Architecture and Building Sciences, Department of Architecture

Idea projektu

Project Declaration.
The proposed African Heritage Archives and Research Institute (AHARI) is as a result of a research thesis entitled 'Colonial influences in post modern Nairobi and their effects on tangible and intangible African heritage. A case of the Kenya National Archives.' The project was submitted in partial fulfilment for the award Bachelor of Architecture in the Department of Architecture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, for the academic year 2024/2025.

Project Idea and Context.
The main idea behind the design thesis is the problem of adaptive reuse of colonial buildings as cultural spaces, and the need to have a purpose-designed and culturally contextual archive building in Kenya in order to safeguard historical items and provide a sense of cultural identity and ownership in post-modern Nairobi.

Project goals and objectives.
1. Safeguarding of heritage for posterity.
The identity and future of a nation lies in its history. For future generations to have access to tangible items such as documents, audio-visual items and historical artifacts, measures must be put into place in terms of design to ensure posterity and longevity. Tangible items are at constant risk of jeopardy due to the unsuitable conditions of the adaptively reused Kenya National Archives building in Nairobi's CBD. Unsustainable conditions discovered during research include high high humidity levels, uncontrolled temperatures and encroachment of air pollutants.

2. Contextual representation and the avoidance of 'symbolic contradictions'.
One of the project's themes involves representing African heritage in context-specific spaces to make user's perception of African heritage more authentic. Cultural spaces ought to be inviting in order to expose heritage to users while colonial buildings portrayed power and dominion over colonial subjects. The juxtaposition of the two results in symbolic contradictions, where the form of the building overshadows its function.

3. Cultural sustainability.
Making information from the past readily available is one of the main aspects of cultural sustainability. This also ensures that the value of memory is upheld for heritage aspects that are impossible to replicate. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and nurturing cultural elements that contribute to the African sense of identity and continuity, ensuring that cultural aspects are passed down to future generations.

4. Incorporation of flexible design solutions.
Archive buildings are often plagued with a lack of space due to the increment in the number of tangible records received. More so, the reuse of the colonial building as an archive is such that it becomes impossible to provide more space as the building is listed as a monument and therefore its form cannot be altered. Archive specific design is therefore necessary, as the possibility for future space can be considered during design stage.

Popis projektu

The proposed African Heritage Archives and Research Institute (AHARI) is schematic in nature and comprises various spaces which help in solving the problems found during research. The spaces are as follows:
1. The repository.
This is the main space within which all other spaces are designed around. The repository serves as the main storage space for documentation and rare artifacts. The building is designed in such a way that it is climate controlled for the protection of tangible assets. Its construction technology is also such that flexibility is considered and more space can be created in the future.

2. The art's center.
The open four-story space caters to the contextual exhibition of African artifacts, ensuring that users have an authentic experience of African heritage.

3. The audio-visual hall.
One of the main aims of the project is to connect the past, present and future as is the definition of 'Heritage'. This means that in order to keep in line with Nairobi's post modern society, present needs must be met. The portrayal of African heritage ought to be done through different media, to cater to different generations. The audio-visual hall therefore features a cinema hall, and a virtual reality hub in which African heritage can be showcased.

4. The resource center.
This space caters to historical researchers and historians, such that material retrieved from the repository can be studied here.

5. Administration hall.
For the administrative purposes and day to day running of the facility.

Technické informace

Construction material used.
1. Red brick.
Red brick is primarily used as the main cladding for the facility to give an earthen feel to the structures. The red brick is locally made therefore appealing to the African narrative of construction using local and readily accessible material.

2. Reinforced concrete.
This is used as the main structural material for the buildings as it is able to achieve the pot-like and curvilinear forms of the different spaces.

3. Timber.
Darkly stained timber plywood panels are used primarily as the interior cladding material to give the spaces a sort of intimacy. Timber logs are also used to create bespoke elements such as railings. The uneven/rugged nature of the logs is associated with African architecture which features timber construction.

4. Steel.
The choice of steel is mainly due to the ease of construction and the opportunities it provides in terms of flexible design. A prominent steel tower is observed inside the repository which houses all the records of the archive.

5. Glass.
Fixed glass panels are also used majorly in the repository to provide for controlled indoor environments. The steel tower is enveloped in fixed glass paneling to ensure a sterile environment is kept within the tower at all times. Glass paneling on the buildings fenestrations also allow natural light into the spaces.

6. Translucent marble.
To control the natural light getting into the repository through the fenestrations, numerous marble tiles are observed inside the repository. The marble upon illumination absorbs most of the light and glows, subsequently lighting the repository's interior. This glowing effect also heightens the feel of security, intimacy and enclosure of the repository.

Construction techniques utilized.
1. Post and lintel system.
The reinforced concrete column and beam system ensures large spans can be attained, achieving column-free internal spaces. The system enables free flowing circulation especially in the exhibition spaces where users can navigate the space without interruptions. The same post and lintel system is replicated in the repository tower which is made from steel, where steel members are easily bolted together in place. This is also beneficial for the flexibility of the repository where additional floors for record-keeping can be added onto the existing tower by simply bolting together additional steel members.

2. Aluminum brick cladding system.
The curvilinear nature of the built forms feature slanting reinforced concrete walls. In order to clad the slanting walls in brick, aluminum battens are bolted onto the concrete surface and custom profile bricks are slid into place, in between the battens. The cultural symbolism intended by the brick facade is then achieved.

3. Steel spider-connector glass curtain wall system.
In order to provide for controlled indoor environments in the repository, steel spider connectors, which are connected to the steel tower frame hold up a series of glass panels. The edges of the glass panels are then further sealed with silicone making the indoor environment of the steel tower air tight and free of external pollutants.

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