Trends of Sun-shading Devices in Nairobi Since 1900

Abstract

Thermal comfort can affect the living and working conditions of individuals within buildings. To harness maximum comfort, a conducive environment should be created. The use of a sun shading device is considered to be one of the best means to achieve this. With the increased use of glazing globally, which comes with thermal discomfort, and with increased expectations of comfort at more efficient levels, there is a need for further exploration into the design and use of sun shading devices to achieve thermal comfort. Sun-shading devices have changed over the years making direct comparison of each device’s efficiency nearly impossible and as a result of advancements in technology, new materials, and construction methods, the design of shading devices has been constantly evolving. This study critiques the implementation and transformation of sun-shading devices in Nairobi over time from the traditional to the present and the factors that have led to the variations over time. The scope of the study is limited to buildings in Nairobi designed between 1880 - 2020 in order to establish a timeline of the transformation brought about by changes in architectural styles, economic development, industry leaders as well as advancement in technology and materials. Using temporal trend analysis as a research strategy, Nairobi’s timeline is categorised according to the different architectural styles and the selected case studies are analysed according to their form, construction, function, and design. The research finds that a key trend is the approximate two decades-long time lag between the sun shading device types in the Western world and their implementation in Nairobi. At the moment the western world is geared towards kinetic or adaptive sun shading devices which this thesis predicts will be implemented in Nairobi in the future.