The impact of circulation arteries on Nairobi's Urban Form

Abstract

Circulation arteries are more than just lines of potential movement; they are stages for observation, presenting opportunities and chaJ.lenges of diverse social, functional and economic nature. Failure for example to introduce compatible development models through planning & design often leads to overwhelmed physical infrastructure & the thriving of informality; subjects whose costs are significant in terms of most human, social, economic, and environmental variables.

The main objective of this study therefore was to investigate the relationship between circulation arteries and urban forms in Nairobi, to determine how such a relationship can be utilized positively to structure urban precincts. The study adopted qualitative, descriptive case-study research method to analyze the cause and impact Structured direct observation and interview of key informants was used to collect data from the ground and from architects and urban planners, to help inform the various archival and documentary materials collected prior and during the study.

It emerges that from the beginning planning in Nairobi merely compartmentalized the city into functional zones with little attention given to the fabric that interconnects the zones. The study thus proposes creation of urban design guidelines to steer the development of arterial-oriented built form's in Nairobi by exposing their spatial adaptations, and as a means to bridging the gap between urban planning and architectural design.