BAR 613

THESIS PROPOSAL

TRANSFORMATION OF BUILT FORM IN NAROK

MWANGI IVY WANJIRU

B02/1002/2017

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
©2021

TUTORS : ARCH. MUSAU KIMEU

ARCH. MUMBI MAINA
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Transformation of built form in Narok
Fig 1.1 image showing location of Kenya in the African
continent
Source : https:www.alamy.com/stock-photo/kenya-map.
html
Fig 1.2 image showing location of Narok county in
Kenya
Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narok county
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
The culture, beliefs and traditions of a people are reflected through the Architecture of that region. Oliver
(2000) defines vernacular Architecture as :buildings of the people, built by the people". These built forms
are transformative,sustainable, adaptive and time tested and are consistent with the dynamics of both
environment and community. Oruka (1983) declares that such meaning should be sourced on "basis of a
cultural domain" because this is where "ideological and other socio-political beliefs acquire meaning and
truth value".
As stated by Hockings (1985), there are ways in which aspects of culture and construction of built forms
are interconnected and how theyw help to clarify through symbols, spatial relationships and social -
cultural concern. Therefore the built environment draws its inspiration from the regional context from
which it is found. Denyer (1978) states that even the simplest settlement as viewed today is as a result of a
whole magnitude of economic, social, political, physical and technological forces. Different communities
around the world have different built form language , that is a manifestation of their culture meaning hence
unique built form. Neglect of the vernacular buildings which form the environment has had the effect of
making the latter seem unimportant; it is consequently neglected physically and constantly deteriorates
(Rapoport, 1969).
We may say that monuments-buildings of the grand design tradition are built to impress either the
populace with the power of the patron, or the peer group of designers and cognoscenti with the cleverness
of the designer and good taste of the patron. The vernacular architecture, on the other hand, is the direct
and unselfconscious translation into physical form of a culture, its needs and values-as well as the desires,
dreams and passions of a people (Rapoport, 1969).
In light of the above, the Maasai community has been chosen as a model to demonstrate the built form
relationship. The study context is in Kenya, Africa as shown in fig 1.1,in Narok County, Kenya, as shown
in fig 1.2. It is named after, Enkare Narok, the flowing Narok Town. It covers an area of 17,944 sq km. It
borders Tanzania to the South, Bomet County to the west, Kajiado County to the east and Nakuru County
to the North. The climate is Narok is warm and temperate.
This research documents the culture and traditional Architecture of the Maasai and analyse their built
forms based on Rapoport’s theory on how culture and the environment affect house form.
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION

Fig 1.3 Maasai Homestead Narok.

Source : https://www.sensesatlas.com/territory/
architecture/maasai-villages-an-architecture-
designed-by-the-traditional-pastoral-way-of-life/

Fig 1.4 Maasai Morans Narok.

Source :https://www.tripadvisor.com Location
Photo DirectLink-g294207-d4374561-i121945065-
Kenya_Finest_Tours_Safaris_Day_Tours-Nairobi.
html
 Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
According to the Global Research Development Centre (GRDC), a sustainable design is a structure that
can maintain or improve the quality of life, harmonize with the local climate, preserve culture, conserve
energy and resources, and recycle materials, while maintaining the local and global ecosystem throughout
its life cycle. These aims of any architectural design should be analysed, interrelated and efficiently
integrated to create a high - performance building (World Green Building Society, 2004).

Tradition as a regulator has disappeared notably in our own culture for a number of reasons. The first
reason is the greater number of building types, many of which are too complex to build in traditional
fashion. This rise of specialization and differentiation is paralleled in the spaces within the buildings
and the various trades and professions involved in their design and erection. The second reason is loss
of the common shared value system and image of the world, with a consequent loss of an accepted and
shared hierarchy and generally a loss of goals shared by designers and the public. This results in the
Fig 1.5 Traditional Maasai house in Narok.
disappearance of that spirit of cooperation which makes people respect the rights of adjoining people and
Source : https://citizentv.co.ke/news/manyattas-
go-green-after-eco-manyattas-launched-in- their buildings, and ultimately the rights of the settlement as a whole.
narok-88540/
Many Maasai are moving from their traditional as shown in fig 1.3 houses to contemporary structures.
This has had a significant impact on the maasai lifestyle, way of building and perception. The traditions
that they depended on are becoming less relied on, leading to loss of timeless architecture. In reference
to contemporary buildings in Narok, it is evident that vernacular design approaches are replaced rather
than adapting. These new built forms bear no references to their context. Additionally, many modern
developments that have come up in the region are using new designs do not respect the climate of the
area. This makes the buildings perform poorly as compared to the traditional temporary structures that
performed well in this climate.

This study seeks to document the Maasai culture and its vernacular architecture. This research seeks to
document the transformation of built forms in Narok and how urbanization has affected the Maasai from
the site plan, house form, unit design up to the room design and prepare a comparative analysis of the
past and current. It identifies building technology employed by the Maasai community in Narok. The
Fig 1.6 Semi- Traditional Maasai house in
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application of traditional building technology is analysed in each community and compared to modern
Olukurto, Narok.
Source : Author. 08/09/2021 building technology in terms of superiority in thermal properties and cultural significance.
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
It discusses the impact of the socio-cultural factors and environment on the transformation of the Maasai
built form so as to provide variables that can be re-interpreted in their contemporary Architecture, in
order to achieve a regional architectural response.

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

a) To document Maasai culture and the Traditional Architecture in Narok Region.
b) To document transformation of Maasai built forms, building technology and the forces shaping them
Fig. 1.7 Semi- Traditional Maasai house in in Narok Region.
Olukurto, Narok.
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c) To develop design guidelines for buildings in Narok region.

Source : Author. 08/09/2021

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

a) What is the culture of the Maasai and their traditional Architecture in Narok region?
b) What are the transformations of Maasai built forms, building technology and what are the forces
shaping them Narok region?
c) What are the design guidelines that can be developed for buildings in Narok region ?

Fig 1.8 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Nkareta,

Narok.
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Source : Author. 08/09/2021

Fig 1.9 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Nkareta,

Narok.
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Source : Author. 08/09/2021

Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY
Previous studies on built form transforming of the Maasai have been done in other locations with different
climates (Kumary S. Kiunga (2018) documented Kajiado South, Nzuki Solomon (2014) documented
Magadi township) and focused on the traditional built form and the thermal performance of traditional
and contemporary buildings. This study seeks to address the current study gap and not only to document
the transformation of built form of Maasai in Narok and the neighbouring wards, but also analyse the effect
of urbanization on the social and cultural ways of the Maasai while providing guidelines on application
of building technology to the Savanna climates to ensure climate responsive design for optimal thermal
Fig 1.10 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Nkareta,
Narok.
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comfort.
Source : Author. 08/09/2021
While many other ethnic groups have transformed their cultures drastically in the last century, the Maasai
continue to adapt their traditional values and practices to the current context without giving up its essential
elements. This findings of this study are useful in identifying the effect of urbanization in Narok town to
the Maasai as a person.

With urbanization leading to change in housing design, building materials and arrangement could have
adverse effects on the target people if not well planned as shown in fig 1.9. This results of this study will
provide some insights and information on how an urban setting, such as Narok, can adopt traditional
Fig 1.11 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Nkare- architecture principles or planned change with as little disruption to the social fabric as possible.
ta, Narok.
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Source : Author. 08/09/2021

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
The findings of this study will be a contribution to cultural organizations, museums and for Educational
purposes as it extends the knowledge based on cultural heritage of Kenyan communities.

This study is important in the development of appropriate design in Narok region through creating design
guidelines that are culturally oriented based on relationship of built forms and socio-cultural factors.

Fig 1.12. Eco- Manyatta house, Narok.

Source : https://citizentv.co.ke/news/manyat-
tas-go-green-after-eco-manyattas-launched-in-
narok-88540/
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY
1.7.1 SCOPE OF STUDY
This study is limited to the predominant community in the Narok Region, i.e. the Maasai in the following
areas in Narok North : Narok town, Nkareta, Olukurto, Olposimaru, Olorropill and Upper Melli.

The study analyses the methodology

of the Maasai vernacular built forms
that can be re-interpreted in their
contemporary buildings as a response
to cultural change.

Fig 1.13 image showing location of Narok county The study will focus on analysis of built
in Kenya
forms, building technology and the
Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narok
county forces shaping the transformation.

Fig 1.14 Map of Narok County constituencies.

Source :https://www.pngkey.com/detail/ Fig 1.14 Map of Narok County constituencies.
u2w7y3y3w7i1a9o0_narokcounty-ginicoeffi- Source :https://www.pngkey.com/detail/u2w7y3y3w7i1a9o0_narokcounty-ginicoeffi-
cient-narok-county-map/ cient-narok-county-map/
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.7.2 LIMITATION OF STUDY
Due to time constraints, the study was limited to the aforementioned towns. With this issue of time, the
author was able to prepare questionnaires and get help from two residents in Nkareta area to help with
collecting data from the various case studies.

There was also lack of enough finance to be able to cover an extensive part of the Narok region. However,
the author focused on the different transformations that were near the road and was able to document
them.

With the issue of insecurity and terrorism in the country, the study was constraint as some building
owners were unwilling to allow access to their premises citing security concerns. As a result, the author
focused on studying the houses during the day when majority of the family was around.

Furthermore, the 2020 worldwide Covid 19 pandemic created restrictions to access in buildings and
further constrains the freedom to travel, limiting the scope and time of study.

Fig 1.13 Map of Narok County.

Source :https://www.researchgate.net/ publica-
tion/342610615_Harnessing the potential fommon_
water_hyacinth_as_an_industrial_raw_material_
for_the_production_of_quality_biofuel_briquettes

Fig 1.14 Map of Narok County.

Source :googleearth
 Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.7.1.2 DIFFERENT TYPOLOGIES FOUND IN AREA OF STUDY

Fig 1.17 Traditional Maasai house in Fig 1.18 Semi- Traditional Maasai Fig 1.19 Semi- Traditional Maasai house in Fig 1.20 Semi- Modern Maasai house
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Narok. house in Olukurto, Narok. Olukurto, Narok. in Nkareta, Narok.

The walls are made of cow dung mixed The walls are made of cow dung mixed The walls are made of cow dung mixed with ash The walls are roof are made of 30gauge
with ash while the roof is made of Leleshwa with ash while the roof is made of Le- while the roof is made of 30gauge galvanized galvanized corrugated iron sheets.
branches. leshwa branches with a polythene sheet corrugated iron sheets. Source : Author. 08/09/2021
Source : https://citizentv.co.ke/news/manyat- underneath. Source : Author. 08/09/2021
tas-go-green-after-eco-manyattas-launched- Source : Author. 08/09/2021
in-narok-88540/

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Fig 1.24 Eco- Manyatta house,
Narok.
Source : https://citizentv.co.ke/
news/manyattas-go-green-af-
ter-eco-manyattas-launched-in-
narok-88540/
Fig 1.23 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Fig 1.22 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Nka- Fig 1.21 Semi- Modern Maasai house in Nka-
Nkareta, Narok. reta, Narok. reta, Narok.
The walls are made of 200mm thick quarry The walls are made of timber while the roof is The walls are made of cowdung mixed with ash
stones, jointed with cement/ mortar. The made of 30gauge galvanized corrugated iron while the roof is made of 30gauge galvanized
roof is galvanized corrugated iron sheets sheets. corrugated iron sheets.
Source : Author. 08/09/2021 Source : Author. 08/09/2021 Source : Author. 08/09/2021
Transformation of built form in Narok
Fig 1.25 Maasai Homestead, Narok.
Source : https://www.sensesatlas.com/territory/
architecture/maasai-villages-an-architecture-
designed-by-the-traditional-pastoral-way-of-life/
Fig 1.26 Maasai preparing a feast.
Source : https://www.sensesatlas.com/territory/
architecture/maasai-villages-an-architecture-
designed-by-the-traditional-pastoral-way-of-life/
INTRODUCTION
1.8 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1.8.1 LITERATURE REVIEW OF PUBLISHED MATERIAL
i) Borden, I. & Ray, K., (2006). The Dissertation : An Architecture Student’s Handbook. Architectural
Press, Jordan Hill, Oxford.
ii) Fedders, A., (1989). People and Cultures of Kenya. Rex Collings, London.
This book explains the various linguistic groups in Kenya and gives an analysis of each culture.
iii) Givoni, B., (1994). Passive and Low Energy Cooling of Buildings. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
All major varieties of passive cooling systems are presented, with extensive analysis of performance in
different types of buildings and in different climates: ventilation; radiant cooling; evaporative cooling;
soil cooling; and cooling of outdoor spaces.
iv) Groat,L. & Wang, D., (2013). Architectural Research methods. John Wiley & Sons press, New Jersey.
v) Hooper, C., (1975). Design For Climate: Guidelines for the Design of Low Cost house for the Climates
of Kenya. Kenya Building Centre, Nairobi.
This book reviews climatic zones in Kenya and gives recommendations for each climate.
vi) Konya, A.,(1980). Design primer for hot climates. The architectural press Ltd, London.
This book offers a discussion of architecture and planning for hot climates. The hot tropical and sub-
tropical regions contain most of the world’s population and, it is here that the majority of new buildings
will be built. For this reason this book concentrates on these regions but serves only as a broad outline of
the climatic, environmental, and technological conditions.
vii) Koenigsberger, O.H., (1974). Manual For Tropical Housing and Building. Longman, London.
This book outlines the climatic characteristics all around the world. Of particular interest to this thesis
is the guidelines and recommendations given for design of semi-arid climates.
viii) Kipury,N., (1983).Oral literature of the Maasai.Heinemann Educational Books,Nairobi.
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
This book offers an extensive collection of types of oral literature: oral narratives; proverbs; riddles; and
a variety of songs for different occasions. She collects the oral literature of the Maasai, identifies the
symbol of the “oreteti” tree which among the Maasai symbolises long life “because of its strong sturdy
nature”. Kipury collects the oral literature of the Maasai.

ix) Oliver, P., (1976). Shelter in Africa London. Barrie and Jenkins.
The author consistently put forward his ideas on why an anthropological approach to architecture
would be beneficial to the understanding of the design, use and meaning of buildings.

x) Rapoport, A., (1969). House, Form and Culture. Englewood Cliffs N.J., Prentice Hall.
This book outlines factors that influence the transformation and evolution of traditional built form by
investigating various housing typologies around the world.

xi) Rukwaro, R. & Maina, S. (2006). Transformation of Maasai art and architecture. Nairobi: Arts
Press.
Fig 1.27 Maasai women building a house, Narok. This paper investigates whether there is any relationship between their new built forms and their
Source : https://www.sensesatlas.com/territory/ current cultural values. Using a number of identified culture – change variables including land tenure,
architecture/maasai-villages-an-architecture- education, religion, occupation, and rite of passage, the paper analyses what impact changes in these
designed-by-the-traditional-pastoral-way-of-life/ variables has on the Maasai settlements.

xii) Rukwaro, R. S. (2016). Proposal Writing In Research. Nairobi: Arts Press.

xiii) Salingaros, N., (2006). A theory of Architecture. Umbau-Verlag, Solingen

The author confronts difficult issues head on. Salingaros explores ways to clarify and formalize our
understanding of aesthetic forms in the built environment, using mathematics, thermodynamics,
Darwinism, complexity theory and cognitive sciences.

xiv) Sobania, N., (2006). Culture and customs of Kenya. Greenword Press.
The book in the series capture the elements of continuity and change in culture and customs. Custom
is not represented as static or as a museum artifact but as a dynamic phenomenon.
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.8.2 LITERATURE REVIEW OF UNPUBLISHED MATERIAL
i) Kumary, S.K., (2018). Transformation of traditional built form in Kajiado South and its Impact On
Thermal Comfort, University of Nairobi.
This thesis investigates how Maasai Art can be used to in Kajiado South between the early 1900s to
the present. The author sets out to assess the impact of materials and technological transformations on
thermal comfort and identify strategies that can be employed in Savannah climate for optimal thermal
comfort.

ii) Nzuki,S.M, (2013). Thermal Comfort Condition In Traditional And Contemporary Buildings :A
Case Of Magadi Town, University of Nairobi

iii) Sapuro, A. S., (2014). Maasai Art, Architecture and its Application In Contemporary Times.,
University of Nairobi.
This thesis investigates materials and building technology transformations of traditional dwellings in
Kajiado South between the early 1900s to the present. The author sets out to assess the impact of
materials and technological transformations on thermal comfort and identify strategies that can be
employed in Savannah climate for optimal thermal comfort.

iv) Rukwaro, R. S. (1997). The Kenyan Maasai in a Changing Culture, University of Nairobi.

1.8.3 INTERNET SOURCES

Various online websites have been referred to for some of the information contained herein. A complete
list of these has been provided in the references’ section.

1.8.4 FIELDWORK
A systematic field study of the sampled areas in the study context was carried out.
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
1.9 ORGANIZATION OF STUDY
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
This chapter serves as a preamble to the topic of study. It begins with a brief introduction, followed by
a background of the research problem which reveals that understanding culture is a determining factor
in shaping the built environment. It provides the basis for the study stating the problem in question.
Research questions and objectives of the study have been stated. Subsequently, the justification for the
research, and its significance are expounded. This chapter concludes with scope and limitations of the
study, a brief outline on the organisation of the study and literature reviewed.

CHAPTER 2 : MASAI ARCHITECTURE (LITERATURE REVIEW)

It involves deep and relevant literature review with the first part attempting to shed light on the Masai
people and their architecture. It gives a general understanding of the how and why they constructed the
way they did. It documents the origin history, settlement, the political, economic, social and religious
organization. This will be important when analysing the transformation of the built forms as one will
have a clear understanding of genesis of Maasai architecture. It then discusses built form as a basic need
then proceeds to discuss Maasai Vernacular built forms from the homestead to applying finishes and
maintenance issues.

CHAPTER 3 : FORCES THAT SHAPE MAASAI VERNACULAR BUILT FORMS (CONT. OF

LITERATURE REVIEW)
This is a continuation of literature review and investigates factors that shape Maasai vernacular built
forms. This chapter documents socio-cultural factors as built form determinants and climate and
materials, construction and technology discussed as modifying factors. This chapter concludes with a
summary of architectural constants and design principles that can be derived from examining Maasai
vernacular built forms.

CHAPTER 4 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

It outlines research methods based on the conclusions of the literature review, to address the research
questions and objectives outlined in Chapter 1. This chapter highlights the research design, data collection
and research tools employed in carrying out the research. The case study is chosen as the main research
approach, based on its ability to provide detailed comparisons of the chosen examples of built form. The
chapter further provides a breakdown of the criteria used for the selection of each of the case studies.
Transformation of built form in Narok INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 5: FIELDWORK- DATA COLLECTION, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATIONS
This chapter entails collection of raw data on the selected case studies, scaled sketches, photographs
and scientific data from the digital data logger recording. Starting with an original Maasai traditional
house in Olukurto and goes on to look to look at the composites that transformed from the original in
Nkareta and finally contemporary buildings in Narok town are studied based on Rapoport’s theories on
how culture, human behaviour and the environment affect house form.

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter is a synthesis of the entire study. Key insights are highlighted from the literature review
in Chapter 2 and 3 and the fieldwork in Chapter 5. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn and
are intended as guidelines to aid design of regional built formthat is a climate responsive but rooted in
Maasai culture. Recommendations on future research opportunities are also given.

1.10 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

 CHAPTER TWO
A MAASAI VERNACULAR HOMESTEAD ( ENKANG)
MAASAI ARCHITECTURE
CHAPTER 2 : MAASAI ARCHITECTURE CHAPTER 3 : FORCES THAT AFFECT MAASAI
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW VERNACULAR BUILT FORMS
2.1 The Maasai People : Understanding the Culture 3.1 Geographical characteristics
2.1.1 Historical adaptation 3.2 Research context
2.1.2 Religious organization 3.3 Socio- cultural forces
2.1.3 Political & Social organization 3.3.1 Ways of gaining livelihood
2.1.3.1 Rites of passage 3.3.2 Family set up
2.1.3.1.1 Enkipaata (Pre-circumcision ceremony) 3.3.3 Position of women
2.1.3.1.2 Emuratta (Actual circumcision ceremony) 3.3.4 Privacy
2.1.3.1.3 Eunoto (Warrior shaving) 3.3.5 Social Intercourse
2.1.4 Gender roles, marriage and family 3.3.6 The relation of house and settlement
2.1.4.1 The Woman 3.3.7 The site and its choice
2.2 Maasai Vernacular Architecture 3.3.8 Constancy & change
2.2.1 The Settlement 3.4 Climatic forces : Environmental response
2.2.2 The Maasai Homestead (Enkang) 3.4.1 The climatic scale
2.2.3 The Maasai Traditional house (Enkaji) 3.4.2 Environmental design strategies
2.2.3.1 Enkaji Entasat (mother’s house) 3.4.2.1. Climate
2.2.3.2 Enkaji Orripie (father’s house) 3.4.2.2. Site planning
2.2.3.3 Enkaji oo nkera / Enkaji oo esiangiki 3.4.2.3. Human comfort
2.2.3.4 Orng’obor 3.4.2.4. Orientation
2.2.4 Construction, Materials & Technology 3.4.2.5. Solar radiation & light
2.2.4.1 Walls 3.4.2.6. Air temperature
2.2.4.2 Roof 3.4.2.7. Humidity
2.2.4.3 Fenestration 3.4.2.8. Winds
2.2.4.4 Floors 3.4.2.9. Openings
2.2.5 Vernacular building process and skill 3.5 Forces due to Building Materials and Construction Technology
2.2.5.1 Site selection and preparation 3.5.1 Process of construction
2.2.5.2 Setting out of the house 3.5.2 Materials
2.2.5.3 Layout of the foundation 3.5.3 Portability
2.2.5.4 Walling 3.5.4 Lateral forces & gravity
2.2.5.5 Roofing 3.5.5 Weathering
2.2.5.6 Openings 3.6 Conclusion
2.2.5.7 Maintenance
2.3 Conclusion