Roles of Landscape Design in Achieving a Goal

Abstract

In the Strategic Plan 2008-2013, the University of Nairobi spells out a New Revised Vision, which reads 'A World-Class University Committed to Scholarly Excellence'. The University has for the last four or so years engaged in Landscape Design yet connections between Landscape Design and Vision at the University remains hidden, one does not know whether or not the two are related. This study points out what it means to be a World-Class University and outlines the roles of Landscape Design in helping the University achieve its vision. Essentially, Landscape Design is a part of creating the right infrastructure which provides th,e necessary affordances for Scholarly pursuit in aWorld-Class environment. Aesthetic-s; Security, Circulation patterns, Opportunities for interaction, Orientation, Education and Sustainability are some of the affordances. Ruth Simmons defines Worldclass University as that university that is rooted in the culture within which it is located. As such, the study looks into African Art as inspiration for Landscape Design at the University of Nairobi. Finally this study views the history of Landscape Design around the world as doing so traces possible influence on Landscape Design at the University of Nairobi. Princeton University, having been ranked as the best University in the world, is used as a case study to show how it evolved its Landscape Design along the Vision 'Transforming Challenges into Opportunities'. The last chapter gives a design audit on the University of Nairobi Landscape thus far, what can be maintained and what needs to be discarded and a suggestion of a way forward.