University biological laboratories
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Date
1976-06Author
Wanyonyi, James S. K.
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The character of a space 1S defined by its
relationship with the specific environment. Laboratory accommodation
may broadly be defined either as specialised, in the sense that it 1S
generated by a particular piece of furniture or equipment, or as
General in the sense that it is suitable for a wide variety of disciplines
as well as widely varying techniques within each discipline ,
The University has proposed to put up the following
facilities at Chiromo campus:-
2 General teaching laboratories with their Ancillaries,
2,Lecture theatres, Post-graduate laboratory, I
Physiology laboratory, offices-cum-laboratories, I
Electron microscope room, Radio Isotope laboratory and
Photo laboratory each with the necessary ancillaries.
The facilities are to house the biological sciences.
The proposal is related to the existing Zoology/Botany Block
through a covered walkway. The overall relationship with other buildings
is achieved by pedestrian malls and courtyards that flow into each other .
1he project shows some uniqueness compared to the existing structures
because of the-way it is serviced and the system upon which it is evolved.
It is able to grow by repeating itself linearly. This concept allows for
a new unit to come up without affecting the existing units. The only
modification to the system is when special facilities electron microscope
are required.
The site bounded by Gecaga Institute, the Zoology Botany block and
the I.C.I.P.E. buildings, steeply slopes towards the river. The rock
surface 1S very near the top soil. The site is reached by two distinct
routes; by road from the river side drive and by pedestrians from the
halls through the University sportsground._
Servicing forms the skeleton of the laboratory, It has
determined the structure by using double columns. Provisions are
made for heavier servicing in the event of expansion. Because of
servicing, maintenance and adaptability, services should be kept
away from the structure. The basic services required are:-
Water,
Electricity ,
Compressed air,
Gas,
Telephone and
Waste Water disposal.
I have provided removable panels covering the services so
that they can be removed and repairs made to the piping.
The internal layout is such that the user can make changes with
little qualified manpower. In the large teaching laboratory, it is
done by use of sliding pannels . The division walls are not structural
end has no lnstallation in them. The integration of components is kept
to a minimum Surface installation for elec1-ricity is recommended so that
changes are made without complications.
Cost is usually a major problem in :the building industry.
Because of the investiment that goes in the laboratories, we do not
think much about the adaptability of the spaces. In the case of
adaptability the services will remain, but drawers and storage units
are stored elsewhere and the room used for other purposes. Flexibility
therefore should be given attention in the design of educational
buildings all the time.
Citation
MAPublisher
Faculty of Architecture, Design And Development, University of Nairobi
Description
M. Arch. Thesis