Analysis of the Spatial Organization in the Context of Space Syntax Model for Apartment Unit Plans in Kenya

Abstract

Kenya has the largest economy in East Africa and is generally considered to be the economic hub of the region, with a particular focus on Nairobi. Thus, the average growth rate of urbanization is high and is predicted to grow over time. Through urbanization, Kenyas investment in the construction industry has failed to meet the countrys housing demands, which represents a shortfall of housing. As apartment buildings can accommodate more families than the appropriate number of single housing units on the same size lot, apartments are often selected as a way of resolving housing shortages. Thus, this study focuses on apartments as a way to analyze the spatial configurations and social implication of such provision. The purpose of this study is to describe changes of the spatial organization through space syntax in Kenyan apartments between the two ranges of 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2016

further, it aims to elaborate on why such changes have occurred. The spatial structures of apartments in the two periods from 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2016 have been comparatively analyzed. Comparing the mean integration value from these two ranges reveals that almost all the spaces have decreased in integration value. Ultimately, the most drastic changes that have taken place in spatial housing layouts are the entirety of the corridor, private zones, abd the kitchen. Overall, apartment from 2000 to 2004 was a new housing type designed in the universal/global trend of apartment housing which did not fit into the context of Kenyan apartments. As adjustment and changes in political, economic, and social issues started to appear in 2005 apartments became more of a popular housing type and were constructed more frequently. Furthermore, apartments from 2005 to 2016 started to embrace and reflect the cultural contents of Kenyan living style where these characteristics started to reappear in floor plans. These changes are seen through the location of the corridor, private zones, and kitchen.