DATE OF SUBMISSION: 16/06/2025

NAME: ALEX MUTINDA

REGISTRATION NUMBER: B65/4448/2022

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT &
DESIGN
DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL
PLANNING - DURP

COURSEWORK PROJECT:

MASTER PLAN FOR UNIVERSITY OF

NAIROBI SPORTS AND SCIENCE PARK
BUR3306 URBAN DESIGN & SITE PLANNING

Lecturer: C.D Karisa

AREA= 195,069m^2 • Holistic Living and Demographics: The necessity for healthy
living within an environment shaped by the interaction of science,
economy, and emerging demographics. This underscores the
integrated approach.
1. BACKGROUND OF THE UDSP PROJECT
For this section, you'll be drawing primarily from the "Introduction" and • Sports as Economic Drivers: Sports infrastructure and patronage
"Justification of the Science-Sports Theme Park" sections of the "BUR 306 are not only indicators but also drivers of economic advancement.
Science Park" document.

• Global Context of Innovation: The worldwide focus on fostering

innovation by bringing together academia, research institutions, and
enterprises in specific environments, whether concentrated in one 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
location or spread across a region.
This section will be derived from the "Fundamental Role and Objective of
• Governmental Policies and Science Parks: Governments are the Theme (Sports and Science) Park".
increasingly directing resources to stimulate the emergence and
strengthening of clusters of firms, establish links with research PROBLEM STATEMENT:
institutions and universities, and facilitate knowledge The need for a dynamic, integrated environment that goes beyond
dissemination. Science parks are key features of these new policies. traditional university functions.

• Importance of Intangible Aspects: The critical need to integrate Lack of integrated environments for innovation and sustainability: This
the "intangible side of things" – the social and human fabric – with directly leads to the objective of creating a unique space that links industry,
the "material side" (hard science and industry) to ensure research, and higher education, and integrates social aspects with hard
sustainability. This integration is crucial for long-term viability. science.

• Economic Benefits of Social Infrastructure: Such social Unrealized economic potential from social infrastructure and combined
infrastructure can be income-generating and has the potential to fields: This sets up the objective of the park leveraging sports and science for
unlock urban land value capture. This adds a significant economic job creation, growth, and urban land value capture.
dimension to the project.
Need for healthy living environments: This justifies the inclusion of sports
• University of Nairobi's Initiative: The University of Nairobi is and the focus on holistic well-being within the park.
proposing to develop a Science-Sports theme park, noting its
University's evolving role and student development: This directly addresses
strategic location in the city of Nairobi.
the objectives of redefining the university as a productive space and
• Justification for Science-Sports Combination: The combination developing students for innovation and entrepreneurship.
of technologies and economies of scope has emerged as a significant
source of job creation and growth.

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Gaps in technology/skills transfer and socio-productive order: This lays the These tasks guide the entire planning process from understanding needs to
groundwork for the objectives focused on facilitating transfer and final design and implementation.
establishing a new order.
1. Data Needs and Sources:

Data needs will be identified, along with sources of data and

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: methods of data collection.

1. To redefine the university as a productive space of the twenty-first Examples of data sources would include secondary data
century. collection, policy documents, maps, case studies, GIS/CAD
mapping and field surveys (physical + social/institutional)
2. To develop university students as a strategic resource for innovation and
entrepreneurship. Methods:

3. To provide space for the trigger of a new industrial and economic Site Analysis: SWOT, land use suitability.
organization, anchored on the installation of a new logic of research and
production by seeking links between innovative industry, private and Design Tools: 2D/3D modeling (AutoCAD, SketchUp),
public research, and higher education. infographics.

4. To facilitate technology and/or skills transfer.

5. To promote the establishment of a new socio-productive order by 3.2. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES (BY TASK AREA):
offering a unique form of location conceived in its planning, architecture, a. Activity Programming:
and leadership.
Purpose: This involves isolating anticipated human activity,
6. To stimulate dynamic development by providing an interface between understanding their interrelationship and importance in space
science/research/technology and the society. design, and how they influence the resultant space. It's about
defining activities, allocating space, and establishing
relationships between spaces to ensure the design meets goals.

Methods/Deliverables: This process will involve developing a

3. DATA SOURCING AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES programme of accommodation (what to be included),
determining functional requirements, creating
3.1. OVERVIEW OF PROJECT TASKS/PHASES: activity/functional relationship diagrams, and conducting space
allocation/budgeting. It also influences the siting of buildings,
The project tasks are organized into three interrelated areas: Activity
and on-site vehicular and pedestrian flows, and connections to
Programming, Urban Context, Site Documentation, and Analysis,
the external world.
and Site Planning and Design Development.

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b. Urban Context, Site Documentation, and Analysis:

Purpose: Situating the project site within its urban context, 4. LITERATURE REVIEW, CASE STUDIES, POLICIES,
identifying distinctive features of space, place, and landscape to
GUIDELINES, STANDARDS & DESIGN CONCEPTUAL
analyze how they can improve environmental quality and meet
various human needs without harming the environment. The
FRAMEWORK
goal is to determine site suitability for intended uses and
4.1. LITERATURE REVIEW (THEORY, PRINCIPLES, CONCEPTS):
activities.
1. Innovation Ecosystems: How science parks aim to create vibrant
Methods/Deliverables: This involves creating base maps environments where researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses
(context and site), conducting urban analysis, mapping site collaborate.
features and key layouts, performing site analysis based on
characteristics (including 2D and 3D studies), analyzing 2. Integration of "Hard" and "Soft" Infrastructure: The
functional disposition and activity relationships, understanding importance of integrating social and human-centered dimensions
user patterns, and conducting land use suitability analysis. with hard science and industry for sustainability.
You'll also identify site opportunities and constraints.
3. Urban Land Value Capture: How such infrastructure can be
income-generating and unlock urban land value.

c. Site Planning and Design Development: 4. Sustainable Design and Practices: Mentioned as a priority for
some science parks.
Purpose: This phase translates analysis into a site layout,
defining activity areas and their linkages, circulation, built and 5. Community Engagement: How parks may offer educational
unbuilt spaces, and building footprints. It also includes programs, outreach, and cultural events, and the need for
developing guidelines for site utilization and management, and accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement in sports
identifying potential social, cultural, economic, political, and facilities.
environmental problems for mitigation.
6. Mobility and Connectivity: The need for innovative mobility
Methods/Deliverables: This will result in a Site plan, 3D channels integrating various transport modes and placed on best
models, illustrations of site details (e.g., furniture, lighting, desire lines of movement.
signage), and a Site management plan/guidelines.
4.2. Policies, Guidelines, and Standards :
Policy review, planning guidelines, and space standards will be undertaken
as part of the detailed tasks. Adherence to relevant national, county, and
university planning policies and building standards will be crucial for the
project's feasibility and design. For example, regulations regarding land use,

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 building heights, open space provision, accessibility, and environmental vi. Huachiao Vibrant Sports Park (Kunshan, Suzhou): Its diverse
protection would be considered. facilities (basketball, skate parks, ping pong, children's play), signature
pavilion, and focus on creating an eco-friendly urban public space.

vii. Linping Sports Park Rest Station (Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China): Its
4.3. CASE STUDIES REVIEWED: design with anodized aluminum plates to minimize environmental
Purpose: Reviewing case studies helps to understand successful models, impact and its aim to make the building an extension of nature, also
identify best practices, and learn from existing projects. This provides committed to eco-friendly urban public space.
inspiration and informs design decisions.
viii. Other examples: "The Fieldhouse sports centre by MoDus Architects
Specific Examples: in South Tyrol" and "Saint-Pierre-du-Perray sports park".

1. Science Park Projects:

i. Dedan Kimathi Science and Technology Park (DeST-Park): 4.4. DESIGN CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:
Highlights its focus on agriculture and food technology, with hubs for
This is articulating the conceptual framework that will guide your
bio-resources, biotechnology, and ICT.
alternative plan proposals and detailed design drawings. This includes:
ii. Sophia 2030: Note its aim to maintain its status as an international
A. Integration and Synergy: The seamless connection between the
reference for innovation while supporting higher education and
sports and science wings, promoting cross-disciplinary interaction
sustainability.
and shared amenities.
iii. Kilometro Rosso (Italy): Its distinctive vibrant red wall and strong
B. Sustainability: Commitment to eco-friendly design, green
identity.
spaces, and minimizing environmental impact.
iv. La Salle Innovation Park (Mexico): Its "Ruah" sculpture suggests the
C. Community and Inclusivity: Designing spaces that are
value of incorporating artistic or symbolic elements to enhance a park's
accessible and welcoming to students, faculty, researchers,
unique character
businesses, and the wider community.
v. Technopark Morocco: It’s a typical and symmetric architecture
D. Innovation and Productivity: Creating an environment that
demonstrates that innovative and unique design approaches can
fosters research, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer,
stimulate dynamic development, reinforcing the idea of conceiving the
redefining the university's role.
park's planning and architecture in a unique form
E. Well-being and Active Living: Prioritizing healthy living
through sports facilities and green spaces.
2. Sports Park Projects:
F. Distinctive Identity: Developing a unique architectural and
landscape character that reflects the park's purpose and location.

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5.SITE ANALYSIS AND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE UDSP
PROJECT

5.1 SITE LOCATION AND CONTEXT

A. Geographic Context

• Location: Prime urban land at University of Nairobi,

straddling Masonga Wai River between Chiromo Campus and
existing sports fields.

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5.2 THEMATIC SITE ANALYSIS 5.4 SUITABILITY STATEMENT

A. Physical Characteristics The site is highly suitable for the proposed science-sports park, contingent
on:
1. Hydrology:
1. Climate Adaptation: Flood-resilient construction in river-adjacent
Masonga Wai riverine system requires flood mitigation (retention basins, per zones.
Technopark Morocco’s water management).
2. Slope Mitigation: Terraced foundations for science wing buildings.
2. Vegetation:
3. Preservation: Retain 60% of existing trees (aligned with Huachiao
Mature trees along riverbanks to preserve (aligns with biophilic design Park’s eco-standards).
principles).
Key Justification:
3. Infrastructure:
• Central location meets the brief’s goal of "dynamic development"
Existing sports pavilions to repurpose; utilities (water, power) available at (Science Park.doc, Section 3).
Chiromo edge.
• Mixed-use potential fulfills Vision 2030’s innovation hub
objectives.
5.3 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
5.5 GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OUTPUTS
Opportunities:
1. Base Maps
• Economic: Income-generating public spaces.
o Existing conditions
• Ecological: River as green corridor (Linping Park’s nature-
integrated design). 2. Thematic Maps:

• Social: Existing sports facilities reduce construction costs. o Slope analysis (GIS)

Constraints:

• Environmental: Flood risk requires elevated structures (per Annex

I low-lying areas).

• Mobility: Current road width insufficient for service vehicles;

requires redesign.

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7. 3D Model of the Existing Situation

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This deliverable directly complements your site analysis by providing a visual representation of the current state of the project site.

Purpose: The 3D model's primary purpose is to clearly illustrate the existing conditions of the University of Nairobi Sports and Science Park site [BUR 306
Science Park.pdf, 30]. This will serve as a baseline for all subsequent design interventions.

Key Aspect:

It should accurately depict the current landform, existing structures (like the pavilions and swimming pool in the Sports cluster), the Msonga Wai river and its
tributary, existing vegetation, and any other relevant features as they stand today [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 6].

This model helps in visualizing the opportunities and constraints identified in your site analysis.

Okay, let's "conduct" Section 8: Conceptual Models and Plans Formulated – Alternative Plan Proposals + physical models, as if I were undertaking this
project for the University of Nairobi Sports and Science Park.

Having thoroughly completed the literature review, established the design conceptual framework, and performed a comprehensive site analysis including the 3D
model of the existing situation, I am now ready to synthesize these findings into tangible design concepts. This is the crucial stage where ideas begin to take spatial
form.

8. Conceptual Models and Plans Formulated – Alternative Plan Proposals + physical models

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Purpose: The primary goal in this phase is to translate the project's objectives, the identified needs of both the Sports and Science Wings, and the opportunities
and constraints derived from the site analysis into initial design solutions. This involves exploring multiple conceptual approaches to the layout and organization
of the park, ensuring they are grounded in the theoretical framework and responsive to the specific site conditions [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 30].

Activities I would carry out:

1. Revisit the Design Conceptual Framework and Program of Accommodation:

o I would start by reviewing the established design principles, theories, and concepts from my literature review (Section 5) [BUR 306 Science
Park.pdf, 30]. These will serve as guiding tenets for all conceptual designs.

o I would also refer to the detailed "Program of accommodation" and "Activity/functional relationship diagram" developed in the earlier stages
[Site Planning Activities - Guidelines.pdf, 21, 22]. This ensures that all required facilities and their interconnections for both the Sports Wing
(e.g., various sports facilities, resting areas, auxiliary spaces for parking/deliveries, support for general exercise, accessibility, inclusivity,
community engagement) and the Science Wing (e.g., office spaces, laboratories, workrooms, meeting areas, incubators, shared resources,
technology transfer, business support, specific industry focuses, innovation ecosystems, talent attraction, community engagement, sustainability)
are considered in the spatial proposals [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 7, 8, 9, 10].

2. Brainstorming and Ideation based on Site Analysis:

o Leveraging the "Site opportunities and constraints" identified in Section 6 [Site Planning Activities - Guidelines.pdf, 24], I would begin
brainstorming various approaches to how the two interconnected clusters (Sports and Science) could be spatially organized on the site.

o Consideration would be given to the existing features, the Msonga Wai riverine system, and how to integrate "innovative mobility channels" and
"best desire lines of movement" across the site, connecting the two wings effectively [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 6, 7].

o I would explore how to maximize the distinctive features of the site to enhance environmental quality and meet the diverse needs of users [Site
Planning Activities - Guidelines.pdf, 22, 23].

3. Developing Conceptual Models:

o This would involve creating abstract diagrams and sketches to represent key organizational ideas. These might include:

▪ Bubble Diagrams: Showing spatial relationships and adjacencies between different functional zones (e.g., separating active sports areas
from quiet research zones, but ensuring clear connections).

▪ Massing Studies: Preliminary explorations of building footprints and their relationship to open spaces.

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 ▪ Circulation Concepts: Diagramming main pedestrian and vehicular routes, entry points, and internal movement systems, including
connections across the river to Chiromo campus [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 6, 12].

▪ Zoning Diagrams: Clearly delineating proposed land use zones for the sports cluster, science cluster, green spaces, auxiliary services,
and public interface areas. This forms the "Activity zoning and concept plan" [Site Planning Activities - Guidelines.pdf, 25].

▪ Green Infrastructure Concepts: How natural systems, such as the riverine landscape, can be integrated and leveraged for ecological
and recreational benefits.

4. Formulating Alternative Plan Proposals:

o Based on the conceptual models, I would develop 2-3 distinct "Alternative Plan Proposals." Each proposal would present a different yet viable
approach to the park's layout, demonstrating variations in:

▪ Land Use Zoning: Different arrangements for the Science and Sports Wings, how they relate to the river, and the placement of auxiliary
spaces [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 12].

▪ Circulation Patterns: Exploring different primary and secondary pathways, public and service access points, and the integration of
diverse transport modes [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 12].

▪ Open Space Organization: How green spaces, plazas, and gathering areas are distributed and connected throughout the park.

▪ Preliminary Infrastructure and Utility Integration: Initial thoughts on how services like water, power, and waste management might
be laid out, recognizing that these will be detailed later [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 12].

o Each alternative would be presented with clear annotations explaining its rationale, advantages, and potential challenges.

5. Creating Physical Models of the Concepts:

o Alongside the 2D plans, I would construct simple massing models or conceptual physical models for each alternative proposal [BUR 306 Science
Park.pdf, 30]. These would be at an appropriate scale to convey the overall spatial relationships, topography, and general form of the proposed
development. These models are invaluable for quickly communicating and assessing the three-dimensional implications of each concept.

6. Internal Evaluation of Concept Plans:

o Before moving to a preferred plan, I would conduct an internal evaluation of these alternative proposals, weighing their strengths and weaknesses
against the project objectives, site suitability, and design principles [Site Planning Activities - Guidelines.pdf, 25]. This iterative process of
synthesis and evaluation helps refine ideas towards the most optimal solution.

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Deliverables for Section 8 (as presented in an A3 Report):

• Conceptual Models: A series of diagrams (bubble diagrams, flow charts, zoning studies, connectivity maps) illustrating the underlying organizational
principles and relationships within the park.

• Alternative Plan Proposals: Two to three distinct conceptual master plans, clearly drawn at an appropriate scale. Each plan would depict:

o Proposed Land Use zones for both the Sports and Science Clusters and their sub-zones.

o Primary and secondary circulation networks (pedestrian, vehicular, and innovative mobility channels).

o Key open spaces, green areas, and recreational zones.

o Preliminary indications of major built form locations/footprints.

o Legend and brief descriptive text for each alternative, highlighting its unique approach.

• Photographs/Renderings of Physical Models: High-quality images of the conceptual physical models for each alternative, providing a 3D understanding
of the proposed spatial arrangements.

This entire section would be thoughtfully laid out across a maximum of 4 sheets in the A3 report, using a combination of diagrams, maps, and model images to
convey the different design possibilities [BUR 306 Science Park.pdf, 30].

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