KIKUYU MATERIAL CULTURE IN THE DESIGN OF...

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UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AND DESIGN

BDS 413: PROJECT PAPER

INTERIOR DESIGN

KIKUYU MATERIAL CULTURE IN THE DESIGN OF AESTHETIC

INTERIORS FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS’ HOMES IN

NYERI, KENYA.

By: MURIITHI EDWIN KAIGURI

B05/1008/2012

SUPERVISOR: MR. CHEGE GITURA

Project paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Bachelor of Art in

Design Degree submitted to the School of the Arts and Design, University of Nairobi.

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DECLARATION

This project has been submitted in partial fulfilment of the Bachelor of Arts (Design)

degree, University of Nairobi. I declare that this is my original work and has not been

presented to any other university or learning institution for any academic award.

MURIITHI EDWIN KAIGURI

Signature: ____________________ Date: _____________________

This project has been submitted for examination with our approval as the University

Supervisors.

MR. CHEGE GITURA

Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________________

The Director School of the Arts and Design, University of Nairobi.

MR. MURIITHI KINYUA

Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________________

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DEDICATION

I thank the Almighty for the gift of the family that raised me. The values and virtues of

love, honesty, hard work, love and determination that they have instilled in me. These

and other values have been my guiding light throughout my life. I dedicate this paper to

them for their continuous motivation and support.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Although it would be impossible to mention them individually, it would similarly be

inconceivable not to extend personal appreciation to the team that has collaborated with

me in this exciting yet challenging process of compiling this project paper for their

enormous assistance.

In the course of writing this project paper, I benefited from input, critique and support

from my supervisors. They gave me guidelines on how to carry out a good research other

important details to achieving completion of this work.

I would like to express passionate gratitude to the University of Nairobi, school of the

arts and design for providing a conducive learning atmosphere also to Mr. Bernard

Karemeri for allowing me to carry out my research. I am grateful to my lecturers Dr.

Lilac Osanjo, Mr. Muriithi Kinyua, Mr. Munene and to my colleagues in the class of

2012-2016 for the enriching and intellectual interactions in the process of discussions on

various components, challenges and new approaches to Interior Design.

My family and friends endured the absence and imperfect attention during the years of

my study. Their sustained overflow of love, and practical encouragement spurred me

across the overwhelming challenges of this academic quest.

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ......................................................................... 1

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT ....................................................................................... 2

1.4 OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 3

1.4.1 Main objective .................................................................................................... 3

1.4.2 Specific objectives: ............................................................................................. 3

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ....................................................................................... 3

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE ....................................................................................................... 3

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY ............................................................................ 3

1.8 THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY ................................................................................ 4

1.8.1 Geographical ....................................................................................................... 4

1.8.2 Content................................................................................................................ 4

1.8.3 Design philosophy .............................................................................................. 4

1.9 CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY .......................................................................... 5

CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 6

LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................... 6

2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 6

2.2 REVIEW OF THEORETICAL LITERATURE ....................................................... 6

2.2.1 Universality of Built Environments .................................................................... 6

2.2.2 Designing for the elderly .................................................................................. 12

2.2.3 User’s Culture ................................................................................................... 14

2.2.4 The Kikuyu People ........................................................................................... 15

2.2.5 Kikuyu material culture .................................................................................... 17

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2.2.6 The Kikuyu homestead and Architecture ......................................................... 18

2.2.7 Exemplars ......................................................................................................... 21

2.3 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 23

CHAPTER THREE .......................................................................................................... 24

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................... 24

3.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 24

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN ............................................................................................ 24

3.3 TARGET POPULATION ....................................................................................... 25

3.4 SAMPLE POPULATION ....................................................................................... 25

3.5 DATA COLLECTION METHODS ....................................................................... 26

3.5.1 Interviews ......................................................................................................... 26

3.5.2 Observations ..................................................................................................... 27

3.5.3 Questionnaires .................................................................................................. 27

3.5.4 Multi-media ...................................................................................................... 27

3.5.5 Document research ........................................................................................... 27

3.5.6 Case Studies ...................................................................................................... 27

3.5.7 Triangulation .................................................................................................... 27

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS ................................................................................................. 27

3.6.1 Multi- media ..................................................................................................... 27

3.6.2 Graphs ............................................................................................................... 28

3.6.3 Pie charts........................................................................................................... 28

3.7 DATA PRESENTATION ....................................................................................... 28

3.7.1 Tables................................................................................................................ 28

3.7.2 Texts ................................................................................................................. 28

3.7.3 Quotations ......................................................................................................... 28

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3.8 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 28

CHAPTER FOUR ............................................................................................................. 29

SITE ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS ....................................... 29

4.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 29

4.2 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS ................................................................................. 29

4.2.1 Landscaping ...................................................................................................... 29

4.2.2 Interiors ............................................................................................................. 34

4.2.3 Furniture ........................................................................................................... 37

4.2.4 Exhibition and Display ..................................................................................... 37

4.3 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS .............................................................................. 38

4.4 PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS ......................................................................... 40

4.5 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 42

CHAPTER FIVE .............................................................................................................. 43

SUMMARY FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................. 43

5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 43

5.2 SUMMARY OF DATA ANALYSIS ..................................................................... 43

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................ 44

5.4 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 47

5.5 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY ........................................................... 47

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 48

Research strategy and schedule diagram ....................................................................... 50

Questionnaire guide....................................................................................................... 50

Observation guide ......................................................................................................... 51

Questionnaire ................................................................................................................ 52

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ABSTRACT

This study seeks to investigate how accessible a physically challenged person’s house in

Nyeri is. The main objective of this study is to search for guidelines for non-ambulant

(chair bound), semi-ambulant (lower limb impairments), visual, and hearing disabled

persons in residential homes. In addition, this project aims to incorporate the user’s

culture which is the Kikuyu culture into the design of this home. To get answers for this

objective, a content analysis of major documents containing information on Universal

design, the user’s culture and the Kikuyu Culture will be contacted.

This study will utilize a case study research design as it focuses on a single entity, Mr.

Bernard’s home. In-depth interviews, observations and consultations will be done. Based

on the research finding the study will make conclusions and give recommendations. Data

analyzed presentation will be done using various tools including tables, text, graphs and

pie charts. The findings and recommendations that point towards achieving study

objectives as well as benefit various stakeholders in the established homes for the elderly

and residential homeowners.

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LIST OF TABLES

Table3.1: Target Population Sample............................................................................................. 26

Table 4.1: Different design styles the home owners prefer their homes to incorporate ............... 38

Table 4.2: Maneuverability scale at Mr. Bernard’s home. ........................................................... 39

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Mr. Bernard's house

Figure 2.1: Sitting and knee space measurement

Figure 2.2: Standard ramp details

Figure 2.3: Bathroom cubicle for ambulant disabled person

Figure 2.4: Plan of a toilet cubicle for ambulant disabled

Figure 2.5: Illustration of an ambulant disabled person using a kitchen counter

Figure 2.6: The migration routes of Mt. Kenya people

Figure 2.7: Kikuyu woman carrying a banana while making a kiondo

Figure 2.8: Items found in a Kikuyu home

Figure 2.9: Examples of Kikuyu traditional stools Figure 2.10: Kikuyu homestead

Figure 2.11: Section through Kikuyu Nyumba showing the changes in levels

Figure 2.12: Internal layout of the Nyumba

Figure 2.13: Plan of the improved Nyumba

Figure 2.14: Proposals of changes in housing layout and form

Figure 2.15: Kikuyu traditional huts at the Bomas of Kenya

Figure 2.16: Ngugi wa Thiong’o house in Limuru

Figure 4.1: Mr. Bernard’s drive way and gate

Figure 4.2: Front yard view 1

Figure 4.3 Front yard view 2

Figure 4.4: Front view of the house

Figure 4.5: Gravel on the ground

Figure 4.6: Lawn in front of the house

Figure 4.7: The hedge surrounding the lawn in front of the house

Figure 4.8: Staircase to the zero-grazing unit

Figure 4.9: Lawn, alternative entrance to the zero-grazing unit

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Figure 4.10: Path to the backyard

Figure 4.11: Backyard view

Figure 4.12: Pit latrine and bathroom

Figure 4.13: Hedged path to washrooms

Figure 4.14: Living room view 1

Figure 4.15: Living room view 2

Figure 4.16: Bathroom and toilet entrance

Figure 4.17: Bathroom

Figure 4.18 Toilet

Figure 4.19: Adjoining corridor

Figure 4.20 Kitchen view 1

Figure 4.21: Kitchen view 2

Figure 4.22: Sofa sets, tables and stools

Figure 4.23: Dining table

Figure 4.24: Wall unit

Figure 4.25: Kitchen cabinetry

Figure 4.26: Individual ratio of design style preference

Figure 4.27: Overall ratio of style by home owners

Figure 4.28: Ease in maneuverability chart

Figure 5.1: Outdoor tiles

Figure 5.2: Emerald Kikuyu grass

Figure 5.3: Ramp illustration

Figure 5.4: Wheelchair accessible door

Figure 5.5: An illustration of the required clear floor and knee space

Figure 5.6: Recommended bathroom illustration

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Figure 5.7: Recommended toilet illustration

Figure 5.8: Wheelchair accessible kitchen sink

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LIST OF ACRONYMS/ ABBREVIATIONS

ADA- American with Disabilities Act

UD- Universal Design

PWD- People living With Disabilities

AARP- A membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to

people age fifty and above.

RNA- Ribonucleic acid (a polymetric molecule implicated in various biological roles in coding,

decoding, regulation and express of genes).

PhD- Doctor of Philosophy

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OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Universal Design- design meant to cater for everybody regardless of their age or physical

abilities.

Maneuverability- a combination of movements

Barrier free design- design that allows proper and safe access to buildings and facilities.

Landscaping- the activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land including living

elements, landforms, terrain shape and lighting.

Non-ambulant- unable to walk.

Semi-ambulant- able to walk with assistance for example in clutches.

Design ethnography- the study of people’s cultural phenomena to allow for designing that best

suits them.

Mucii- kikuyu homestead

Nyumba- a house with a man and a wife

Thingira- the kikuyu man’s hut

Nyungu- kikuyu pot

Kiondo- the kikuyu basket used to carry all manner of items by wome

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter will focus on an overview of the whole concept paper. The geographical

location of the site, its content and design philosophy will be discussed. The statement of

the problem, the objectives and research questions will also be listed and discussed in this

chapter.

1.2 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

People not only live longer today, they generally are healthier at advanced ages than were

previous birth cohorts. “Old age” disabilities that plagued the young-old of the 20th

century are now being put off to older ages where they affect the old-old and oldest-old

of the 21st; this is similar to how age-related disabilities of the 19th century were pushed

to older ages during the 20th century (Crews, 2003).

How well these elders live and their abilities to maintain independent life styles will

depend on their health and the degree to which they have remained able as opposed to

frail and disabled. This in turn, will depend to at least some extent on how well the

artificial and built environments in which they live conform to their needs and their age-

related losses in abilities and somatic integrity. General declines and alterations in motor

coordination, spatial perception, visual and auditory acuity, gait, muscle and bone

strength, mobility, and sensory perceptions of environmental stimuli (heat and cold) are

well documented after age 65 (Arking, 2005; Beall, 1994; Crews, 2003, 2005; Harper and

Crews, 2000).

Despite the increased attention to the relationship of disability and design, this area still

suffers from terminological confusion, oversimplification and a positivist bias that

continues to produce ableist space. A shift towards disability as culture is necessary to

move our understanding of how to design for those with disabilities out of the objective

realm (prescriptive codes and guidelines) and into a subjective realm (the lived

experience and embodied know-how of those with disabilities). By framing disability

around a cultural model rather than a medical model it allows for epistemological and

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pedagogical shifts in our ways of knowing in interior design. In defining culture as “a

way of life” it is important to look at disability as both a diverse way of living and a

diverse way of knowing. Most significant, is that the everyday expertise of people with

disabilities is recognized as knowledge that can inform the field of interior design. The

urgency for defining disability culture is essential to our understanding of cultural

competence in interior design education and practice.

In this study, the user of the residential house has problems in accessing various interior

spaces due to his physical disability which has seen him bound to a wheel chair most of

the time. He always needs someone to help him out in everyday activities in and around

the house. The aim of this research is to look for solutions to the challenges that come

about due to his disabled state. In addition, this paper will give directions and

recommendations on how to incorporate his culture into the design of his home. This will

be done using the Kikuyu material culture which he is conversant with.

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Buildings are about people and people with disabilities represent the interests of all

people, both those with disabilities and those that currently do not have disabilities.

People with disabilities are not a special interest group. Although some people are

disabled for their entire lives, every one of us is functionally disabled at some point in our

lives. We all start life as infants in push-chairs, many of us have disabling accidents or

illnesses during our life and most of us live long enough to eventually experience

disability through age-related impairments and infirmities. People with disabilities

therefore provide an anthropometric base of minimum required detail that represents all

building users and all building consumers. People with disabilities are forced to “go the

extra mile” both figuratively and literally in terms of their building use. They therefore

become marginalized as visitors and often forced to become dependent on other building

users.

The main question that everybody asks is where he/ she will be living during old age.

Many houses are not build to accommodate old people comfortably to make them

independent as they do not employ Universal Design principles which are meant to cater

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for various disabilities with which old age comes along with. In addition, most cultures

are lost in modern Architecture leading to their erosion.

1.4 OBJECTIVES

1.4.1 Main objective

The primary objective of this study is to search for guidelines for non-ambulant (chair

bound), semi-ambulant (lower limb impairments), visual, and hearing disabled persons in

residential homes.

1.4.2 Specific objectives:

To study the interior design of the residential house.

To establish the environmental causes of immobility in and out of the house.

To determine the accessibility of furniture and other structures.

To determine whether Universal Design principles have been used in the construction

of the home.

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

How functional and appealing are the interiors of the residential house?

Which are the environmental causes of immobility in and out of the house?

How accessible are the indoor and outdoor furniture and structures?

Have Universal Design principles been used in the construction of the house?

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE

The presentation of this material will elicit considerable interest not just in Interior

Design but even in other fields.

The information provided in this study can be used as reference by other researchers.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The findings of this study and their viability are limited by the fact that they deal with a

single culture and interior designers today are catering for a broad multicultural

population.

There are limited resources when it comes to finances and time to do a comprehensive

study of the four areas of interior design: furniture, exhibition and display, interiors and

landscaping.

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1.8 THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This is a case study on Mr. Bernard’s residential home in Nyeri. It is a recently

constructed house sitting on a one-acre piece of land where he lives with his wife and is

occasionally visited by grandchildren.

Modern Architecture and materials have been used in its construction style. However,

there are shortcomings when it comes to the user of the house as he is partially disabled

due to his old age.

Universal Design principles have not been used

properly therefore difficulties come in in terms of

independent accessibility and mobility of the

user. The choice of this study came up after an

interest to make a traditional culture blend into

modernity. This was the perfect site where the

culture of interest is right there with the target

users.

1.8.1 Geographical

The site is located near Mutaga shopping Centre, Mathira West Location in Nyeri

County.

1.8.2 Content

A physically handicapped elderly person’s residential home in Nyeri County.

1.8.3 Design philosophy

The interest here is to study the site and come up with solutions for various challenges

that hinder the environment from being a “barrier free environment’. The area of study

being focused on is the whole homestead and how functional it is to its owner who is an

old Kikuyu man with various disabilities. The aim is to create an environment for him

which is aesthetic and he can relate to in terms of his cultural background through


(Author, 2015)


(Author, 2015)

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Kikuyu material culture therefore making his environment functional in terms of

accessibility, safety and style.

1.9 CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

Through the formulated research questions, the researcher found out that Universal

Design principles have not been employed in the residential home. It was also found out

that there was a lack of focus on aesthetics as the house is built using normal standards

which hinder pushing innovation and creativity to the edge. This information will be

discussed more in chapter four.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter seeks to give information of some of the work done by various scholars on

universality of built environments, the user’s culture, designing for the elderly and

Kikuyu traditional material culture.

2.2 REVIEW OF THEORETICAL LITERATURE

2.2.1 Universality of Built Environments

Built environment professionals should design houses that allow aging in place or

develop solutions that can be employed to already built houses to make them user

friendly as the owners age (Catinella, 1999). A study done in May 2000 revealed that

82% of those 45 years and older would prefer to stay in their present homes. Only 9%

preferred to move to a nursing home and 4% wanted to move to a relative’s home

(Benedict, 2001). The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reports that 30% of the

people living in the United States would rather die than move into a nursing home. This

shows that there is a strong sentiment for wanting to stay in a familiar home as a person

ages (Olson, 1998).

Most people prefer to change their way of living rather than change their environment.

Wylde stated, “Falling in the bathroom, straining in the kitchen, tripping on the front

steps; all are signs there’s something wrong with the house, not with the person who lives

there.” (Harvey, 1996).

Many are the times that aging people are forced to give up their homes because the cost

of the necessary modifications is too high. This may be the case if these solutions were

not included during the construction phase of the house. Housing has never been

designed to accommodate all the differences in individuals. The house can become an

obstacle if a disability occurs rather than being a comfortable place to live in. (Null and

Cherry, 1998).

Universal design implies that houses where individuals live and the products they come

into contact with are made in a way that accommodates everybody despite their physical

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abilities and not only disabled or elderly persons. Incorporation of universal design

features into the everyday living environment makes living easier for everyone in the

house presently and in the future (Berger, 2002). Listed below are the seven principles of

universal design as developed by the Centre for Universal Design in 1997 at North

Carolina State University’s School of Design:

1. Equitable use: the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

2. Flexibility in use: the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences

and abilities.

3. Simple and intuitive use: use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the

user’s experience, knowledge, language skill, or current concentration level.

4. Perceptible information: the design communicates necessary information effectives to

the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

5. Tolerance for error: the design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of

accidental or unintended actions.

6. Low physical effort: the design can be used efficiently, comfortably and with a

minimum of fatigue.

7. Size and space for approach and use: appropriate size and space is provided for

approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture or

mobility.

Universal design principles and technological advances in building construction create

safer home environments, more user-friendly spaces, and spaces that are well adapted to

everyday living for people of all abilities.

Disability and design communities are both factors found in the roots of Universal

design. Trachtmen et al. (1999) indicate that the disabled hope that a nationwide

embracing of universal design will provide better products for them, while designers are

seeking a venue for achieving good design. Universal design becomes so attractive

because it is a concept or a philosophy and not an enforceable code. Designers are

therefore able to meet the needs of the users in a flexible manner. Universal design differs

from accessible design in that it provides permanent, attractive features that everyone

would find acceptable in their home (Null, 2001). In most cases, products or

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environments that are universally designed go beyond the minimal requirements of

accessibility (Trachtmen et al., 1999).

2.2.1.1 Doors

There should be a clear space on both the inside and outside of an entrance door to enable

people to manoeuvre and swing the door open. Greater space is required on the pull-side

of swing-doors to enable a person to pull the door open and to manoeuvre clear of the

door swing. The clear opening width of entrance doors to new buildings should be

1000mm and at least 900mm for existing buildings (although 1000mm is preferred

wherever practical). The effective clear width should be measured from the face of the

door in the open position to the door stop on the opposite frame, taking into account any

projecting door handles

The minimum clear opening of doorways should be 900mm measured between the face

of the door and the face of the door stop with the door open at 90°.

Maneuvering space at doors wheelchair maneuvering spaces should be free of any

obstructions and be provided on the side of the door handle in the following manner: on

the pull side, a minimum space of 600 mm on the push side, a minimum space of 300

mm, or two-way swing door, a minimum space of 300 mm.

Door Handles have the following characteristics recommended: push-pull mechanisms

that require no grasping, lever handles to be preferred on latched doors, it is safer to use

U-shaped handles as they reduce the risk of catching on clothing, or injuring from the

exposed lever end.

2.2.1.2 Grab bars

Grab bars are extremely important features and must be designed to be easy to grasp and

to provide a firm and comfortable grip so that the hand can slide along the rail without

obstruction. Many PWD rely upon handrails/ grab bars to maintain balance or prevent

serious falls. Handrails may be provided with Braille/ tactile markings at the beginning

and the end to give information to people with visual impairment.

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Grab bars or handrails should have the following features: slip-resistant with round ends,

have a circular section of 30-45mm in diameter, be free of any sharp or abrasive elements

and have continuous gripping surfaces, without interruptions.

2.2.1.3 Seating and placing surfaces

Seating space, such as those provided at counters, tables, or work surfaces for persons in

wheelchairs should have a dear and level floor space of not less than 900 mm x 1200 mm.

Where a forward approach is used, a clear knee space of at least 900 mm wide, 480 mm

deep and 750 mm high should be provided, which may overlap the clear floor space by a

maximum of 480 mm.

Writing surfaces or service counters should

not be more than 800 mm from the floor.

Counter tops should be between 750mm and

800mm from the floor and have a minimum

dear knee space of 750mm. The depth of the

counter top should be not less than 480mm.

2.2.1.4 Slope ramps

Ramps allow persons in wheelchair to move from one level to another. However, many

ambulant persons with disabilities negotiate steps more easily and safely. Hence it is

preferable to provide accessibility by both steps and ramps. To the ramp approach should

be provided for people with ambulatory disabilities.

Surfaces of slope ramps should be designed to prevent water from stagnating on the

walking surfaces. Ramps should also have a level landing at the top and bottom of each

run and also where the run changes direction.

Figure 2.1: Sitting and knee space measurement (Planning a Barrier Free

Environment, 2001)

Figure 4 Figure 2.1: Sitting and knee space measurement (Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

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Handrails that are on both the sides should be

provided for a ramp run with a vertical rise greater

than 150 mm and should be placed at a height of

between 800 mm and 900 mm above the floor

level, extend horizontally for a distance of not less

than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the

ramp.

2.2.1.5 Washrooms

Where an individual washroom for the wheelchair user is provided, it should have

minimum internal dimensions of 1750 mm x 1750 mm, have dear space of not less than

900 mm wide next to the water closet, have the toilet roll dispenser mounted below the

grab bars and at not more than 300 mm from the front edge of the seat and at a height

between 50 mm and 250 mm from the top of the water closet seat.

It should be equipped with a doth hook mounted

on a side wall not more than 1300 mm from the

floor and projecting not more than 40 mm from

the wall and where possible, be equipped with a

shelf of dimensions 400 mm x 200 mm fixed at a

height of between 900 mm and 1100 mm from

the floor.

It should also have grab bars on both the sides of the cubicle to act as handhold for the

person with ambulatory disability to stand.

Figure 2.2: Standard ramp details (Planning a Barrier Free

Environment, 2001)

Figure 5Figure 2.2: Standard ramp details (Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

Figure 2.3: Bathroom cubicle for ambulant disabled person

(Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

Figure 6Figure 2.3: Bathroom cubicle for ambulant disabled person (Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

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The toilet cubicle for person with

ambulatory disability is not suitable for the

wheelchair user unless the grab bar on the

transfer side is a swing-up or swing-away

type.

2.2.1.6 Furniture arrangement

Sufficient room should be made available for maneuvering a wheelchair (at least 1500

mm turning radius) or ambulating with an assistive device such as a walking frame or a

white cane. Clear passage should be allowed from one room to the next and unrestricted

access be provided to electrical outlets, telephones and wall switches. A clear floor space

for the wheelchair, of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm, should be provided in front of all the

utilities and furniture.

2.2.1.7 Bedroom area

The bedroom should be planned to provide a 1500 mm turning in space for wheelchair, at

least near all the doors. There should be a door floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm

in front of all the furniture. The bed for a wheelchair user should have a height of 500

mm from the floor surface, be stable-stability may be improved by placing the bed

against a wall or in the corner of the room (except for when the wheelchair user plans to

make the bed) and be positioned to provide at least a 1500 mm turning in space at the

transfer side. A bedside table or cabinet between 450 mm and 900mm from the floor may

be useful to hold a lamp, a telephone, necessary medications and a call bell if assistance

is needed.

2.2.1.8 Living room

At least 1500 mm turning in space for wheelchair should be provided near all entry points

to the living room. A living-dining combination is preferable to a kitchen-dining

Figure 2.4: Plan of a toilet cubicle for ambulant disabled

(Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

Figure 2.7: Kikuyu woman carrying a banana while

making a kiondo (Rigamonti, 2001)Figure 7Figure 2.4: Plan of a toilet

cubicle for ambulant disabled (Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

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combination (except when the wheelchair user does the cooking). The seating space for a

wheelchair user at the dining table should provide a clear knee space. The dear knee

space for a wheelchair user is at least 900 mm wide, 480 mm deep and 750 mm high.

There should be a clear floor space for the wheelchair of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm in

front of all the fixtures. Chair seat heights should not be less than 500 mm.

2.2.1.9 Kitchen

In the kitchen, the wheelchair turning radius of at least 1500 mm should be provided

between the counter and the opposite walls. The floor surface should allow for easy

wheelchair maneuverability.

Counter tops should be between 750 mm and 800 mm in

height and provide for clear knee space for a wheelchair user.

The clear knee space for a wheelchair user is at least 900 mm

wide, 480 mm deep and 750 mm high. Counter tops/ slabs

should have rounded edge. All surfaces should be smooth to

facilitate sliding of heavy items from one area to another and slide-out working spaces

are useful in providing an over-the-lap working surface. For people with ambulatory

disabilities, stools (preferably with back and foot rests) should be provided strategically

at the main work area(s). Shelves and storage spaces should be between 300 mm and

1200 mm height from the floor surface. Any exposed hot-water pipes under the sink

should be insulated to avoid burns.

2.2.2 Designing for the elderly

Elders frequently are defined as persons aged 65 years and over (Crews, 2005; Susman

and Riley, 1985). For health care and research purposes these elders often are subdivided

into the young-old (65–74 years), the old-old (75–84 years), and the oldest-old (85)

(Susman and Riley, 1985). The number of elders in each category is increasing

throughout the world, and these elders also are surviving longer than ever before in

human history (Harper and Crews, 2000). Nations such as Japan, Sweden, Great Britain,

Figure 2.5: Illustration of an ambulant disabled person using a

kitchen counter (Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

Figure 8Figure 2.5: Illustration of an ambulant disabled person using a kitchen counter (Planning a Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

13

the USA, and Norway now are approaching or already have over 15% of their population

aged 65 years (Crews, 2005). Growing numbers of older citizens worldwide are placing

new stresses on their families, communities, and countries, including increased needs for

health care, in-home care-giving, and appropriate housing. As noted elsewhere, most

elders are neither frail nor incapable of independent living (Crews, 2003, 2005; Harper

and Crews, 2000).

Research on the health, well-being, and life expectancy of increasingly older elders has

become an issue due to the rapid increase in elders during recent decades. Designs

interior and exterior built spaces that enhance the well-being and activities of elders in

their own homes has been one of the latest activities to research on in recent years.

Elders need spaces conducive to their activity patterns and declining sensory perceptions.

There should be an urge to improve the functional abilities of many seniors by having the

environment accommodate to them rather than the individual accommodating to the

environment. This should be done by proper design with fewer physical barriers and

more attention to the needs of elders (Lawton, 1980). Lawton and Simon in 1968

formulated the “environmental docility hypothesis” based upon observed patterns of

frailty and disability among elders. They observed that the less competent an individual

becomes, the more influential the environment is on limiting that person’s capabilities.

Lawton suggests it is necessary to design environments so as to enhance opportunities for

independence and self-reliance so as to improve the capabilities and well-being of elders.

The physical and mental wellbeing of elders may be improved by multiple design

features. Among these are what have come to be known as features of Universal Design

(Null and Cherry, 1996; Zavotka and Teaford, 2004).

Accessible design is primarily about court-enforced compliance with regulations. The

regulations are intended to eliminate certain physical barriers that limit the usability of

environments for people with disabilities. Accessible design has focused on compliance

with building codes. Accessible design has focused more recently on satisfying these

minimum technical criteria to allow most people with disabilities to use most of the

designed environment (Salmen, 1996). Universal design is a market-driven process

intended to create environments that are usable by all people. While considerations for

14

people with disabilities are certainly necessary for universal design, they are not

sufficient when planning and designing for the whole population. Accommodating the

needs and wishes of everyone – e.g., children, the elderly, women and men – is also

necessary for universal design (Norwegian State Council on Disability, 1997).

There are two important needs for future research for an ageing population. First is to

develop consistent and cross-culturally valid methods for assessing frailty associated with

senescent change. Second is how to design environments appropriate for the proportion

of elders who are increasingly frail and disabled but whose survival continues to improve

(Amdam, 2005; Carey and Papadopoulos, 2005; Murphy, 2005).

Mostly, modifications to homes are done for ease of living in the home and for safety.

Such modifications include installing grab bars in the bathroom, installing better lighting

for diminished vision, placing handrails in strategic places and replacing hard-to-grasp

faucets and doorknobs with lever handles (Harvey, 1996). Others that are of importance

could be gently graded walkways, height adjustable closet bars, wider doors and

hallways, handheld showerheads, and cabinets with pullout shelves. These options could

be added unobtrusively either during new construction or in a renovation project (Berger,

2002).

2.2.3 User’s Culture

Often, “culture” is considered as an external factor tied to notions of globalism,

nationalism, and the creation of sustainable perspectives on the social and economic

systems that provide the context for contemporary interior design practice.

It requires the designer to comprehend his or her client’s culture so as to understand

exactly what he or she is designing. It is not a matter of just developing a program. There

is increased attention in the literature on design ethnography, the practice of living in

midst of client/user cultures for purposes of clarifying client/user needs by means of

“thick description” (Geertz, 1973). As defined by Groat and Wang, logical argumentation

takes “a set of previously disparate factors, or previously unknown and/or unappreciated

factors, and interconnects them into unified frameworks that have significant explanatory

power.” (Groat and Wang, 2013, 387). The notion that design influences culture and vice

versus is now long accepted. However, we still muse over the nature of their relationship.

15

Cultures develop as a result of processes of internal programming through which values

are formed and behaviors are created subconsciously and shared within groups (Hofstede,

1997). This suggests that by taking a closer look at design as a culture, much can be

learned about design in relationship to culture by understanding culture’s significance as

an influence on factors such as establishment of world views, the nature of interactions,

and the framing of self-identity.

Many design decisions are based on cultural interpretations. Csikszentmihalyi &

Rochberg-Halton in 1981 established that individuals attach personal cultural meaning to

the objects that adorn their family spaces. The relationships of systems are which

dependent on the user and the various people, places, and experiences that define one’s

worldview give the importance of meaning in context according to Bronfenbrenner’s

ecological model of 1979. Belsky in 1995 expanded Bronfenbrenner’s model to include

the impact of history on systems. As the acquisition and implementation of new

technology increases, the rates of cultural change and meanings are directly proportional.

Both exterior and interior building materials have primarily been chosen with local

conditions and limitations in mind according to human history. Designers tended to use

materials that were available and plentiful in their location and thus uniquely

representative of their environment (Bell, 2006, p. 9) “Materiality spoke more to place, to

locale, and in a way was more purely definitive as to what a building should look like.”

(Bell, p. 9) In this way material selections became connected not only to their setting but

also to the culture and traditions of the local population.

2.2.4 The Kikuyu People

They are Kenya’s single largest tribe and totaling to about six and a half million. Twenty

percent of the national population. They are said to be the most ‘westernized’ but despite

this fact, their sense of cultural identity has remained very strong. At adapting to Kenya's

new economic, social and political realities the Kikuyu have also been the most

successful. They own the majority of the nation's businesses and they are easily Kenya's

wealthiest people.

The Kikuyu are a Bantu race and their migration movements and subsequent settlement

in Kikuyuland is documented as part of the wider Bantu migrations into East Africa from

Central Africa but historians are still sketchy on actual origins (Kamenju, 2012).

16

They entered into the Kikuyuland plateau from the South East and following the course

of the river Tana near current Sagana and proceeding up the now Sagana river up to a

point in Gaturi, Muranga called Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga.

Mukure wa Nyagathanga is considered the central point of dispersal of the Kikuyu into

the rest of the Plateau. The various moving groups of settlers occupied the ranges of the

rivers as they moved further North or South of the Central dispersal point. The ones who

moved to the South came to the area of Kabete. They settled here because the area more

to the South was settled by the Kaputie Maasai. The settlement to the North reached as

far as Nyeri plains. To the South East beyond the Ol Donyo Sabuk, were the beginnings

of the dry poor agricultural plains where the Kamba inhabited. The Kikuyu did not seem

to have settled beyond Thika in this direction by the time the Huxleys were moving there

in the early 1900’s (Muriuki, 1974). The settlements did not happen at once but seem to

have come in several waves and from quite different sources (Were, 1984).

The Plateau was forested with

Equatorial forest from both the

Aberdares Range and Mt.

Kenya that thinned as the land

sloped to the South East plains.

The original occupants of this

forest were the Athi and the

Gumba according to Muriuki. The Athi who occupied the forest were the first group who

were originally hunters and from whom the Kikuyu negotiated farming rights in the

forest. The second group was the Gumba who seems to have been assimilated. They were

the hunter gatherer type. The Kikuyu had settled into the area as three groupings, the

Northern Kikuyu, Gaki, now Nyeri sharing Ruarai river with the middle group Metumi,

now Muranga who shared the Thika river (Chania) as a ritual marker with the Southern

Kikuyu, Kabete, now Kiambu. This had happened by the 17th century.

Figure 2.6: The migration routes of Mt. Kenya

people (Muriuki, 1974)

17

2.2.5 Kikuyu material culture

The Kikuyu had many professions like potters, blacksmiths who produced the iron tools

like spears, machetes, jewelry, and all manner of thing like cow bells, music jiggles and

many other products. Pottery, however, was the main profession (Gathigira, 1934). Some

of the homestead items included: Njuri (small pot), Nyungu ya Irio (cooking pot),

Ndigithu (water pot), Nyungu ya Ucuru (porridge pot), Gititi (small tray), Gitaruru

(Tray), Kiondo and Nyamikwa (carrying bags) Ruenji (shaver) and Gitete (milk gourd).

Women could make a basket, kiondo as they walked, or sat

or waited for the food to cook etc. They ranged in size from

handbags to huge sack like bags, nyamikwa for carrying

things from the farm to the house and for going to the

market. The kiondo was made from the back of the mugiyo,

(Triumfetta tomentosa). It had to be chewed first and then

made into thin strings by rolling two strands between the

palm and the thigh, the same method used to make the thin corded hair pieces in modern

world. Tough baskets that could withstand a lot of weight were made from it. After the

introduction of the sisal plant in the Twentieth Century by the British, it quickly replaced

the mugiyo. Its strands were extracted in a less cumbersome method and could take

coloring better.

Colours were made from different leaves and barks

of certain trees and the strap made from the hide of a

cow

Figure 2.7: Kikuyu woman carrying a banana while making a kiondo

(Rigamonti, 2001)

Figure 2.8: Items found in a Kikuyu home (Kago, 1954)Figure 2.7: Kikuyu

woman carrying a banana while making a kiondo (Rigamonti, 2001)

Figure 2.8: Items found in a Kikuyu home (Kago, 1954)

Figure 2.13: Plan of the improved Nyumba (Kamenju,

2010)Figure 2.8: Items found in a Kikuyu home (Kago, 1954)

18

The tray, gitaruru, is a great relative of the kiondo which was used for all manner of

things. It is used as a tray of food during preparation and also as a tray for the food after

preparation. It was also used for winnowing. It was made from thin stripes of the stem of

the mugiyo which were held tightly into a spiral by the bark of the same mugiyo.

Sizes varied according to need and some were as

small as 6 inches in diameter. The gitaruru proper

was about two feet in diameter and was smeared

with cow dung on both sides. A small one was

called a gatiti or gititi (Kamenju, 2012).

The Kikuyu made a clear distinction between the woman’s four-legged Giturua, that was

used in the Nyumba and the man’s Njung’ua, a three or four-legged smaller affair which

could be carried about by the man. The four legged traditional Kikuyu stool was inspired

by the sky, matui-ini, which was the dome supported by the four sacred mountains. This

Kikuyu cosmology of the circle on a square impacted heavily on their conception and

development of space (Kamenju, 2012).

2.2.6 The Kikuyu homestead and Architecture

Mucii literally translates as “Home” among the Kikuyu.

Therefore, homestead is then the proper description of

this organizational unit as is understood among the

Kikuyu. In a typical Kikuyu homestead, the wives and

the children and the father lived in a single compound.

The homestead was a large open space with several houses, a big courtyard surrounded

by a fence and a gate. The father’s hut was called a thingira which was a large round

room constructed of mud and thatched at the roof. It was at this hut that the man ate, slept

and welcomed guests before giving then permission to proceed to the homestead.

Figure 2.9: Examples of Kikuyu traditional stools (Beecher, 1950:16 & Cagnolo,

1933)

Figure 2.10: Kikuyu homestead (Routredge, 1910)

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“Each of my father’s wives had her own house, called a nyumba, similarly constructed

but with several compartments. This was the realm of the woman, the children, and

female visitors and relatives” (Wangari Maathai, 2006).

Kamenju in his thesis on Transformation of Kikuyu Traditional Architecture, 2012 raises

a point that the English word ‘house’ to the Kikuyu mind refers to any building, but

‘house’, nyumba, in the context of a Kikuyu home is “that which was built for a specific

married woman as no two married women ever shared a house.” The man’s habitation is

a thingira and is properly what the word ‘hut’ conjures and it is improper to refer to the

woman’s house as ‘the woman’s hut’ as it is not properly a hut. To get out of the

quandary, the woman’s house can be referred always in the way it is understood in the

Kikuyu mind, Nyumba, as a proper capitalized name in order to differentiate it from a

generic nyumba, ‘building’. Gathigira also raises an important point in Kikuyu

architecture that needs clarification in order to navigate between the terms, house and

home. He uses the term mucii, home for the homestead and the term nyumba, which in its

proper translation within the home means the specific house of the woman. He suggests

that only in the existence of a Nyumba does a homestead become a home, mucii. The

man’s hut however is a thingira, a house which nevertheless is never a home in the

absence of a woman. In fact, it is very common to hear among the Kikuyu in reference to

a senior bachelor, ndari micii, ‘he has no home’, though the man may have a huge

mansion. The word homestead and home do not therefore refer to the same thing as an

unmarried man may have a homestead but not a home. He says, “A home is that which

has a woman and a man…” A home is a complex subject that incorporates many

intangibles and metaphysical dimensions and may be very difficult to delineate with a

boundary (Benjamin (1999).

An

analysis of the structure, space use in the

homestead and inside the woman’s house,

Nyumba, is also part of material culture. Special

attention is given to the courtyard and its use.

Figure 2.11: Section through Kikuyu Nyumba showing the changes in levels

(Kamenju, 2011)

20

The structure, geometry, form and construction are also a subject of interest in the

material culture.

British settlers who by selling coffee

earned more money which enabled them

to build better huts for their workers in

the farms. The layout of the hut has

evolved due to the push for shelters that

are healthy to live in and have the correct

human standards.

Williamson afterwards proposed a

layout that re-arranged the traditional

hut into a series of huts of independent

rooms rather than a unitary building.

Later he proposed a bungalow with a

porch and several rooms inside. The

point here is that the functionality of

these spaces did not neglect their

original purpose according to the Kikuyu culture.

Figure 2.12: Internal layout of the Nyumba (Kamenju, 2011)

Figure 2.13: Plan of the improved Nyumba (Kamenju, 2010)

Figure 2.13: Plan of the improved Nyumba (Kamenju, 2010)

21

Figure 2.14: Proposals of changes in housing layout and form (Williamson, 1953)

A: Living house, B: Parents house, C: Girls’ house, D: Boys’ house, E: Kitchen, F:

Visitors’ house. Note that the proposed hut has windows and a higher wall but retains the

shape and construction materials.

2.2.7 Exemplars

2.2.7.1 The Bomas of Kenya

It is a national and government owned cultural institution mandated to archiving cultural

material in the form of architecture, music and dance, as part of their mandate to preserve

material culture and present it to the public. Original research was done by interviewing

old men to reconstruct the Kikuyu homestead. The Bomas of Kenya homestead was built

in 1974 and is still in existence drawing both local and foreign tourists. Its compound

depicts, the architecture of a traditional African home. It is a visual gateway into Kenya’s

ethnic living as well as the diversity of the country’s rich culture. The mud and grass-

thatched huts were built to preserve, maintain, and promote the rich and diverse cultural

values of various tribes of Kenya.

You can view traditional villages

representing the lifestyle of ethnic

groups such as Luo, Kikuyu, Kalenjin,

Taita, Maasai, Kamba, Kisii, Kuria,

Mijikenda, and Luhya. In addition, an

open-air museum shows the different

Figure 2.15: Kikuyu traditional huts at the Bomas of Kenya

(http://www.wheelsonourfeet.com/tag/bomas-of-kenya)

http://www.wheelsonourfeet.com/tag/bomas-of-kenya/

22

lifestyles of each tribe. In a nation so rich in culture, but whose heritage is threatened by

modernity, celebrating culture is perhaps the only way to safeguard it (African Review,

2013). Kikuyu traditional architecture and material culture relies solely on the Bomas of

Kenya homestead for both the photographs and the drawings (Andersen,1977).

2.2.7.2 Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s House in Limuru

Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o is one of the prominent Kikuyu authors. He has been at the

fore of the debate in Africa of what he calls the colonization of the mind that has resulted,

among other things in the use of the English, French and other European languages in

favor of local languages. His House in Kamirithu was designed by architect George

Nyanja and was an attempt at a restatement of the Kikuyu traditional homestead in

modern terms.

The inspiration for the house was to have been a

search for “a revitalization of Africa, while

pursuing a renaissance of African architecture as a

necessary step in the restoration of African

wholeness” It was to accommodate a professor of

literature who wanted the benefits of modern

technology in a house that reflected his need of ‘moving the centre’ from a Eurocentric to

an Afro centric design which was his idea of ‘decolonizing the mind’ (Thiong'o, 2012). It

has two bedrooms, a sitting room with dining and a study, a kitchen and a store. From the

foregoing it is apparent that there are clients anxious to build homes inspired by tradition

and that architects trained in a heavily leaning western curriculum are ill equipped to

serve such clients. It would benefit the architectural profession in Kenya greatly if

architectural anthropology was infused in the curriculum of the architectural schools

(Kamenju, 2012).

Figure 2.16: Ngugi wa Thiong’o house in Limuru (simoncollings.wordpress.com,

2012)

Figure 4.4: Front view of the house (Author, 2015)Figure 2.16: Ngugi wa

Thiong’o house in Limuru (simoncollings.wordpress.com, 2012)

23

2.3 CONCLUSION

Literature review gave the researcher facts and ideas as he studied similar works by other

people. It was used to offer guidelines to the study and the project as a whole.

Information given in this chapter will give guidelines on how to carry out the project.

However, extensive literature providing guidelines and suggestions for the design of

universal homes is available (see Guetzko and White, 1991; Regnier and Pynoos, 1987;

Pynoos and Regnier, 1991; AARP, 1996; Yearns, 2001, 2000; Null, 2001; Center for

Universal Design, 2005 for extensive lists), and has not been reviewed in its entirety in

this paper.

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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter focuses on the research design which includes methods used in data

collection, analysis and presentation. Definitions of these methods are included and

explained in detail.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design defines the study type, research question, hypothesis, independent

and dependent variables, experimental design, data collection methods and the statistical

analysis plan. This case study used flexible research design, also known as qualitative

research design. It seeks to understand a given research problem or topic from the

perspectives of the local population it involves. Qualitative research is especially

effective in obtaining culturally specific information about the values, opinions,

behaviors, and social contexts of particular populations. It involved looking in-depth at

no-numerical data. The researcher took a deep, quality look at the phenomenon. This

research design is primarily explanatory research. This research design was used to gain

an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions and motivations. It provided insights

into the problem and helped to develop new ideas for potential quantitative research. The

aim was to seek answers to questions, collect evidence and produce findings that are

applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study. Finally, this case study used

qualitative research method to uncover trends in thought and opinions. The use of open-

ended questions and probing gave the participants the opportunity to respond in their own

words, rather than forcing them to choose from fixed responses, as quantitative methods

do. Open-ended questions made it possible to evoke responses that were meaningful and

culturally salient to the participant, unanticipated by the researcher and rich and

explanatory in nature.

25

3.3 TARGET POPULATION

This case study was carried out to find solutions for designing safe and comfortable

living environments for elderly persons - 65 years and above. The areas of interests were

mostly interior spaces in residential homes. However, this case study also focused on

exterior spaces and landscaping of the whole homestead area. The design targeted

homesteads of the Kikuyu people as it incorporates their traditional material culture and

way of life into modernity.

3.4 SAMPLE POPULATION

Purposive sampling, was employed the most as it groups participants according to

preselected criteria relevant to a particular research question. In this case being the

elderly living in residential homes. Purposive sampling was preferred because it is most

successful when data review and analysis are done in conjunction with data collection

which is the case in this research. However, snowball sampling was also included and

played a great role in this research. In this method, participants or informants with whom

contact has already been made use their social networks to refer the researcher to other

people who could potentially participate in or contribute to the study. Such included the

doctors, interior designers, care takers and spouses. Snowball sampling was used to find

and recruit “hidden populations,” that is, groups not easily accessible to researchers

through other sampling strategies. The three core ethical principles of research were

employed in this research; respect for persons to ensure that there was protection from

exploitation of their vulnerability and to ensure that people were not used simply as a

means to achieve research objectives, beneficence which was used to minimize risks

associated with research which are both psychological and social and finally justice

which ensures an equal distribution of risks and benefits resulting from the research

(researchers should share in the benefits of the knowledge gained). In addition, the

participants were given the right to individual informed consent by being told the

following: the purpose of the research, what is expected of the participant (especially

time required for participation), psychological and social risks and benefits expected, the

fact that participation is voluntary and how confidentiality will be protected. The

informed consent used in the study was oral as there was no documented signature

offered by the researcher to the participant.

26

Table3.1: Target Population Sample

POPULATION SAMPLE NUMBER

Architects 2

Interior designers 2

Handicapped people 5

House helps 5

Home care givers 2

Doctors 3

Total 19

Source: Author’s Construct, 2015

3.5 DATA COLLECTION METHODS

The following data collection methods will be employed in this study:

3.5.1 Interviews

Qualitative interviewing aims to delve deep beneath the surface of superficial responses

to obtain true meanings that individuals assign to events, and the complexity of their

attitudes, behaviors and experiences. The researcher used the two types of interviews:

Unstructured interviewing: such interviews allowed the respondent to tell their own

stories in their own words, with prompting by the interviewer. Its objective was to

find out what kind of things are happening rather than to determine the frequency of

predetermined kinds of things that the researcher already believed could happen. The

researcher had a list of topics that he wanted the respondent to talk about.

Semi-structured interviewing: these were characterized by topic guidelines containing

major questions. The questions varied with the level of probing for answers by the

interviewer.

27

3.5.2 Observations

The researcher used observation as one of the data collection methods. When undertaking

observational fieldwork, the researcher attempted to discover the practices and meanings

that the members of the group under study took for granted.

3.5.3 Questionnaires

A set questions were used for obtaining statistically useful or personal information from

individuals.

3.5.4 Multi-media

This involved collection of data by use of photographs and voice recordings.

3.5.5 Document research

This method involved the study of existing documents, either to understand their

substantive content or to illuminate deeper meanings which was revealed by their style

and coverage. They included: media reports, publicity materials and scholarly works.

3.5.6 Case Studies

This method generally utilized several data collection methods like interviews,

observations and documentary analysis.

3.5.7 Triangulation

The researcher used several methods in different combinations in order to gain the most

detailed picture of participants’ experiences.

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS

Analysis involves the breaking the whole study into its separate components for

individual examination. It is the process for obtaining raw data and converting it into

information useful for decision-making by the researcher. The data was analyzed to

answer questions, in line with the research objectives. This study has analyzed data by

use of multimedia, graphs and pie charts.

3.6.1 Multi- media

Data has been presented and analyzed using mostly photography. Data got from voice

recordings and video clips has been presented through text.

28

3.6.2 Graphs

Graphs have been used as picture representatives for one or more sets of information

and how these visually relate to one another. Graphs have helped present data in a

meaningful way.

3.6.3 Pie charts

Pie charts are used to represent parts of a whole item as a way of data analysis.

3.7 DATA PRESENTATION

After being analyzed the data has been presented by use of tables, text and quotations.

3.7.1 Tables

Tabulation of data has been employed in data analysis and presentation.

3.7.2 Texts

Data has been presented by being included in text.

3.7.3 Quotations

Data Quotes from an extensive collection of quotations by famous authors, celebrities,

and newsmakers have been used.

3.8 CONCLUSION

Being a case study, the research has helped to delve deep to obtain true meanings and

give solutions in accordance to the problems at hand. Qualitative methods of data

collection are the most appropriate to use or this study.

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CHAPTER FOUR

SITE ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

As earlier mentioned in chapter one, the site of study is the residential home of an elderly

man in Mutaga, Karatina, Nyeri County in Kenya. Mr. Bernard is a Kikuyu man in his

80s and having a hard time maneuvering around his beautiful home as he is mostly on a

wheel chair or clutches. This chapter will give information about his day to day life at

home and do an analysis of his home in details.

4.2 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Analysis was done on the four main divisions of Interior Design: landscaping, exhibition

and display, furniture and interiors. The analysis of this site is done to answer questions

according to the objectives listed in the first chapter. The main objective being to search

for guidelines for non-ambulant (chair bound), semi-ambulant (lower limb impairments),

visual, and hearing disabled persons in residential houses, the researcher did a qualitative

analysis which was mostly recorded using photography and text.

4.2.1 Landscaping

Many home owners only focus on the interiors of the house and forget the outside part of

it. What surrounds a home is just as important as what's in it. Whether it's a front lawn,

stone paver pathway or intricate garden design, these spaces benefit from the same

attention to detail as any bathroom or kitchen. Well-designed landscaping ideas

complement a home's architecture and design. The right plants, flowers and shrubbery

can greatly enhance its appeal by adding color, texture and even fragrance to the front

yard and backyards.

This is however not the case in Mr. Bernard’s home. An attempt has been made to make

the landscaping of this home appealing.

30

As you enter home you are welcomed by a drive way

from the main road which leads you to a metallic

gate specifically iron which is painted in red to

perhaps match the red roofing of the house. The

drive way has a beautiful short shrub hedge on both

sides which are side by side with a taller hedge of a

different shrub reinforced by a chain link. As you get

to the other side of the gate, you are welcomed by a cool atmosphere brought about by

the vegetation in it.

There has been an attempt to maintain a lawn has been in

the front yard and beautify the landscape with different

types of flowers and trees.

There was also outdoor furniture and structures which

the homeowner termed as a place to relax and enjoy the

fine weather during those days it is available.

The front yard is indeed quite an appeal to many people but to the owner who is

wheelchair bound, it is not quite a fascination as he cannot really enjoy the freedom of

using it fully. The lawn most times is a hindrance since the wheels of his wheelchair get

stuck and he can’t move himself comfortably. He has to ask for help from one of his

family members which is not always a benefit he enjoys.

Figure 4.1: Mr. Bernard’s drive way and gate (Author,2015)

Figure 4.2: Front yard view 1(Author, 2015)

Figure 4.3 Front yard view 2 (Author, 2015)

31

Moving on to the house itself, the first sight form the

gate is very appealing as it is seen firmly fixed and

beautiful. With its high walls, a veranda and pillars

to support the roof, the house appears majestic.

As you walk towards it, the ground has fine gravel

which Mr. Bernard says reduces the occurrence of

mud near the house when the rains come. Despite this

one benefit, he goes on to say that the small particles

of the gravel cause hardships when he has his

wheelchair moving on them. “It requires a lot of effort

especially when moving away from the house as it is sloppy. It feels like moving upwards

a rocky hill,” he says.

There is a small lawn just in front of the veranda

which has been surrounded by a short hedge. This

does not cause any barrier in mobility as it is just for

the landscape aesthetics and not in any way

interfering with the path ways.

Figure 4.4: Front view of the house (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.5: Gravel on the ground (Author, 2015)Figure 4.4: Front view of the

house (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.5: Gravel on the ground (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.6: Lawn in front of the house (Author, 2015)Figure 4.5: Gravel

on the ground (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.6: Lawn in front of the house (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.7: The hedge surrounding the lawn in front of the houseFigure 4.6:

Lawn in front of the house (Author, 2015)

32

A short hedge surrounds the lawn in the front of the

house. On the right side of the house is a high set of stairs

that leads to the zero-grazing unit. Here Mr. Bernard has

reared dairy cattle which he has employed a worker to

look after.

The stair case is so high that it is a hazard to anybody

who is not careful when walking on it. This is so

especially to him if the wheelchair rolls towards that

direction.

There exists another access point to the zero grazing unit

where the feeds are taken through to the animals. It is also

the only entrance where Mr. Bernard can go through to get

closer to his cattle.

Having analyzed the front yard, the back yard was next.

Figure 4.7: The hedge surrounding the lawn in front of the house (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.8: Staircase to the zero-grazing unit (Author, 2015)Figure 4.7: The hedge

surrounding the lawn in front of the house (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.8: Staircase to the zero-grazing unit (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.9: Lawn, alternative entrance to the zero-grazing unit (Author,

2015)Figure 4.8: Staircase to the zero-grazing unit (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.9: Lawn, alternative entrance to the zero-grazing unit (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.11: Backyard view (Author, 2015)Figure 4.9: Lawn, alternative

entrance to the zero-grazing unit (Author, 2015)

33

The most efficient way to move from the front yard to the

back yard is using the left side of the house. It is a path

covered by gravel.

The backyard is nothing more than just more grass in

an attempt to maintain a good lawn.

The hedge is the same as that found in the front yard. Cloth

hanging lines are seen and there are washrooms too; a pit latrine

and a bathroom.

Figure 4.10: Path to the backyard (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.11: Backyard view (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.12: Pit latrine and bathroom (Author,

2015)Figure 4.11: Backyard view (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.12: Pit latrine and bathroom (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.13: Hedged path to washrooms (Author, 2015)Figure

4.12: Pit latrine and bathroom (Author, 2015)

34

There is a short hedge on each side of the path leading to the

washrooms.

4.2.2 Interiors

The interiors of this house have been constructed with modern materials. There are two

three-sitter and four one-sitter sofas.

The living room finishes are plain ceramic tiles for the

floor and well painted walls. A modern wall unit sits at

the front of the room.

Four small stools and two coffee tables are used for

placing items. A loose carpet is at the center of the room.

Figure 4.13: Hedged path to washrooms (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.14: Living room view 1 (Author, 2015)Figure 4.13:

Hedged path to washrooms (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.14: Living room view 1 (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.15: Living room view 2 (Author,

2015Figure 4.14: Living room view 1 (Author,

2015)

Figure 4.15: Living room view 2 (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.21: Kitchen view 2 (Author, 2015)Figure 4.15: Living room view 2

(Author, 2015)

35

The

bathroom and toilet have decorated floor tiles and

plain ceramic tiles on the walls.

The entrance of either has a ramp which has straight edges and

poses a danger of tripping and falling.

The toilet is the floor level one which is not comfortable for a semi

ambulant user.

Figure 4.16: Bathroom and toilet entrance (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.17: Bathroom (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.18 Toilet (Author, 2015)

36

The adjoining corridor is a bit narrow making it not very

suitable for comfortable movement of a wheelchair.

For the kitchen, the floor is all tiled and the walls have tiles up

to 5ft high.

There are hardwood cabinets 5ft from the floor on both longer

sides of the kitchen. The kitchen counter extends from the fire

place up to the door.

The sink is in-built in counter. There is a chair and a small

table where a gas cooker and a microwave have been placed.

Figure 4.19: Adjoining corridor (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.20 Kitchen view 1 (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.21: Kitchen view 2 (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.23: Dining table (Author, 2015)Figure 4.21:

Kitchen view 2 (Author, 2015)

37

4.2.3 Furniture

The furniture in this house is quite appealing to

anyone who does not really know much about

designer-made furniture.

The dining table, stools and coffee tables are made of wood from

Cedar. The sofas are covered using microfiber material

4.2.4 Exhibition and Display

The exhibition and display units are wooden and have glass.

The most prominent one being the living room wall unit. It

allows for a good display of items including entertainment

equipment like the television and the CD changer.

Figure 4.22: Sofa sets, tables and stools (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.23: Dining table (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.23: Dining table (Author, 2015)

Figure 4.24: Wall unit (Author, 2015)

38

Figure 4.25: Kitchen cabinetry (Author, 2015)

Others are the kitchen cabinetry.

4.3 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

In order to find out the types of designs people prefer (traditional, contemporary,

transitional, classic), a survey was done and a questionnaire formulated. It was designed

in a scale of 10 whereby the participants had to choose the ratio in which they would like

the four styles be incorporated in their homes.

Table 4.1: Different design styles the home owners prefer their homes to incorporate

HOME PREFERRED DESIGN STYLE RATIO (rated out of 10)

TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY TRANSITIONAL CLASSIC

A 3 4 2 1

B 1 6 1 2

C 3 5 1 1

D 2 4 3 1

E 3 5 1 1

TOTAL 12 24 8 6

39


The aim of this study is to determine how people want design style they prefer their

homes to be built in. according to the results, the contemporary and traditional styles

lead. This shows that culture represented here by the traditional style is relevant to this

project. It reveals the importance of the client’s culture the building a home.

A maneuverability test was done in Mr. Bernard’s home whereby a maneuverability scale

was formulated on the most important spaces in the home. The rating was very good,

good, poor and very poor. The scale was 4(very good) down to 1(very poor). The table

below gives that information

Table 4.2: Maneuverability scale at Mr. Bernard’s home.

SPACE EASE IN MANEUVERABILITY

Very good (4) Good (3) Poor (2) Very poor (1)

Indoor

entrances

X

Corridors X

Living room X

Kitchen X

Outdoor paths X

Washrooms X

Bedrooms X


40

4.4 PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS

Figure 4.26: Individual ratio of design style preference

Source: Author, 2015

From the information collected from five homes with a semi ambulant person within

Karatina area, it has been found out that most people prefer a combination of a

contemporary style of building their homes and a traditional style.

This information proves

that people want a home

that still reminds them of

their culture despite the

upcoming styles in the

construction industry.

Source: author, 2015

Mr. Bernard’s home does not differ from the data that was collected. Most of the interiors

are contemporary based on the materials used for flooring, ceiling, windows, doors and

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

home A home B home C home D home E

traditional contemporary transitional classic

24%

48%

16%

12%

style preference

traditional contemporary transitional classic



41

furniture. Aesthetically, it is just the average house. The interiors fail functionally in that

they do not meet the universal design standards.

From the analysis done on maneuverability in Mr. Bernard’s home, it was concluded that

the kitchen and the corridors are the most difficult spaces to maneuver with a 7%.

The living room and exterior paths are the easiest to maneuver with each having a 22%

ease in maneuverability.

Figure 4.28: Ease in maneuverability chart


Environmental factors that limit maneuverability outside the house are the gravel on the

paths, the long grass, hilly paths and the stairs. It is very difficult to move a wheelchair on

gravel as the small front wheels get stuck and cannot turn. The same is seen on grass.

Hilly paths require a lot of energy to push and the stairs cause total immobility.

The construction of the house did not at all considered universality of users. Principles of

design do not apply in almost every part of this house. Lack of ramps, high kitchen

cabinets and sinks, slippery floors, narrow doors and corridors are just some of the design

failures in this house.

14%

7%

22%

7%

22%

14%

14%

EASE IN MANEUVERABILITY

indoor entrances corridors living room kitchen

outdoor paths washrooms bedroom

42

4.5 CONCLUSION

As observed from this site analysis it can be concluded that the home is not built

according to Universal Design principles. The dweller of this home does not enjoy

independence using the various spaces in this home. There is need to upgrade and

renovate this home in order to make its user comfortable. Research done in four other

such cases reveal that home owners prefer their homes to incorporate traditional designs

into contemporary designs. This is because it gives them a sense of belonging and

reminds them of where they have come from despite the spreading influence by western

cultures.

43

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter is a conclusive chapter of this project paper. It will summarize the data

analysis covered in chapter four and give recommendations for the project at hand which

is making an elderly person’s home both a Universally designed home and yet

aesthetically inspired by Kikuyu material culture.

5.2 SUMMARY OF DATA ANALYSIS

It was established that Mr. Bernard’s home is a recently built home having been

completed in the year 2012. Being his self-given retirement treat, it is a home he wants to

grow old in. However, the house has not been built to accommodate him comfortably. He

experiences hardships especially in movements around the home and he has to be assisted

most of the time. There are barriers at the door entrance such as raised door frames which

hinder wheelchair movement which has to be lifted to get over them. In addition, they

pause danger of tripping and falling which would cause injury. The corridor is rather

narrow making turning the wheelchair into a door difficult as he has to make L-shaped

turns and then reverse to get a clear way for entrance. With the narrow doors it even

becomes more difficult. However, despite these shortcomings, the materials used to

construct this home are modern. They are sustainable and durable materials. The

landscaping is quite an attempt as there are various homestead trees which give the

homestead environment a cool atmosphere. It is what one would term a contemporary

home but with a few aspects of traditional setting like an outdoor pit latrine, a granary

store (thitoo) and an animal shed (kiugu) just next to the main house.

Kitchen cabinetry and sinks being too high from a sitting position means that he cannot

go to the kitchen and make himself a cup of coffee. Living room sofas pose difficulties

when getting on them from a wheelchair.

44

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

For landscaping, the gravel on the outside of the house brings about difficulty in

wheelchair movement and is not appealing too.

The recommendation for this is outdoor decking tiles.

They are assembled by interlocking and cost-effective.

They are slip-resistance as they grit embedded in the

glazing so that the tiles have excellent tactile. They have

low water absorption rates therefore are long lasting.

The recommendation for the lawn grass is the

Kikuyu grass. It is cost effective, hardy and fast

growing. In addition, it is suitable for sunny areas

as it is drought resistant. It is easy to maintain

with ease of cultivation and the thickly matting

habit therefore suitable for lawns.

Staircases outside the house should have a ramp

besides them. This will assist in moving the

wheelchair without having to lift it.

The steps on the entrances of rooms should be

leveled so that they allow for easy wheelchair

movement. This will also avoid instances of

tripping.

Figure 5.1: Outdoor tiles (Designitecture, 2015)

Figure 5.1: Outdoor tiles (Designitecture, 2015)

Figure 5.3: Ramp illustration (Planning a

Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

Figure 5.2: Emerald Kikuyu grass (turfgrass.com)

45

The doors should also be made wider and have a kick

plate to protect the push side of doors from damage.

Non-slip ceramic tiles are recommended for the flooring

so as to reduce the occurrence of falls which have dire

consequences. Glass windows big enough for proper

ventilation and maximum lighting

Figure 5.5: An illustration of the required clear floor and knee space (Planning a

Barrier Free Environment, 2001)

Furniture especially seats should

have a height that is easy to slide

on from the wheelchair. The

dining table should have a clear

and level floor space of not less

than 900mm x 1200mm. It should also allow for a knee space of at least 900mm wide,

480mm deep and 750mm high.

The washrooms should be wider but due to the limited space,

it is difficult to get in a wheel chair. The recommendation for

that are grab bars whereby the user can hold and get off the

wheelchair. There should also be a holding shower instead of

the fixed one. A fixed seat should also be installed. However,

Figure 5.4: Wheelchair accessible door (cab-ltd.co.uk)

Figure 5.4: Wheelchair accessible door (cab-ltd.co.uk)


(www.assistireland.ie)


(www.assistireland.ie)

46

it should be hinged so as to fold it against the wall when not in use.

A sit-on toilet should be installed to and should also have grab bars to assist in movement

of the user.

The corridor adjoining the living room, kitchen,

bedroom and wash rooms should be wider to make its

spacious for easier maneuverability. There is also a need

to put more lighting for the corridor for better visibility.

Mirror lights to aid washing activities in the bathroom.

Double circuits to bedrooms so that lights can be

switched on and off from the bed. All bulbs to provide a

warm light as opposed to a cold white light and should be energy efficient types.

Kitchen cabinetry be put at a reachable level. Cabinets to have doors with glass doors so

easily locate items.

The counters and sink be at a reachable height. The taps

should also be long handled instead of the existing

turning taps. This makes them easy to operate as a little

effort is required. Cabinets should also have glass doors

for easy location of objects.

Kikuyu Culture being the inspiration of this project will

be used mostly in designs and aesthetics. Landscaping

will be set up in accordance with the Kikuyu homestead which includes the arrangement

of buildings and structures depending on function.

Interiors will have Kikuyu material culture inspiration which will be borrowed from the

household items used by traditional Kikuyu people. This will include various patterns

used for making the kiondo which will be seen in mats, carpets and seat covers.


(www.assistireland.com)


(www.assistireland.com)

Figure 5.8: Wheelchair accessible kitchen sink

(accessiblehomeliving.com)

47

Furniture and exhibition and display items will borrow design inspirations from

traditional furniture like the three-legged stool. Styles will also come from other

inspirations such as traditional Kikuyu dances.

5.4 CONCLUSION

Recommendations done in this chapter are based on the findings and data analysis used in

writing this paper. They are practical and in reality can be achieved by following methods

outlined and explained in this research paper. With the growing population of seniors in

the society, there is a rising demand for residential homes that can accommodate them

comfortably.

5.5 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY

This study does not exploit all the research gaps concerning elderly residential homes and

the Kikuyu culture. This is due to the limits of time and resources in terms of finances,

adequate paper and information. There is need for researchers to look more into these

areas and other areas of interest concerning the user’s culture. Studies should be done on

how to merge Universal Design with other cultures in order to create suitable homes for

people in diverse cultures.

48

REFERENCES

Bronfenbrenner, Urie. "Toward an experimental ecology of human

development." American psychologist 32, no. 7 (1977): 513. Kimani, Emmanuel Kariuki.

"A comparative study of Kikuyu culture and the art of ancient Egypt." PhD diss., 2009.

Crews, Douglas E. "Artificial environments and an aging population: designing for age-

related functional losses." Journal of physiological anthropology and applied human

science 24, no. 1 (2005): 103-109.

Crews, Douglas E., and Susan Zavotka. "Aging, disability, and frailty: implications for

universal design." Journal of physiological anthropology 25, no. 1 (2006): 113-118.

Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly, and Eugene Rochberg-Halton. "Reflections on

materialism." University of Chicago Magazine 70, no. 3 (1978): 6-15.

Demirbilek, Oya, and Halime Demirkan. "Universal product design involving elderly

users: a participatory design model." Applied ergonomics 35, no. 4 (2004): 361-370.

Haldeman, Scott, Paul Carey, Murray Townsend, and Costa Papadopoulos. "Arterial

dissections following cervical manipulation: the chiropractic experience." Canadian

Medical Association Journal 165, no. 7 (2001): 905-906.

Harrington, Laurie E., Robin D. Hatton, Paul R. Mangan, Henrietta Turner, Theresa L.

Murphy, Kenneth M. Murphy, and Casey T. Weaver. "Interleukin 17–producing CD4+

effector T cells develop via a lineage distinct from the T helper type 1 and 2

lineages." Nature immunology 6, no. 11 (2005): 1123-1132.

Kamenju, Joseph. "Transformation of Kikuyu traditional architecture: case study of

homesteads in lower Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri, Kenya." PhD diss., University of Nairobi,

2013.

Oliver, Paul. Built to meet needs: Cultural issues in vernacular architecture. Routledge,

2007.

49

Rukwaro, R. W. "Traditional African Architecture of the Kikuyu Masaai, Luo and Gabra

Ethic groups of Kenya." (1996).

Serra, Martin J., Thomas W. Barnes, Kelly Betschart, Mathew J. Gutierrez, Kimberly J.

Sprouse, Cheryl K. Riley, Lora Stewart, and Ryan E. Temel. "Improved parameters for

the prediction of RNA hairpin stability." Biochemistry36, no. 16 (1997): 4844-4851.

The publication 'Planning a Barrier Free Environment' published in 2001

Zheng, H., J. Wang, S. E. Lofland, Z. Ma, L. Mohaddes-Ardabili, T. Zhao, L. Salamanca-

Riba et al. "Multiferroic BaTiO3-CoFe2O4 nanostructures." Science303, no. 5658

(2004): 661-663.Gathigira, S. Kiama. "Miikarire ya Agikuyu [Customs of the Kikuyu]."

(1934).

50

APPENDICES

Research strategy and schedule diagram


Questionnaire guide

Source: Saldana, 2013

Preparation

- Scheduling

- Pre-assessment

-Initial site visit

-Logistics: access,

camera

permission, paper-

based instruments

Onsite

-Interviews

-Observations

-Preliminary

findings

-Inspections

Wrap-up

-Final paperwork

-Report

production

-Report delivery

51

Observation guide

Source: author, 2015

IMPROVING MOBILITY

Does the room layout enable patient mobility within the room?

o Space for clearly defined disabled person

o Clearances for wheelchair and furniture

o Clearance between bed and chair enabling pivot-turn for wheel chair

Does the flooring selection and design enable user and family mobility?

o Flooring is stable, firm and slip-resistant

o Low reflectance value to finish to minimize glare

o Low contrast in flooring patterns

o Minimum changes between flooring types within the room

o Minimum joints and seams to ensure that sharp edged objects like sticks

or heels do not flooring trips

Does the furniture selection enable the user mobility?

o Built-in furniture stable to support user and weight bearing

requirements.

o Chairs with armrests

o Space between the chair to support foot position changes

o Easily seen casters for rolling furniture that can be locked

Is there clear, barrier-free access to the bathroom?

o No equipment or other obstruction in path to bathroom.

o Flush flooring transitions

o Support path e.g. handrail

o Large door openings accommodating user and attached equipment

o Night-lighting located between the bed and bathroom

52

Questionnaire

Landscaping

1. List hobbies that might influence property use.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________

2. Do you have pets that might require a special area?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Are there any allergies or other medical conditions to be considered?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. Is a children’s play area needed? How big?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

5. Entryway:

-would you like it open or more closed for privacy?

______________________________________________________________________

-what type of walkway?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

-is it wide enough (welcoming)?

________________________________________________________________________

6. Driveway:

53

-is it wide enough for your needs?

________________________________________________________________________

-do you need parking for guests?

________________________________________________________________________

7. Do you need room for a composite pit? Woodpile? Storage shed?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Interiors

8. In what ratio would you prefer your home to incorporate these design styles?

Contemporary

Traditional

Transitional

Classic

________________________________________________________________________

9. What is the single best thing about your house?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

10. What is the worst?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

11. What could be easily improved?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

12. What’s best left alone?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

13. What do you know about Universal Design?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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14. Which places in your house can’t you access independently?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

15. In what ways do you show appreciation of your culture through your home?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

16. What inspires you most in the Kikuyu culture?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Furniture and equipment

17. What kind of items do you need storage for?

Utensils

Cutlery

Dry food

Canned food

Cleaning supplies

Glassware

Pottery

18. What type of storage do you prefer?

Shelves

Sliding shelves

Drawers

19. What type of wood species would you prefer?

Oak

Cherry

Maple

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Pine

20. What kind of countertop would you like?

Natural stone

Wood

Laminate

Stainless steel

21. What is your ironmongery preference?

Knobs

Pulls

22. Which faucet options would you prefer?

Single hands

High-arc spout

Pull-out sprayer

Separate sprayer

23. What type of sink would best suit you?

Single bowl

Double bowl

Triple bowl

Round bowl

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