The World Health Organization (WHO) is planning to establish a crisis center in Nairobi, Kenya, in order to manage emergencies and health crises in the African region. The center will enable proactive measures and ensure a quick response to natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, political instability, and conflicts.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 uncovered the need for greater preparedness and resilience of the healthcare system, as it had a devastating impact on lives, economies, and decades of progress in global health. The establishment of the crisis center is therefore crucial in creating a sustainable and responsive infrastructure that will provide long-term improvements in public health and strengthen community collaboration.
This master’s thesis examines the urban and architectural aspects of integrating the crisis center into Nairobi, with a specific focus on the design of the business facility with an accompanying program as a key component of the complex. The theoretical part presents an analysis of Nairobi, including its historical, climate, vegetation, and cultural characteristics, which influence the architectural design of the building. Furthermore, an analysis of the city’s urban structure and the specific location of the center is conducted. The center is strategically situated next to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital, in close proximity to Nairobi’s city center.
Based on theoretical and analytical insights, I developed an architectural design for the business facility with an accompanying program.
The building is designed in accordance with local climate conditions, cultural characteristics, and WHO guidelines. The two-story cubical design enables the integration of public and private functions while ensuring controlled communication between different programs. The ground floor consists of two distinct volumes—public and private spaces—while the upper floor accommodates office spaces.
The design of the business facility contributes to addressing the shortage of healthcare and humanitarian infrastructure in East Africa and serves as a model for future WHO development projects in the region.
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