How do you plan for one of the fastest growing areas in the world? As part of a team from Columbia University, I worked in Nairobi with the University of Nairobi Department of Urban and Regional Planning to develop plans for the peri-urban satellite town of Ruiru. A transitional area between urban and rural, Ruiru is experiencing fast, unplanned growth with inadequate infrastructure. We worked with local residents, community leaders, urban professionals, and local government to define the current trends, challenges, and opportunities. Through ethnography field research, community surveys, expert interviews, mapping, and air quality testing, we examined the area in terms of economy, transportation, health, governance, and land use. We presented maps and studies of current trends, the consequences of current trends, potential scenarios, and strategic recommendations to the Municipal Council of Ruiru. They adopted the plans and the project continues on at the Center for Sustainable Urban Development at the Earth Institute at Columbia University. 2006.
Team: Monica Bansal, Alyssa Boyer, Candy Chang, Kay Cheng, Leticia Crispin, Reuel Daniels, Jen Graeff, Beth Helton, Lily Langlois, Ryan Walsh, Eleanne van Vliet. Faculty & support: Eliott Sclar, Sumila Gulyani, Christie Marcella, Sigurd Grava, Julie Touber, Nicole Volavka, Patrick Kinney, Mike Reilly, Peter Ngau, Musyimi Mbathi, University of Nairobi Department of Urban and Regional Planning
3′ x 10′ project poster, designed by Candy. View pdf of poster
That’s so cool. I didn’t know you were working on that. Will you go back there at some point. I will, I am core member of
http://www.ihub.co.ke/ on Ngong road. I would love to have more detailled explanation of you dvt of the city :) And now we’re both in NOLA yay! Hey, I m moving to Dauphine road in Sep!!! We are going to be super-neighbors! YAY! Vegetables!