Even though Kajiado is recognized as a Savannah region, lodges within this context continue to develop in spite of the rising temperatures brought by climate change. Most lodges within this area are celebrated from the online reviews on Trip advisor and other sources however a few challenges on thermal comfort continue to arise as climate continues to change. Publications from Mwangi & Mutua (2015) reveal that a positive slope trend in average monthly minimum temperatures also affects this region as part of the effects of climate change. The study therefore aims to explore the passive design strategies employed in the design of the lodges along River Mbagathi, Kajiado county.
Three questions are asked and discerned with sustainable architecture as the theme. The first and second correspond to establishing the current status of the sampled lodges and appropriate passive design strategies respectively while the third corresponds to the contribution of Mbagathi river to architecture in terms of views and spatial qualities.
An examination of literature from various sources creates a foundation for the study. A brief synopsis of water in arid landscapes sets the scene to narrate the perspective of water in this context. Passive design strategies adopted in sustainable architecture around the world follow with topics relevant to the objectives expounded upon.
A case study method is employed in the research design as per Kothari and Garg (2014). The following parameters were used in undertaking the study: Planning and massing; building form; material and texture; openings and ventilation; and landscaping and ventilation . Recommendations are then proposed for designing within this area.
Keywords:
Passive design strategies, sustainable architecture, lodge, climate change, savannah climate.