Architecture represents the symbiotic relationship between earth, man, machinery and the sky. This dissertation seeks to explore these connections in an Aviation Training Landscape. The importance of properly designed physical facilities as an environment for the delivery of an aviation and education program cannot be over emphasized. While excellent teaching can and does take place in inadequate physical settings, the delivery process and related human experience both for teachers and students invariably suffers. At the same time, the decision making process involved in producing suitable facilities for any aviation related activity has become exceedingly complex. Growing sophistication of modern technology and state of the art of aviation systems, changing educational programs, complex administrative structures, and difficulties in the economy and ability for institutions to fund building programs all serve to complicate any well intentioned building development goals.
It is essential that a broad based comprehensive planning and design process be utilized if the product of any building development is to achieve requisite facility objectives. Short term, expedient approaches to replacement of inadequate facilities invariably result in an equally short lived solution to the problem. Even worse, they often complicate longer range development opportunities due to the absence of an overall masterplan, and usually create a poor architectural image. The planning process must incorporate a successful integration of client/users and planning/design professionals as well. Input and expertise from all parties involved must come together in a continuing interaction and dialogue. The key words in an aviation training facility development endeavour are comprehensive planning and professional interaction. Several methods of implementing these strategies have been described. These methods include Context Layout, Spatial Design, Structure & Materials and Safety & Security.
This study will therefore seek to explore the design of Aviation Training Organisations in Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa with a view of drawing up guidelines for the design of future Aviation Training Organisations. The study was done by critically analysing three Aviation Training Organisations, that is Kenya Airways Pride Centre, Ethiopian Aviation Academy and 43 Air School - Port Alfred. The results showed that 43 Air School - Port Alfred provided better context & site layout, training facilities and safe and secure environment. It is then followed by Ethiopia Aviation Academy and lastly Kenya Airways Pride Centre. Concluding from that, it is recommended that for an Aviation Training Organisations to provide quality and safe training, it needs to be properly located in a safe area outside the city, vast access to open airspace, proximity and convenient access, equipped with special facilities, away from radio waves, vast land for future expansion, have a well organised and layouted training areas and have a favourable structure and material interface and have an appropriate and adequate safety and security strategies.
