In my adult life, I have cycled on a public roadway a total number of (1) times. I will explain why later. I am hardly an expert when it comes to the design of the perfect bicycle, or helmet, or wheels. I know a little bit about what makes for a good bike seat, but …
Category: Nairobi
[POL]ARCHITECTURE
An architect/friend happens to be in New York on business, and sent me pictures from an exhibition he attended on one of his days there. The exhibition, 5×5 Participatory Provocations, got me thinking about our need for more polemic architecture in Kenya. That controversial projects exist is in no question. Beside the new malls and …
My “Architecture of Happiness” Moment
I love people-watching. In a former life (read, my early teens), I imagined that I would one day write the great Kenyan novel. I suppose it is only fitting, then, that I find it interesting to study human character. A female friend and I have a monthly get-together which almost always takes place in a …
In Conversation: Henry Musangi, Architect (Part Two)
I am blessed enough to have a few people in my life that I consider good mentors. Funny thing, though: they are not actually aware that I consider them mentors. In his New York Times Op-Ed piece, The Myth of Quality Time, Frank Bruni talks about the importance of the unscripted moments we may choose …
Sidewalks of Nairobi
Nairobi, the city of my nativity, has sidewalks to write home about. Veritable volumes can be published on the deplorable conditions our pedestrians tolerate on a daily basis. Pedestrians are a majority here; sadly, however, they end up with the short end of the stick where commuting is concerned. Unless of course they are in …
Of Saints and Sidewalks
Karen Blixen, popularly known by her nom de plume, Isak Dinesen, had this to say about the Somali town that existed in Nairobi in her day: Europeans, who live for a long time, even for several generations, in the same place, cannot reconcile themselves to the complete indifference to the surroundings of their homes, of …
In Conversation: Henry Musangi, Architect (Part One)
Henry Musangi is a busy man. Even on weekends. That this Western-educated Kenyan architect was able to find time to have a conversation of this sort was somewhat of a miracle. Well, that and the fact that the beginning of the year tends to be a less busy time for most businesses, affording me an …
Sidewalks of the World
I am, thanks to the fact that I have no vehicle of my own at the moment, relearning the art of pedestrianism, 21st century style. Because my daily commute involves quite a bit of walking, sidewalks have become of interest to me. Sidewalks that work. Sidewalks that allow for heels and running shoes alike. Sidewalks …
The Democratisation of Production
I came across this really interesting TED talk – I am surprised that I did not come across it sooner. The possibilities in Africa with something like this are endless! Here’s to “cities being developed by citizens.”
Ode to Nairobi
Drizzly morning walks under Jacaranda trees. Lunch and laughter at Java. Bargaining and bustling at the second hand market. Bumpy matatu rides after a long, hot day. The smell of diesel fumes during the rush hour jam. Power blackouts and kerosene lamps. The prime time catch-up (when electricity’s back). Family, friends, and so much more. …