KIPROTICH NELSON

ABS211-0404/2018

Architectural Thesis Reading List

The key areas of interest are Thermal efficiency, Design adaptation, Cultural context, Environmental
impact, and Economic factors.

Research Topic: Effects of Vernacular Architecture Transformation on Indoor Thermal Comfort in

Kajiado East.

PUBLISHED WORKS

1. ARCHITECTURE:DESIGN PRIMER FOR HOT CLIMATES by Allan Konya (Book)

This book serves as an invaluable resource in the research of transformation of vernacular

architecture and its impact on indoor thermal comfort in hot climates, as the author Allan Konye
provides a comprehensive primer on design principles tailored to hot climates, offering insights
into how built forms have evolved and the resulting implications on thermal comfort. By delving
into this book, a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with
architectural adaptation in warm regions, informing future design strategies and sustainability
initiatives is understood.

2. ARCHITECTURE: FORM, SPACE, AND ORDER by Francis D.K. Ching (Book)

This book explores the fundamental principles of architectural form, space, and order, offering
a comprehensive understanding of architectural design. Through detailed explanations and
visual illustrations, it provides insight into how different architectural elements interact to create
spaces that influence human experience. Understanding these principles can be immensely
beneficial during research on the transformation of vernacular architecture in Kajiado East and
its impact on indoor thermal comfort. By grasping the concepts of form, space, and order,
researchers can analyze and evaluate the architectural changes occurring in Kajiado East,
assess their implications on thermal comfort, and propose design solutions that integrate
traditional and modern architectural approaches effectively.

3. The Thermal Comfort of Traditional Buildings" by J. R. Jones:

Provides an in-depth understanding of the thermal performance of traditional structures,

offering insights into design principles conducive to thermal comfort.
4. “Vernacular Architecture: Towards a Sustainable Future" edited by Marcel Vellinga:

Explores the sustainability aspects of vernacular architecture, offering theoretical frameworks

and practical solutions applicable to the research context.

5. "Passive Solar Architecture: Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, Daylighting, and More Using
Natural Flows" by David A. Bainbridge:

Offers comprehensive knowledge of passive solar design strategies, which can inform
solutions for optimizing indoor thermal comfort without reliance on mechanical systems.

6. "Sustainable Vernacular Architecture: Theoretical Issues and Practical Solutions"

edited by Ali Sayigh:

Presents theoretical insights and practical case studies highlighting sustainable approaches in
vernacular architecture, guiding the research towards environmentally friendly solutions.

7. "Climate Responsive Design: A Study of Buildings in Moderate and Hot Humid

Climates" by Richard Hyde:

Provides analysis and strategies for designing buildings responsive to climate conditions,
aiding in the development of contextually appropriate solutions for thermal comfort.

8. "Architecture Without Architects: A Short Introduction to Non-Pedigreed Architecture"

by Bernard Rudofsky:

Explores the concept of vernacular architecture and its inherent sustainability principles,
offering unconventional perspectives on architectural design.

9. "The Architecture of the Well-Tempered Environment" by Reyner Banham:

Offers insights into the relationship between architecture and environmental comfort, guiding
the research towards holistic approaches to indoor thermal comfort.

10. "The Passive Solar Energy Book" by Edward Mazria:

Provides practical guidance on harnessing solar energy for heating and cooling, offering
valuable insights for sustainable building design in Kajiado East.
11. "Energy Simulation in Building Design" by Joseph Clarke:

Offers methodologies for simulating energy performance in building design, facilitating the
evaluation of different architectural interventions on indoor thermal comfort.

12. "Architecture and Energy: Performance and Style" by William W. Braham:

Explores the intersection of architectural aesthetics and energy performance, guiding the
research towards aesthetically pleasing yet environmentally sustainable design solutions.

13. "Sustainable Buildings in Practice: What the Users Think" by P. Bointner:

Provides perspectives on user experiences in sustainable buildings, aiding in understanding

the social dimensions of indoor thermal comfort.

14. "Vernacular Architecture in the 21st Century: Theory, Education and Practice" edited by
Lindsay Asquith:

Explores contemporary perspectives on vernacular architecture, offering insights into its

relevance and adaptation in modern contexts.

15. "Sustainable Architecture: Containers" by Antje Diestel:

Explores innovative sustainable building solutions, offering inspiration for alternative

approaches to vernacular architecture transformation.

16. "Bioclimatic Housing: Innovative Designs for Warm Climates" by Richard Hyde:

Presents innovative bioclimatic design strategies suitable for warm climates, informing
sustainable design interventions in Kajiado East.

17. "Design with Climate: Bioclimatic Approach to Architectural Regionalism" by Victor

Olgya:

Offers a bioclimatic approach to architectural design, emphasizing the importance of climatic

responsiveness in achieving indoor thermal comfort.
18. "The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling" by Daniel D. Chiras:

Provides practical guidance on designing solar-responsive buildings, offering insights into

passive heating and cooling techniques.

19. "Vernacular Architecture: An Illustrated Handbook" by R. W. Brunskill:

Offers visual documentation and analysis of vernacular architectural forms, aiding in the
understanding of traditional building techniques.

20. "Indoor Environmental Quality" by Thad Godish:

Explores factors influencing indoor environmental quality, including thermal comfort, air quality,
and lighting, providing insights relevant to the research focus.

21. "Thermal Comfort: Analysis and Applications in Environmental Engineering" by M. F. M.

Zaki:

Provides analytical tools and methodologies for assessing thermal comfort in built
environments, aiding in the research's empirical investigation.

22. "Passive Solar Architecture Pocket Reference" by Rodolphe Landau:

Offers a concise reference guide to passive solar design principles, facilitating quick access to
relevant information for design interventions.

23. "Sustainable Urban Housing in China: Principles and Case Studies for Low-Energy
Design" by Brian Ford:

Provides case studies and principles for sustainable urban housing design, offering insights
applicable to the research context in Kajiado East.

24. "Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery" by Charles J. Kibert:

Explores green building principles and practices, offering guidance on sustainable construction
methods applicable to vernacular architecture transformation.
25. "Vernacular Architecture and Regional Design: Cultural Process and Environmental
Response" by Kingston Wm. Heath:

Offers insights into the cultural and environmental factors shaping vernacular architecture,
guiding the research towards a nuanced understanding of its transformation.

26. "Energy-Efficient Building Systems: Green Strategies for Operation and Maintenance"
by Lal Jayamaha:

Provides strategies for optimizing the energy efficiency of building systems, offering insights
into sustainable building operation and maintenance practices.
 Vernacular Architecture Transformation and Its Impact on Indoor
Thermal Comfort a case of Kitengela town ,Kajiado East.

Researcher: Kiprotich Nelson, [Link]. Hons., 2025, JKUAT,

nelsonkimms99@[Link].

Supervisor: Arch.. John Wamwangi, [Link]. Hons., JKUAT,

SDG 3:

G3:

SDG 3 Theme:

G Theme:

BIOGRAPHY:
Kiprotich Nelson, a graduate architect from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, specializes in
environmental behavior and sustainable design. With experience at Larick Holdings Solutions, he focuses on smart
architecture that enhances the well-being of occupants. His research centers on "Vernacular Architecture
Transformation and Its Impact on Indoor Thermal Comfort," driven by a passion for smart architecture. Nelson
believes that sustainable design profoundly influences user behavior and well-being, advocating for spaces that
foster positive experiences. He continues to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between architecture,
its occupants, and the natural world.
Abstract:
Despite extensive research on architecture and thermal comfort, the specific impacts of transforming vernacular
architecture on indoor thermal comfort in Kajiado East remain underexplored. Traditional building forms, which
naturally align with local climates and cultural practices, have been gradually replaced by modern structures that
often fail to address the region's unique thermal comfort needs. This transition has led to increased reliance on
mechanical heating and cooling systems, thereby elevating energy consumption and reducing occupant comfort.
This study investigates the consequences of this architectural shift by addressing key questions: How does the
transformation of vernacular architecture influence indoor thermal conditions? What are the comparative thermal
comfort levels in traditional versus modern buildings in Kajiado East? Guided by principles of bioclimatic design,
passive solar architecture, and sustainable building practices, the research employs a mixed-methods approach,
combining field observations, thermal comfort surveys, and building performance simulations.
Findings reveal that traditional architectural forms, with their inherent design features such as thick walls, natural
ventilation, and strategic orientation, provide superior thermal comfort compared to modern buildings. These features
naturally regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for artificial climate control. The study concludes that
integrating vernacular design principles into contemporary architecture can enhance thermal comfort, reduce energy
consumption, and promote sustainable living. By reviving and adapting traditional architectural practices, Kajiado
East can achieve more thermally comfortable and environmentally responsible built environments.
The research highlights the need for architects and planners to consider vernacular strategies to address the growing
challenges of thermal discomfort and energy inefficiency in modern buildings, advocating for a harmonious blend of
traditional and contemporary design.