into the wild

“The big 5” is in the pocket however some other wild I find even more photogenic. “The Cat 5”: 1.millions of pink flamingos in Lake Nakuru 2. Impala’s or Bambi’s in Masai Mara 3. Weaver birds 4. Spotted-Hyena’s 5. Grunting Hippos

urban agriculture

In this urban area in Nairobi every family has their own bag with vegetables.

something old, something new

The slum upgrading project in Kibera, Nairobi has been initiated by the Ministry of Housing. The high rise flats are built on the fringe of the slum and accommodate a part of Kibera's original inhabitants. Good practice are the proximity to the old social networks, communal space and the elaborate survey of re settled families.

unity

The first Isocarp congres held in Africa; "Developing world, sustainable cities", attracts lots of people working on urban development. The first day took place on the impressive grounds of the UN in Nairobi. The following days many casestudies were presented at the KICC including my presentation about urban development in Choma. Many similarities can be observed in the presentations about the intermediate cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America(were most of the urban population lives). Common heard problems are the difficulties of implementation, capacity building and the growing informal settlements.

A Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nostorik designed the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in 1967. The design combined the traditions, aspirations and the environment of Kenya with the top needs and requirements of conference organizers.

Dar sketches

The drawings of Dar es Salaam made by Sarah Markes are absolutely wonderful! They show the daily life in a great african city such as street vendors and the heavy loaded bicycles. Moreover her sketches record architectural jewels that are a victim of recent demolition. She asks for people's stories and memeories about these buildings. Have a look at http://darsketches.wordpress.com/

Hakuna Matata

The car has some problems with the drive shaft, on the sunny side it gives us an opportunity to meet and learn from some great local people. The most amusing statement sofar came from a journalist in Tanzania when we were chatting about the press and kleptocracy (corrupt governments); Don’t be vague, wait for The Hague.

scandinavia meets africa

Great handicrafts, colourful fabrics and a crossroad of cultures produces some wonderful items. At the green room they sell hand made products from Tanzanian some of them made by the Neema Group in Iringa and other products all inspired by the sea and nature. They have plans to open an internet shop, http://www.thegreenroomtz.com/

bellevue

Wind, sun and a perfect blue sky, welcome on Zanzibar! The masai are all employed as safety guards, it is said that they are the only guards that stay awake the whole night.

swahili

A pleasant mixture of different cultures has created the Swahili style along East coast and Zanzibar. African, Arabic and European influences are all melted into this agreeable lifestyle with offers an great inspiration!

street scene

The main town on Zanzibar has many faces, strolling through the old narrow streets gives a good impression of the daily life on the island.

hand made

The holiday offers another good opportunity to find some special hand crafts. Sofar my favourite are the pottery at lake Malawi and Neema, www.neemacrafts.com

smiles for miles

Last week we have been on the road with Golden Banda. After Zambia we drove eastward to Malawi and further north to Tanzania. Some things are different some things are still the same: original shop names, nsima, converted seacontainers and painted advertisements are just a few.

party started

Summertime is coming and travelling will start so soon now, today I said goodbye to colleagues and friends in Choma with a farewell braai in our garden. My Tonga name, Lweendo = Journey will finally become a reality!

spatial dimensions

“Cat, you know that the map (a satellite photo) is not right? ... think think and hanged it on the opposite wall, You think the map is right now? Sure, now the map is correct!" (Work anecdote on reading maps)

The drawing companies are generally motivated and I have had several interesting discussions with these autodidact architects on architecture and urban design.

notes from a fieldtrip

Usually we make a salad or pasta at home, however when you are on a fieldtrip the local women will always offer you a plate of nsima with some relish. Nsima is made from mealie-meal (maize), the common staple food.