Architecture

We believe in sustainable architecture as a thoughtful integration of architecture with electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. Planning, design and construction of African University will be thorough taking into account how decisions minimize energy consumption and promoting human health. As a philosophy of building rather than a prescriptive building style, African University will promote sustainable architecture where each component is considered part of a greater whole.

Tenets

The African University campus design and construction shall be guided by the following principles:

  • Context: Includes but not limited to sociocultural and physical elements influencing the design and construction of African University campus.
  • Beauty: Includes African and universal design and construction features that enhance the attractiveness of the African University campus.
  • Sustainability: Includes but not limited to the utilization of affordable and durable local resources to construct African University.
  • Coherence: Includes but not limited to integrity of the entire African University campus.
  • Conservation: Includes a sensitivity to the environment in which African University is built.

These principles shall be a code of quality for all African University design, construction, and maintenance procedures. Reliability, serviceability, safety, and cost shall be the basis for determining quality at African University. As architectural principles for African University, they are to be applied to renovation and new construction from the planning and design stages through construction and facilities maintenance and management. Procedures to be followed, materials to be used, or design guidelines would be appropriate to assure the quality desired for African University are articulated with these principles in mind. When procedures are developed, they shall focus of methods and materials that enhance the sustainable development of African University. Stakeholders of African University such facilities personnel, architects, contractors are expected to familiarize themselves with these principles.

The architectural principles for African University are to be applied towards the following ends:

  • Developing and maintaining a cohesive campus landscape
  • Preserving and reinforcing the best of its natural environment
  • Setting a framework for future development.

African University architectural principles are expected to serve as the foundation for plans that can be translated into a university environment that support and inspire people.

Architectural Features shall enhance the visual coherence of the African University campus layout by:

  • Developing, preserving and reinforcing important axes
  • Developing, preserving and reinforcing the campus as clusters of buildings linked to open spaces.
  • Developing, preserving and reinforcing entrances to African University campus and its buildings.
  • Developing, preserving, and reinforcing views or vistas to unique landmark features of the African University campus.
  • Developing, preserving and reinforcing African University campus structures using local materials.
  • Developing, preserving and reinforcing campus buildings that do not exceed 4 stories in height and utilize natural ventilation (Limit use of elevators and air conditioner systems for ventilation, but provide ramps for the disabled)
  • Developing, preserving and reinforcing board elements of African architecture in the design and construction of campus buildings.

Natural beauty and Features shall reinforce the local biological and geographical features that preserve the character of the African University campus as follows. Designing, developing and preserving a natural campus should demonstrate to people African University’s commitment to the value of the environment. Natural vegetation shall improve the quality of clean air, decrease soil erosion, modify the temperature and enhance the natural beauty of African University campus.

  • Preserving the underlying topography of the African University campus.
  • Promote continuity and integrity of environmental systems such as rivers and forest lands in their natural states.
  • Preserve important frames of local vegetation.
  • Using native vegetation for new plantings placed with reference to comprehensive landscape plan that elaborates general aims for sections of the campus such lining important campus streets with trees.

External Corridors shall promote continuity and integrity of associated networks throughout campus. Developing, preserving and reinforcing physical connectors such as paths, streams, roads in ways that promote an internal design consistency.

Click to give.