01 PROJECT

INTRODUCTION, SUMMARY OF SOLUTIONS

Designing the architectural form with emphasis
on its relationship to light to produce powerful
effects of light and darkness.
“Architecture appears for the first time when the sunlight hits a wall. The sunlight did not know what it was before it hit a wall.”
Louis Kahn, Architect Employ use of deliverate sources of light that can
accentuate, direct attention, create an
INTRODUCTION
atmosphere of contemplation and composition
Light and shadow are used in architecture to create solids and
and composure during worship.
emptiness. Light is also used to create psychological and
physiological effects in architecture. This phenomenon shaped
the interior illumination of the religious buildings. light does affect
the spiritual experiences and perception of church spaces by
worshippers attending the services.
In religious spaces, the design of space and lighting changes
according to worship and liturgy. The desired lighting design use of form to manipulate light and shadow
varies according to religions. The quantity and quality of
illumination along with the combination of lighting, color and
Color should be used for simple easy to navigate visual orientation to aid
shadow affects the quality of the sacred space and the overall
ease of movement, mark vertical changes, street and sidewalk edges and
spiritual and mystical balance.
other situations that normally cause blindspots.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Various catholic churches that are being built recently seemingly focus on lighting for visual comfort or as an afterthought,
neglecting the psychological aspect. Therefore, there is need to for church spaces that are designed to meet these religious
needs for those attending the services. This means spaces that are designed ought to have the right lighting and ventilation for
the function of worship that is to take place inside. sketch showing darker colors applied to surfaces in prayer rooms can create
an holistic experience that arises from a feeling of being enveloped.

Entail use of lighting surfaces rather than spaces to avoid

hotspots and shadows that can compromise visual
communication. Windows and light apartures should not be
located in the middle of rooms, but should be located so that
they wash walls, floor and ceiling surfaces with natural light.

light source

source of lighting use of artificial lighting even when its not necessary
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this project is to come up with a design that utilizes light and shadow to enhance user perception in
churches. It will be met by the following specific objectives: sketch of use of light to help users navigate

i. To design church spaces in relation to their spatial and lighting requirements. control and revise light levels depending on how a room is
ii. To design a church that has sufficient lighting. being used at a particularly time to ensure that lighting
iii. To manipulate lighting in the church through form. levels are appropriate for a given activity to maximise on
sketch of lighting surfaces that communicate with users of space
iv. To create an ecclesiastical environment using lighting strategiesin the church. users concentration and focus for the given activity.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS Light shelves are one effective method of bringing light deep
Use materials that allow them to create specific distribution of light in the space into buildings while avoiding light
light shelves
Materials with warm colors that is overly concentrated and
compliment lighting in a church light source which negatively impacts the
through reflection and diffusion users to communicate and
Bishop comfortably navigate their
Artificial lighting to supplement environment and concentration.
controlled light reaching
natural illumination only when
the preacher
its necessary.

Different window sizes to

reduce light trespass and allow sketch of use of light shelves
adequate light penetration sketch of controlled lighting during sermon ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
FLORENCE LEWIS MURUTANI
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 02 LOCAL CASE STUDY
SACRED HEARTS CATHEDRAL, KERICHO
CIRCULATION
Care has been taken to shape the Cathedral’s circulation
spaces and express the building’s structure - the stone plinth,
The Sacred Hearts Cathedral is located in Kericho, Kenya, approximately 250km North-West of Nairobi. It lies within the simply articulated, arched concrete frames and timber-ribbed timber slats
vaulting are exposed in a strikingly crafted and honest manner arched concrete
Highlands, west of the Great Rift Valley, enjoying magnificent views across tea plantations and surrounding hills. frames
along the aisles and corridors. The simplicity of the materials
SITE LAYOUT
The cathedral is designed on 2,800 sqm piece of land. The cathedral is in close proximityto a primary school and residential used honors the faith and frugality of the community. The
homes. The Cathedral’s design creates a unique and sacred place for a congregation of 1,250 seated celebrants participating in timber slats allow, majority of the light emanating from the
the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Mass under one giant unifying roof. skylight into the church while at the same time enhancing the
aesthetics of the interior circulation spaces.

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTABILITY

Buildability and the use of available local resources Aisle inside the cathedral lit
Primary through the timber slats
school were key drivers for Kericho Cathedral.

The granite was used for the sanctuary sourced from

Kenya, and the soap stone used for the statues was
The
Cathedral timber slats held by sourced from the town of Kisii, located south of Kericho.
arched concrete frames The ceiling was constructed from finger-jointed Cypress
The steeply inclined unifying roof
timber slats. The building's cladding material was carefully
selected as washed terrazzo, known for its self-cleaning
Aerial view site plan of the cathedral showing the neighbourhood Section of the cathedral structure attributes and was applied by hand. The Nairobi blue stone
cladding of the podium were hand-dressed and fixed by
LAYOUT OF THE CATHEDRAL local masons. Buildability and the use of available local
resources were key drivers for Kericho Cathedral.
The cathedral assumes a cruciform plan with the nave expanding in Legend
width in order to maximize the congregation’s visual engagement Entry and
Exit points
arched concrete
during a mass. It opens completely along both transepts to promote frames

natural ventilation and allow the congregation to leave the building at altar

multiple points and expand onto the landscaped terraces and gardens. The Cathedral’s iconic giant roof and volume
timber slats
The aspiration was to create a structure that integrated seamlessly with nave
have been carefully engineered to create a
its landscape setting, in both aesthetic and functional terms. naturally ventilated and acoustically
moderating environment for all seasons. The
complex geometry of the building was
accommodated by a structural frame
landscaped terraces the steel structural system requiring a complex pouring system for the
and gardens
concrete. The building's cladding material line of glass at the roof slit

was carefully selected as washed terrazzo,

General cruxiform plan layout of the cathedral known for its self-cleaning attributes and was
applied by hand. The Nairobi blue stone
The landscaping with terracing, drainage channels and cladding of the podium were hand-dressed
soakaway to mitigate the volume of water that accumulates very
Nairobi blue stone flooring and fixed by local masons.
Entry and exit
points
quickly after sudden and prolonged bursts of rain.
terraced gardens SUSTAINABILITY
The cathedral's transepts opening to terraced gardens The project was designed to operate with modest energy and few
maintenance requirements with its major impact in sustainability being the
LIGHTING
materials with which it was been constructed, and the way they were
The cathedral is designed to operate with modest energy, using natural daylight
procured and managed through the construction process. The materials
and few maintenance requirements. A line of glass along the roof’s spine provides
used aided in achieving a low energy, more sustainable building.
illumination overhead, which at certain times of day creates striking patterns in the
aisle and near the altar from direct sunlight. The iconic slit at the roof of the
cathedral allows light into the church from above and it seems to also increase in The landscaping with terracing, drainage channels and soakaway to
size and widens at the altar where light hits the front wall and illuminated the mitigate the volume of water that accumulates very quickly after sudden
cross that hangs just below the long narrow window, which seems like a and prolonged bursts of rain. Rainwater harvested is used in drier times as
continuation of the light cast from the roof. Artificial lighting is kept to a minimum a source of irrigation water to maintain the cathedral’s vegetation
in order to keep energy consumption as low as is practical.
ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
iconic slit at the cathedral's roof
which allows light into the church
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 03 INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY
CHURCH OF LIGHT , JAPAN
LIGHTING AND MATERIALS IN THE CHURCH
User behavior in the church of light is mainly stimulated by the
The Church of Light is located in the tiny town of Ibaraki, which is outside the sprawling metropolis of Osaka, Japan. building itself. The building may look small but at every curve,
It is a prime example of a piece of outstanding architecture tightly knit into the urban fabric. the user may see a totally changed view of the building. The
distribution of space in the church of light totally controls by the
SITE LAYOUT
angled wall. Focus is placed on the sunshine as a style feature
The church of light is located on 838.8 sqm piece since there are no alternative distractions among the area to
of land with the church occupying 113sqm. the bring down from the reverence and significance the sunshine
church includes a minister's house, sunday school provides.
and the chapel all consisiting of structural concrete
structures.

glass window

The cold concrete blocks complement

the heat of wood and also the
penetrating light-weight transportation
site layout of the church
regarding Associate in Nursing
CONCEPT AND DESIGN OF THE CHURCH expertise of solace and hope whereas rough concrete wall
The church is laterally crossed by a wall revolved fifteen the area is primarily outlined by the
degrees from the most axis of the area which brings dynamism concrete volume, wood is employed for
to the serene orthogonal area of the area. This church is seen all of the weather that one engages like
as an area of retreat wherever the skin world is forgotten and the seating and also the floor.
also the nature is stressed abstractly.
illustration of light openings and distribution in the church The wooden pieces of furniture combined with the spirited
This church beckons the elemental simplicity of and changing performance of sunshine and shadow,
Christianity with its low school, nonetheless powerful manages to supply stress and intensity alongside purity and
style. the concept of the look was to use light-weight in a tranquility which is in itself the essence of the spirituality that
method that may strengthen the ability of spirituality. The this area conveys.
penetration of sunshine within the chapel proves because
the focus of the chapel wherever the seating is organized The church of light beckons the elemental simplicity of
in a very manner facing the main focus. Christianity with its low-tech, nonetheless powerful style
and the humbleness of the materials (rough concrete,
metal, and glass) and piece of furniture.

wooden timber benches

reused wooden planks flooring

A cross-shaped gap, bathing the inside area with the ability and energy of shine.

The main chapel is oriented towards the The fluidity of the connection between interior and exterior
southeast direction. This can be done so that upon reaching the chapel and looking to the right, the
the morning rays of the sun enter directly into window reveals a simple allegory to the cross, resting on
the chapel. Also, the access to the compound greenery and water. Therefore, the greenery can completely
was created deliberately indirect, not like be the site of the church giving it a natural essence.
several churches within the West. Guests area
unit forced to enter the advanced at the exterior of the church showing the concrete structure The single wall controls the circulation and shows a
northeast corner through a street via a totally different view as the user enters thereby
The church follows a hierarchy from the access to the seating
courtyard that ends up in a corner of the controlling the user behavior
and also the altar. Whereas the congregation space, the service
church close to the minister’s house, inward to areas, and also the workplace area flow within the sequence
a region situated within the back of the church. within the Sunday school. ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
spatial layout of the church FLORENCE LEWIS MURUTANI
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 04 SITE ANALYSIS
SITE LOCATION AND NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTEXT
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTEXT

The proposed site is located adjacent to Ngong-Kimuka road. The site is located on land L.R. No.209/4527/3 18.59 acres and owned
by the catholic diocese of Ngong. It is located 26.2 km from Nairobi and was designated for the construction of a special school and
a new parish in the year 2019.

existing site conditions and power utilities

map of kajiado county Power lines passing by can be used to connect the project
contextual site map to the grid while renewable sources of energy such as solar
power can be utilized to save on electricity costs

map of Africa
map of Kenya

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
The Catholic Church is perhaps one of the oldest institutions with sustainable
structures in the whole world. The Church has showed her serious commitment to
end poverty, deceases and ignorance in its mission to the world. Recently the
Church has demonstrated a more specific commitment to addressing the current
issues related to the climate change when Pope Francis released the encyclical proposed site
on the climate change. The encyclical addresses the issues related to the
Sustainable Developmental Goals proposed by UN.(Catholic church in kenya contextual site zoning map
kenya conference of catholic bishops, 2015). These are among the many
opportunities that the church can use in terms of awareness creation and project
implementation for continuity and sustainability in a developing community as in proposed site topographical map
the case of the proposed site location. the community around the proposed site
has a variety of other social amenities including schools, clinics and residential RESPONSES
homes. Introduction of a church to the community will be an added advantage to
The church will be an ideal place for cultural expression of the community. Cultural artifacts like statues, art installations or other significant local objects that
the existing social facilities in developing a holistic social cultural oriented
express the socio-cucltural heritage or the community's history will be displayed in open spaces. The interaction of people from the community with such
community.
elements and vegetation around the site will all strive to create a rich holistic experience for the user as they navigate through proposed site. These elements
SITE JUSTIFICATION narrow down to three baseline ideas that will be used as a driving force in the design of the church- Endlessness, wholeness and sacredness.
The proposed site is located in around Ngong town whose population is fast growing as a Statues enhance social interaction
The church should be visible from multiple points
preferred residential area for people working in the Nairobi Metropolitan and with the very and maintaining sense of culture within the community since it will be a landmark
few visible parishes to meet the spiritual demands of the community. The site is located in in the community.
the social and cultural heart of its surrounding community which is appropriate to facilitate the
development of the community which is in line with the goals and visions of the Catholic
church. The proposed site is ideal for the design of a church that will serve as catalyst for (enhanced spatial
experience to all)
human interaction and engagement not only with the installations on the site but also with
one another. Not only is the site itself rich in community and social oriented functions but so
to are its surroundings.The site is in one of the best serviced areas in Ngong, and is in close
proximity to schools, clinics, residential homes and farms.
The adjacent plot of land selected is earmarked for development of a special school which (preservation of the (a sanctuary for the
makes the proposed plot of land convenient in that there are opportunities to connect to the culture) community)

school holistically and socially and also to the adjacent community.The poultry farms near
the site and the community around the site is fast growing giving way to modern residential
homes and a health centre. Thanks to proximity to Ngong town, the area around the site has trees to promote visual permiability of the
the three driving forces to be considered
experienced a property boom in the past few years as investors are rushing to make a killing for the neighbourhood context proposed project to the outside community
from the growing demand from the working community in the Nairobi metropolitan area in a sketch of people observing a
cultural statue ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
demand for both residential and commercial houses. FLORENCE LEWIS MURUTANI
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 05 SITE ANALYSIS
PRIVACY AND ACCESS
The proposed site is adjacent to the Ngong- Suswa-Kimuka road and is easily
accessible via vehicular means from Nairobi City and Ngong Town and pedestrian
LINEAR AND LATERAL CIRCULATION

means from the neighboring community.

use of double volume spaces on

PROPOSED circulation spaces
SITE

a sketch of lateral and linear circulation showing the headrooms

Provide adequate headroom along the corridors respecting the human scale to ease movement around the
Contextual site location map showing access roads
church. Create views from the site through lateral circulation for the congregation to appreciate the
Ngong-suswa-kimuka road
surrounding views. design soft corners to avoid collision of people along bends.
RESPONSES
Provision of well defined acceleration and deceleration lanes on site and provision of DIVERGE FOOTPATHS TRANSITION SPACES
pedestrian and bicycle lanes. Commercial spaces will be closer to the entry point to maximize
on human and vehicular traffic. The Main Entry of the church should be easy to find and
makes strong connections to both Main Street and proposed church.

transition space

sketch of diverge footpaths

Have projected spaces in the design to serve as transition spaces and
Diverge pattern of movement offers ample direction choices for people. Footpaths
dimish the break between indoor and outdoor spaces making the users of
inside the proposed site should be a minimum of twelve feet wide and marked
space aware of the space changes.
according to their destinations to allow for ease of movement for the congregation

illustration of an acceleration lane inside the church compound. Vegetation to be incorporated along the side walks to
DESIGNED STREETS offer shade. HIERACHY AND VISIBILITY OF DESTINATIONS
Well designed streets will balance the needs of diverse users of the community with solar Important destinations and campus
powered street lights will be used to light the footpaths inside and along the Ngong-Kimuka
landmarks should be directly visible upon
road for ease of movement even at night.
entering shared exterior spaces to help

deaf individuals orient themselves within a

greater campus plan. Direct views from

a sketch showing pedestrial hierachy
key decision points and major pathways to around the site
destinations should be used to facilitate

easy movement through campus and

enhance visual permiability

a sketch showing visual cues along access points ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
FLORENCE LEWIS MURUTANI
sketch of a well defined street LIGHT AND SHADOW: ENLIGHTENED WORSHIP FOR ENHANCED USER PERCEPTION IN CHURCHES
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 The design will direct the wind inside the conference building to create cross ventilation
06 SITE ANALYSIS
CLIMATIC DATA The climate in Ngong is warm and temperate. In Ngong there is a lot
and minimize the use of air conditioning during the day. The ventilation is also required to
anticipate the temperature rise during the hottest month.
of rain even in the driest month. The temperature here averages 19.0
°C | 66.2 °F. In a year, the rainfall is 674 mm.

clerestory window

sketch of passive cooling in a building

Clerestory windows will also be used for passive cooling with them put in the direction of the wind.

Ngong climatic data

RESPONSES
Orientation of large windows to the direction of the wind flow for
The building orientation will have its longer side facing the eastern and
passive cooling and at the same time for natural ventilation. This
western side with them having the most openings to reduce on solar
helps to reduce on the cost of cooling and ventilating the building
radiation. Also, to reduce on solar radiation, the design will utilize sun shading
manually.
devices, such as overhanging eaves and; interior and exterior shade.
Utilizing vegetation as wind breakers for excess wind.
Interior uses light colors to enhance light intensity.
vegetation acting as wind
break to the strong prevailing
winds

harvesting solar energy through solar panels Deciduous tree providing

The building uses sunlight as thermal energy to shade

produce electricity by using solar panels. In addition, Roof

the uses of sunlight can also be used by tilting the street level
building
roofs facing the east-west walls or in line with the sun
a sketch of building orientation Deciduous trees that lose their leaves add privacy
overhanging eaves path.
and shade when it is most needed

Design the spaces so that all open spaces and buildings receive
sunlight throughout the day
a sketch of a building section showing sun shading devices
ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
To reduce on solar radiation, the design will utilize sun shading devices, such as overhanging eaves and; interior and exterior shade.
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 07 SITE ANALYSIS
TOPOGRAPHY, VEGETATION, NOISE AND VIEWS
VIEWS TOWARDS NGONG HILLS EXISTING VEGETATION ON SITE

The site is enriched with views from Ngong hills to the eastern side and rolling hills to the western side. The site is gently sloping
towards the western side
VIEWS TOWARDS ROLLING HILLS

RESPONSE TO NOISE AND VEGETATION

Exotic trees and a boundary wall with rock climbing activities can be utilized to act as buffer for noise from Ngong -
Kimuka road from reaching the site, shade and define pathways around the site. They can also be utilized to shade
outdoor sitting areas and meditation zones for the congregation as they enjoy views from Ngong hills and rolling hills
creating more opportunities for social interaction and engagement between different age groups.

CONTEXTUAL SITE MAP

RESPONSE TO VIEWS
In order to reinforce a sense of connection between the ecclesiastical environment inside the church, spaces should be
animated towards the exits with visual access to the surrounding views.

Exotic trees to bring shade and help define outdoor spaces Exotic trees to buffer noise from the murram roads around the site

Another response would be allocating the most private areas such as the accommodation areas away from periphery of the site;
utilizing the perimeter wall and vegetation to buffer noise on site; utilize the commercial and recreation spaces of the project as buffer
zones for the private and semi-private spaces.

outdoor sitting boulders as people enjoy views surrounding the site RESPONSE TO DRAINAGE The ground at the site has a high load-bearing
Proper drainage channels will be designed to capacity hence strip foundations will be used.
Providing glazing at major building entrances such as conference halls helps ease flow into and out of the
building by allowing individuals engaged in signed conversation at anticipate oncoming traffic. cater for surface runoff and storm water.

Glazes entrances also aid in wayfinding by

allowing views into major lobby spaces. At
nighttime, glazed entrances act as lanterns
making building entrances legible from afar. Footpath
They also connect and open the interior
spaces to exterior views eliminating a sense
of confinement.
Rock climbing introduced to perimeter wall
Strip Foundation
sketch of glazed doors that connect users to the Drainage channel
outdoor views ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016
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 08 BRIEF ANALYSIS
AREA, VOLUME AND SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS

FACILITY SPACES FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION CAPACITY NO. OF AREA TOTAL AREA HEADROOM
DESIGN CONSIDERATION (M2)
UNITS (M2) (M)
Administration/offices Reception Large and comfortable to have a welcoming Easy accessibility with direct access from parking 2 1 9 9 6
Waiting area feeling for the visitors to the church. area and open to the public. 20 1 25 25 6
Administrator’s office Typical office with large windows for natural Sufficient lighting. 1 2 30 60 3.5
Manager’s office lighting and ventilation. Adequate lighting and ventilation 2 2 10 20 3.5
Father offices Large to accommodate members of the Easily accessible. 10 5 10 50 3.5
Washrooms board with ease of flexibility for clergy 10 4 2 8 2.5
Boardroom meetings. 20 3 30 90 3.5
Accounts office Typical office with adequate space for 2 1 15 15 3.5
storage working areas and storage facilities. 1 1 15 15 3.5
kitchenette Gents and Ladies. 4 1 10 10 3.5
Church Main sanctuary Accommodate congregants and other church Consider finishes that convey warmth, beauty and 2000 1 1,400 1,400 9
Sunday school functions. visually appealing 100 1 120 120 3.5
Residential suite Personal meditations. 5 1 80 80 3.5
Washrooms 12 2 20 40 2.5
Prayer rooms/chapels 30 1 20 20 3.5
Multi-purpose hall Conference hall A multi-purpose hall that accommodates 400 1 250 300 9
Top natural lighting and ventilation.
meeting rooms various groups of persons. Flexibility of spaces to accommodate large
washrooms 10 2 20 40 2.5
numbers and various activities
Ancillary spaces Storage and service 40 40 3.5
Used for general storage Sufficient ventilation and lighting 1
area 15 15
Waste disposal and recycling Sorting bins for various types of waste
Waste and collection
Easily accessible
areas
Library Library Office Adequate space for reading and purchase of religious 1 1 3.5
10 10
Bookshop Bookstore literature 1 2 20 40 3.5
Reading space 100 2 80 160 6

Gift shop Catholic church gift shopDisplay area 2 12 24 3.5

Easy access from the parking and church.
Storage area 1 6 6 3.5

Restaurant Dining place Preparation of food Natural lighting 40 1 60 60 3.5

Kitchen Storage of kitchenware Link to outdoor spaces 5 1 28 30 3.5
Store(cold and dry) Reception and service of customers Natural cross-ventilation 1 1 10 10 3.5
Office Child-friendly scale 1 1 6 10 3.5

Parking and parking Visitor/public parking Parking should be adjacent to the church facilities 100 1 700 700
circulation Service yard Staff parking parking areas with adequate spaces 1 60 60
Bicycle parking Service yard allocate handicap parking spaces near building 20 1.5 30
Bicycle parking entrances
paths should be easily identifiable to first-time
visitors
Outdoor facilities Fountains, sculptures 12
Landscapes, gardens 100

ST. LUCY CATHOLIC CHURCH, NGONG ABS211-0039/2016

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