WASHHOUSE : A shared amenity for dense urban environments.
A shift in urban living density triggers a multitude of behavioral changes. The consequences of heightened density are diverse, encompassing shifts in property ownership, alterations to daily routines, changes in workplace locations, and reassessments of the significance of communal engagement and spaces. The primary focus of this thesis is to conceptualize routine daily activities integral to our lives, particularly delving into the process of doing laundry—a seemingly mundane yet vital aspect of everyday living experience. The context for this exploration is set in Nairobi, Kenya, in dense urban areas. The project delves into the interplay between form and function, especially as building functions evolve and social functions persist amidst changes in time, technology, and socio-political environments. By examining structures that have served various functions at different times, the thesis anticipates a shift in design and factors it into its considerations.
Washhouse, urban density, urban amenities, architecture, laundromat, rural-urban migration, hygiene, washbasins, lavoirs, form and function
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