Adequacy of ventilations systems: perspectives of designers and occupants of office buildings in Nairobi, Kenya

Date
2014
Authors
Rotimi, JOB
Kiptala, RK
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract

Passive ventilation systems have the potential for reduced operating costs in office buildings while maintaining ventilation rates consistent with acceptable indoor air quality. There is a surge of interest in more developed economies for passive ventilation technology but much work is needed before this potential can be realized in sub-Saharan Africa. This explorative study reviews the adoption and adequacy of alternative ventilations systems in office buildings located in the central business district (CBD) of Nairobi, Kenya. Data for the study was obtained through questionnaires and interviews with architects and office building occupants purposively sampled. Thirty four tenants and thirty two architects of these high rise buildings were selected as units of the study analysis. Analysis of their responses is presented using simple descriptive and interpretative techniques. The study concludes that installed ventilation systems rarely meet the needs of occupants and that greater flexibility in ventilation design could provide a measure of individual control of air circulation that would enhance their general comfort.

Description
Keywords
Office buildings , Nairobi , Kenya , Ventilation systems
Source
African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, vol.8(12), pp.707 - 715 (9)
Rights statement
Copyright © 2014 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0