Promoting A New Community Of Knowledge And Practice On People-centered And Resilient Spaces Related To Urban Rivers.

University of Nairobi

1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

University of Nairobi’s Department of Architecture is collaborating with two academic partners:

the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Kathmandu University (Nepal),

as well as non-academic partners:

Kounkuey Design Initiative and UN-Habitat,

in the ongoing PEARLS Project (2025-2028). The Project is promoting a New Community of Knowledge and Practice on Urban Rivers and aims for more inclusive and climate-friendly cities through people-centred and resilient urban spaces. Furthermore, it promotes new learning practices that are transdisciplinary, exploratory, and informed by case studies through contextualising solutions to address local needs.

Ultimately, its thematic focus is on the relationship between urban rivers and riverine Communities in times of climate change. This panel brings voices together to engage within the framework of the PEARLS project, with a focus on the Nairobi River, urbanization, human settlement activities, and the public space potential along the river. The work highlights the restorative aspects that exist and how the regeneration of the river speaks to the various urban issues we're grappling with in the city. Alongside the panel, there will be an exhibition of the 2025-2026 University of Nairobi Bachelor of Architecture 5th Year Studio.