JKUAT students marvel at architecture designs as they visit Mombasa

Dr. Benedict Mutuku (left) from Goldwyne Consult with architectural students from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology during a study tour to learn on the architectural design of the building. [Gideon Maundu, Standard].

Fifth year students of  architecture  from the Jomo Kenyatta University College of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have hailed the conservation efforts in place around one of Mombasa's  best kept historical secrets, Old Town and the marvelous architectural supremacy used in putting up Mombasa's most modern hybrid accommodation facility , Nyali Golf View Residence (NGVR).

The over 30 students who were on a study tour of Mombasa said that they were amazed and inspired at how the ancient architectural prowess used in construction of some houses within Old Town have continued to stand tall.

''Despite using crude building materials, we have seen how traditional architecture has  over the years  continued to  be key in accommodation in this part of the country which is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and conservation,” Lynda Akinyi, a 5th year student who was part of the educational tour said.

She added that the visit to Old Town and NGVR which were inspired by both the millennia of cultural influences from Arabs and modern day architecture were excellent learning pointers.

Dr Benedict Mutuku, CEO of Goldwyne Consults, the firm managing NGVR said that they were excited at the prospects of having students from JKUAT visit the facility on a learning mission.

''As a country that is fast developing, we need to train more architects to help the Government in its Big Four Agenda that includes among others decent housing and accommodation,'' Dr Mutuku said.

He maintained that NGVR has a total of 64 apartment residences and one unique apartment which is the Presidential suite covering the entire top floor of the magnificent structure.

''All rooms are well ventilated with height of rooms higher than ordinary 4 metres and offers enough ventilation for air to circulate freely,'' he said.

Since its official unveiling, NGVR has attracted a host of visitors including Deputy President William Ruto, chairman of the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Mr Ngumbao Nyule and a host of local and international celebrities.

NGVR is built on a one acre piece of land and has a total of 13 floors. The project which is associated with Dr Simon Gicharu, founder chairman of Mount Kenya University (MKU) was commended in 2012 and took six years to complete.

Ms Stellah Ageya, another JKUAT architectural student said that she was inspired by the imposing structure that is now NGVR and was committed to complete her study and venture into architecture.

Anthony Migwi, Fidel Odek and Elmoge Earhia Abdulahi, both architectural students said that they have learnt a lot in their field tour after visits to Old Town and NGVR.

''We are supposed in our practical exercises to erect proposals that are both ancient and modern hence the visit to these two locations,'' they said.