Nature
is used both architecturally as well as aestectically. Tall shrubs are placed
around a homestead to serve as a fence. Smaller plantings may not block views
or actual passage but do create a boundary.
Shrubs:
Encloses a space
Provides privacy and safety
Looks good
In
some villages and in shanty towns, these tall bushes, one after another, creates
a street like effect.
In
some areas, form work is placed to allow creepers to grow up walls and onto
roofs. This wall of nature creates a nice verandah area, which offers protection
and filters light through.
Form
work can be built to gather plants on top to create an insaka of sorts.
Notice
this man trimming his address into the hedges-
B-17.
Many
homesteads will place an insaka on top of a small hill or termite mound. This
is done mainly for views of the homestead and fields. Breezes are also capitalized
on as well as signifying importance.
Types
of nature utilized:
Flowers
Shrubs
Creepers
Trees
Many
flowering plants have vibrant colors, which enhance the beauty of the homestead.
Flower colors are numerous, and include; yellow, red, purple, blue and orange.
Trees,
especially mango, are used as a shaded area for meeting and work areas. This
area offers protection from sun and rain.
home
yard
shrubs
street
insaka
The
layout of homesteads and the use of nature creates a visual street.
home
insaka
yard
street
shrubs
Nature
used as walls or roofs encloses a space.
These
planes of nature filter the light and provide shade.