Designing for Disaster

The Role of Interior Design in Mitigating Flooding in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the role of interior design in mitigating the impacts of floods and enhancing community resilience in Kenya. It explored spatial planning, community-oriented design strategies, and innovative technologies to address urban flooding challenges. To comprehensively understand flood risk challenges communities face, different data sources were compiled in a thorough and multifaceted research study. Residents, design professionals, urban planners, and policymakers were surveyed, interviewed, and participated in focus groups. In addition to qualitative information, the 1D Flood Modeler platform and Quantum GIS software were used to analyze quantitative physical, environmental, and socioeconomic data. This research delves into the contributions of interior design to flood preparedness and resilience, including participatory flood modeling, community-oriented design approaches, flood-resistant materials, eco-friendly technologies, and public awareness campaigns. The objective is to contribute to the global discourse on flood risk management by highlighting the role of interior design in fostering resilient communities and empowering vulnerable populations in Kenya.