ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING -DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTERVENTIONS FOR CREATING RESILIENT URBAN SPATIAL SYSTEM IN
AKAKI LOCAL MARKET
Done by; Abdulhafiz Oumer ID; GSR 088/13
Delivered to: Alazar Assefa (Ph.D.); Assistant professor at Addis Ababa University; Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction
& City Development – EiABC
Contents
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTERVENTIONS FOR CREATING RESILIENT URBAN SPATIAL SYSTEM IN AKAKI LOCAL MARKET ........................................ 0
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
PROBLEM STATEMENT ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT.................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
GENERAL OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Spatial scope .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Thematic scope .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Literature Review........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Addressing the Urban Contextual Envelope: An Analytical Study in Architectural Design Studio ............................................................................. 8
Spatial Capital and how to measure it – an outline of an analytical theory of the social performativity of urban form ............................................. 11
Research methods ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
SITE ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
CONTEXTUAL ENVELOPE ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................................................ 22
3D VIEWS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
ABSTRACT
This Research-based Architectural Design Project is submitted to, Department of Masters in Advanced Architectural Design of Addis
Ababa Science and Technology University, College of Architecture and Civil Engineering for partial fulfilment of all requirements of Masters of
Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD). The study employed used interview, focus discussion and observation for data collection and
purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select participants. The present status of public realm on the study areas is not enough
and lack proper management and development. One of the reasons for this is for the past decades the area has not seemed to receive
development attention, despite few eco city studies had carried out. Consequently, the area has been dominantly covered by old and under-
standard buildings so that it could not attract investors for, lease request. however, the recent studies which are conducted on wereda-03 and
this LDPs, where implementation have not yet started, would playing a great role, if implemented, the development will increase the potential of
the site in attracting the public. The inhabitants will also use the provision of services provided by the developers.
It helps to identify contextual envelope directors and identify spatial capital that can be enhanced through architectural design
interventions for creating resilient urban spatial system, in analyzing urban blocks for architectural design intervention in Akaki Local market and
the surrounding urban fabric. And apply research-based design approach from pre, on-going and post construction phases of the architecture by
testing innovative spatial design ideas through research-based methods in architectural design for achieving livability in highly competitive urban
world.
Aim of the project is to recognize and make recognize the potential of local building cultures in order to respond to the environment
cultural diversity and fight against poverty, by improving housing and living conditions, enhancing cultural diversity and integrate local
communities in projects and make better use of local natural resources.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
This Research-based Architectural Design Project is submitted to, Department of Masters in Advanced Architectural Design of Addis
Ababa Science and Technology University, College of Architecture and Civil Engineering for partial fulfilment of all requirements of Masters of
Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD).
Introduction
Addis Ababa is located at the geographical center of the country and lies between 8 degrees and 55 minutes north and 9 degrees and 05
minutes north latitude and 38 degrees and 40 minutes east and 38 degree and 50 minutes east longitude. The role of Addis Ababa as a seat of
government has helped the city to undergo various alterations. It has emerged as a city that has both international and national significance. The
international significance of the city is revealed as the city serves as seats of various international organizations and embassies. The national
significance of the city comes, as the city is the major commercial, industrial, education and political center of the country.
The average altitude of Addis Ababa is 2408 meters above the sea level. The highest peak is found at Mount Entoto with 2800 meters.
The lower part of the Akaki plain has an altitude of 2200. The city is surrounded by the Entoto massive in the north. The upper parts of the city
are characterized by steep slopes with high mountains, -at topped plateau while the lower part is less steep. The city is endowed with numerous
streams that start from North West and north east running towards the south and draining to the Awash River. The most important streams and
rivers are the Kebena, the Gin-e, the Bantyiketu, the Buhe, the Akaki and the Kechene rivers.
Addis has many unique features that distinguish it from other parts of the city. More than being the largest city in Ethiopia, it is also the
city with high degree of social mixite regarding ethnicity and economic status. More than social mixite, the city is a good example of the rich –
poor disparity. Due to many reasons the city is rapidly transforming in to being a mega city.
The area is a trade center for people coming from different urban kebeles and peasant associations of Akaki-Kality sub city as well as
from neighboring cities of Oromia region and other sub-city centers in Addis for marketing. starting from remote past till to date people migrate
to the area from various corner of the city in search of job as daily laborers of factories surrounding the area.
People also come in large number in the area during the time of harvesting season to visit the existing big market.
The main activities where residents commonly have engaged in petty trade, more specifically Tella, Tej and Areke business, cereal trade,
tailoring and shoe making, despite private and government organization employers and daily labors inhabited. The income level of most
households also categorized on the level which has not even to satisfy their basic necessities. There are also a large number of unemployed in
the study area.
All these made the area an area of diverse socio-economic and physical problems so that it needs well planning intervention to provide
possible alleviation mechanisms.
It is located at the southern part of Addis Ababa, around (05/06) big akaki Market area and one governmental elementary school (Atse
tewodros elementary school) is included in it. It is well networked area Bounded by one major high way (the main road that runs from Addis to
Debre zeit) and local collector roads and also on the other side it is adjacent to the rail way road.
The study area covers 24.3 has of land. It is found in the southern part of Addis. In the south west direction of the study area, it is adjacent to the
railway road. And in the North-east direction there is principal arterial road of 40m long. (the main Asphalt road). The study area is dominated by
partially commercial& partially residential land use.
The study area covers an average of 5kms radius from the action area. In the east direction it is adjacent to wereda 01. where as in the
other directions it is bounded by wereda 03 itself. There is one governmental high school, tele office and one police station in the west direction
of the action area. A health center one public library, a court office and one private elementary & junior school are found in the east direction of
the study area. New proposed Stadium and youth recreation centers are found in the north parts of the study area. Generally, the planning area
provide different services, and it has a positive influence for the community needs in the study area.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The past decades the area has not seemed to receive development attention, despite few eco city studies had carried out.
Consequently, the area has been dominantly covered by old and under-standard buildings so that it could not attract investors for, lease
request. however, the recent studies which are conducted on wereda-03 and this LDPs, where implementation have not yet started, would
playing a great role, if implemented, the development will increase the potential of the site in attracting the public. The inhabitants will also use
the provision of services provided by the developers.
Most of the population at the study area income generation means are from vendering and have the need of space attached to other
market areas.
The study area is dominated by both residential & commercial land uses. The existing road coverage is almost reaching the point of
standard as the result of this, the study area is active for commercial purposes.
Most of the houses are in poor condition which are made of mud and wood(chicka). The study area is not comfortable to live in i.e.,
characterized by luck of toilet, kitchen, water supply and drainage.
There is a shortage in the provision of recreational places such as open spaces and children’s playgrounds, youth centers etc. This will
lead the children to spend their leisure time playing on the streets and exposed to accidents and the youth to be exposed to addiction.
The existing road coverage is 4.2 Ha which is 16.6 %, it is below the standard. While in the north east direction there is a main road (40m).and
also there is 20ms & 15ms asphalt roads are located at northern and middle part of the action area. Some parts of the roads are too narrow with
poor quality. Most parts of the access roads are made of gravel and mud; besides it lacks maintenance and it is difficult to use in rainy season.
Due to gentleness of the slope & lack of drainage lines some parts of the action area are affected by water logging. Specially during heavy rain.
The area is exposed to different type of crime due to:
• the existence of high level of unemployment,
• most youths exposed for different drug addiction, and
• the areas proximity to the city’s boundary led criminals migrate into the area,
Major problems identified are;
Social
• Poor sanitation
• High level of crime
Economic
• Low income & poverty
• Unemployment
Physical
• poor access road & road network
• Poor drainage system
• Unorganized waste disposal system
• Lack of legally defined open market
• Improper located horse drowns carts
• Poor housing and housing facilities
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To create a resilient urban fabric through socio economy by considering strategic design intervention for creating livable, accessible,
secured and environment friendly for the residents and business community.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
• To asses’ resilient urban fabrics
• To identify contextual envelope directors and identify spatial capital that can be enhanced through architectural design interventions for
creating resilient urban spatial system,
• To upgrade the existing tertiary market and integrate it to the context for the society to alleviate their income.
• To improve the existing poor housing condition,
• To incorporate venders to fences and integrate the social context,
• To alleviate the economic problem of the society,
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Spatial scope
The study area is limited to 24.3 ha of land. It is found in the southern part of Addis. In the south west direction of the study area, it is
adjacent to the railway road. And in the North-east direction there is principal arterial road of 40m long. (the main Asphalt road)
The study area is dominated by partially commercial& partially residential land use. For the design intervention residential owners are
chosen as participants
Thematic scope
Using contextual envelope directors and identify spatial capital that can be enhanced through architectural design interventions for
creating resilient urban spatial system, by choosing a plot and implementation strategy that can be a prototype for the rest of the context.
Literature Review
Addressing the Urban Contextual Envelope: An Analytical Study in Architectural Design Studio
INTRODUCTION
The Arabian region is undergoing transition from traditional societies to one of modern development which hasn’t found any real stability. This is
most clear and most evident in the field of urban design and planning, for it is the largest and most visible of a community’s-built forms. (Kiet,
Anthony, 2011) In general, creating coordination between modern architecture with a modern context is always easier than creating
coordination between modern architecture with nonmodern contexts. The lack of trained town planners and architects can be considered a
contributing cause of the basic mistakes committed in the planning and expansion of most Arab metropolises (Berger, 1974; Shiber, 1974). The
foreign consultant, though perhaps well trained, is not well versed in local characteristics, habits and conditions to effectively produce sound
policies and planning solutions. Looking at the urban contextual envelope as an effective factor in the field of the formation of architectural and
urban planning outputs is not a new phenomenon or approach but an inherited one that over time have been neglected and gradually forgotten.
Young architects sometimes think how to design buildings that stand out from their environment and context so that their work would be
recognized as signature buildings. This issue became their goal and concept of creativity in the present age.
Contextual envelope directors
The relationship between architecture and urban context in the Arabian region shows the local architecture identity. Old cities are not designed
by a town planner; it is rather a collective work of the community. Thus, it is reflecting concerns for the environmental, socio-cultural and
economic aspects that interact altogether and characterize the local output, the space organization and the urban structure. The most important
stage in the pre-design phase is to study and analyze the context, so the designer can follow a group of design directors, which consider logical
justifications for his design decisions and help him to take the right actions in the design process. These directors help in producing compositions
and masses which are compatible with the context and integrating with surrounding environment. The research discusses three main directors;
Functional, identity and environmental (fig.1).
Functional
Economical context relates to the condition or situation of a country’s and local economy
• The users' needs results from
─ all social phenomena
─ their personalities
─ their experience of the built environment
• The relationship of society and manmade environment
─ how people use space and what meaning that space holds.
─ valuing the user's needs helps in understanding the built environment.
• The development plan of the city is a tool to assist the architects to integrate:
─ the financial planning with land use,
─ project development priorities and
─ architectural typology.
Identity
•Socio/Cultural Aspects
─ considerations of the secret and the spirit of the neighborhood and the city stem from the
human touch
─ investigate the extent of its effects on the texture and composition of architectural form
─ every building can engage in a dialog with the history, beliefs and needs of a particular place
and time
Urban Fabric Fitting
• The relation between a building and the environment can be formed in three
ways
─ congruence,
─ contradiction and
─ confrontation.
• Visual Compatibility
─ the continuity with the existing context,
─ linking the building with the physical environmental features.
Environmental consideration
It plays an important role to reduce the pollution by making innovative changes in
design,
─ utilization of environmental friendly materials, and
─ implementation of renewable energy approaches are a few strategies to solve the problems
• Innovative changes in design would logically change the style and form of
contemporary architecture based on:
─ Climatic Shaping
─ Topography Shaping
─ Orientation/Direction Shaping
Spatial Capital and how to measure it – an outline of an analytical theory of the social performativity of urban form
Introduction: space syntax as an analytical theory of architecture
Space syntax is often presented as a configurational theory of architecture, that is, that it ‘specifically deals with the relation of parts in
architecture rather than the parts themselves’. This tends to hide the more fundamental claim that it also is an analytical theory, that is, that it is
not an ideologically founded or normative theory, as so much of architectural theory, but a scientifically founded theory. As such it can be seen
as an answer to Françoise Choay’s critical investigation of theories in urbanism, where she
through a close reading of the tradition finds them to be inherently normative, even though often disguised in scientific rhetoric (Choay 1997).
Spatial morphology & “spatial capital”
Spatial form as an intermediate system for urban design/planning /and space syntax can be used as a tool to understand spatial capital
Understanding the cognitive level of urban space is “space syntax,” with three fundamental variables (Marcus 2010)
─ spatial distance with accessibility to human activity,
─ spatial density with amount of human activity,
─ and spatial diversity with differentiation of human
activity.
Possibility to talk about “spatial capital” in the urban landscape with distinctly different spatial potentials for human activity (Marcus
2010).
Research methods
In the study I have special capital identification to gather the necessary data. Primary sources such as questionnaires, site observation
and interviews involve during date collection process. Secondary sources like wereda’s statistical reports were considered like municipality map
(line map).
The methodology I am going to use are by;
• Collecting data
• Doing studies on different cases
• And doing analysis based on the information’s collected from the case studies.
Source of data collecting methods depend on both primary and secondary data collecting systems,
Primary data’s will be;
• Data collected by interviews
• Site visits (observation)
Secondary data’s will be;
• Relevant books
• Journals
• Magazines
• internet
• And research papers
The most important stage in the pre-design phase is to study and analyze the context, so the designer can follow a group of design
directors, which consider logical justifications for a design decision and helps to take the right actions in the design process. These directors help
in producing compositions and masses which are compatible with the context and integrating with surrounding environment. This research
method discusses three main directors; Functional, identity and environmental.
Space syntax analysis present powerful techniques for the analysis of spatial accessibility and diversity as well as an original mode of
measuring density, showing how urban form is most influential on generic aspects of urban life. From this it seems possible to conclude that
with these measurements we can capture Spatial capital and variables of the social performativity of urban form.
SITE ANALYSIS
CONTEXTUAL ENVELOPE ANALYSIS
3D VIEWS
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