The Heritage of Modern Architecture in Addis Ababa
1960 - 1975
Nikolaus Knebel (2008-)
- presented as keynote speech at the Annual Assembly of the Association of Ethiopian Architects, Addis Ababa, January 2009
- presented at the international conference on "The Urban Heritage of Addis Ababa" organized by GTZ Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, May 2009
Addis Ababa is currently experiencing a boom in the construction of new buildings and the expansion of the city. Almost half a century ago the city went through a similar period of growth and redefinition of its urban character. The architecture conceived and built at the dawn of the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie between 1960 and 1975 displays exceptional spatial, technological and urbanistic qualities.
It shows the full range of different approaches to architecture, which were developed in the 1960’s after modernism had ceased to be a homogenous movement. Due to Ethiopia’s non-colonial past and rather international outlook at that time, representatives of these different directions of modernism from all over the world were commissioned to build the new governmental, commercial, residential and educational buildings.
The approximately 40 buildings compiled in this book were constructed with limited access to modern materials and technology and yet have reached a distinct level of quality which can be a guidance in todays challenges of building in Ethiopia. Modernity then was less a goal but rather a way of interpreting reality.
The research on this rich heritage of modern architecture in Addis Ababa is assisted by a group of third year students from Addis Ababa University’s Department of Architecture. It is intended to exhibit and publish the findings in 2009 in order to stimulate the current debate on architecture and the city.
Research Assistants: Abiy Muareta Adeba, Betel Biruk Bekele, Bethel Ayalew Zeleke, Bitew Bikale Woldetsadik, Endale Tesfaye Lemma, Eyob Wedesu Mamo, Fasika Sahlemariam Gebremeskel, ...
... Fasil Nigussie Zerihun, Fasil Teka Tekle, Firehiwot Seifu, Getu Melese Temesgen, Haftom Asmelash, Khlud Mohammed Abdella, Mahlet Admassu Firew, Medhanit Bekele Megenta, Miheret Brook, Mulugeta Begashaw Eshetu, Nebiyou Tsegaye Sahile, ...
... Nigist Gebrehiwot Geoytom, Omer Awolkhair Yehya, Peter Lakew Anjamo, Selam Tesfaye Gebrekidan, Selam Tewhasom Gebre, Tewodros Abebe Taye, Tihtina Moges Assefa, Yohannes Afework Wondeafrash
