The Addis Ababa House: A Typological Analysis of Urban Heritage in Ethiopia 1886–1936

The 'Addis Ababa Style' of architecture, characterized by pavilion-like buildings with expressive pinched roofs, generous verandas, and high detailing, is under threat of being swallowed up due to shortsighted economic interests. Berlin's Technical University studied this typology to discuss the possibility of a non-industrial building type that reflects the desire for a cosmopolitan urban life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: DOM Publishers

In the early years of its existence, the Ethiopian capital, established in 1886, bore witness to a distinct architectural style. During the initial stages of urbanization in the East African nation, a fusion of local knowledge and a cosmopolitan outlook resulted in the emergence of an architectural style known as the 'Addis Ababa Style.' Local professionals refer to these buildings as pavilion-like structures, characterized by their varied sizes, constructed from materials such as stone, earth, and wood. Notable features include expressive pinched roofs, expansive verandas adorned with curtain walls, and an exceptional level of detailing. However, these elegant, fitting, and environmentally conscious structures are now facing the threat of being overshadowed by shortsighted economic interests. In collaboration with the Institute for Architecture in Addis Ababa (EiABC), architects from Berlin's Technical University conducted a study on this architectural typology, focusing on its integration with local resources, climatic conditions, and craftsmanship. As part of this research, they utilized the 'Addis Ababa House' as a case study to explore the potential for a non-industrial building type that embodies the aspiration for a cosmopolitan urban lifestyle.

In the early years of its existence, the Ethiopian capital, established in 1886, bore witness to a distinct architectural style. During the initial stages of urbanization in the East African nation, a fusion of local knowledge and a cosmopolitan outlook resulted in the emergence of an architectural style known as the 'Addis Ababa Style.' Local professionals refer to these buildings as pavilion-like structures, characterized by their varied sizes, constructed from materials such as stone, earth, and wood. Notable features include expressive pinched roofs, expansive verandas adorned with curtain walls, and an exceptional level of detailing. However, these elegant, fitting, and environmentally conscious structures are now facing the threat of being overshadowed by shortsighted economic interests. In collaboration with the Institute for Architecture in Addis Ababa (EiABC), architects from Berlin's Technical University conducted a study on this architectural typology, focusing on its integration with local resources, climatic conditions, and craftsmanship. As part of this research, they utilized the 'Addis Ababa House' as a case study to explore the potential for a non-industrial building type that embodies the aspiration for a cosmopolitan urban lifestyle.

Dimension: 229 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869228679