Browsing by Author "Tsegaye, Kumlachew"

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    Critical assesement on the current operation of Planned public open spaces in addis ababa`s urban Environment: (The Case of Meskel Square and Leghar Park)
    (Addis Ababauniversity, 2007-01) Tsegaye, Kumlachew; Wegayew, _Fisseha (PhD)
    The City of Addis Ababa, which is the Capital city of Ethiopia and the diplomatic capital of Africa, is currently experiencing multiple problems related with its spatial and Physical development. Its existing urban environment is characterized by poor urban image and absence of adequate facilities and services of international standards. These problems of the city are well prevailed by its poor quality urban public open Spaces, which were designed in such a manner to be utilized for various needs at a city level, among others. The general objectives of this study are therefore to find out how two well known public open spaces in Addis Ababa, Meskel square and Leghar Park, are currently operating and how the society is using them in everyday life; and also to analyse the major factors that affect their current operation. The study will attempt to answer the following questions: how these spaces of the city are currently operating? I.e. how does the society use them in everyday life? Besides, who is responsible for the planning, design and management of urban open public spaces In Addis Ababa? How do urban open public spaces in Addis Ababa created, developed and used? What kinds of facilities are provided by these spaces in the city? And, who actually uses these spaces? The research focuses on the current operation of urban open public spaces in Addis Ababa (i.e. those which are accessible for everyone).It employed a case study method. The current operation of the selected case study areas are analysed according to their sociability, use and activities, access and linkage, & comfort and image. By doing so, the study tries to analyse how several factors related with their planning, management and design affect or influence their current operations or roles in the city. It also tries to draw lessons that might help in the formulation of policies and guidelines related to the issue. The findings of the study indicated that, in Addis Ababa Meskel square play several important roles. It function as a forum for political demonstrations; as a social space whereby the community performs its historic, religious and other socio-cultural activities which include: Sport tournaments, music festivals, recreation and ritual observances. On the other hand Leghar Park. Currently functions as a transit station area though it is not designed for this purpose. The significance of both public open spaces in the city is unarguable; however, currently due to various factors their operation or performance as a public space is highly threatened. Problems related with these spaces of the city are multifaceted. They have problems related with their management; access, environmental design; and physical design. Additionally the privatisation of considerable amount of other public open spaces in Addis Ababa has affected the accessibility and in general the public ness of such spaces in the city. To improve their weakness and to protect and enhance the positive attributes of the public open spaces, the study recommends the following. Revitalization policies and programs that are based on urban design principles and guidelines should be developed. The programs should take into account: the users` characteristics and purposes of these spaces, the accessibility, management, environmental design and physical design of these spaces