Browsing by Author "alemayehu, Yonas"

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    Communal Open Spaces in Condominium Neighbourhood: the case of Gofa Mebrat-hail Condominium, Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababauniversity, 2016-01) alemayehu, Yonas; Mamo, Yonas
    The study investigates the relationships between physical characteristics of communal open spaces and the activities in residential environment of Gofa Mebrat-hail condominium neighbourhood, which is one of the project in Integrated Housing Development Program (IHDP) in Addis Ababa. The phenomenon is investigated through a case study research method by taking the neighbourhood as a case and aiming to study: a) how the residents are utilizing the communal open spaces by investigating the activities happening and the level of their involvement in terms of utilising these spaces; b) investigate and analyse the cause and effect relationship between the activities and the physical characteristics of existing open spaces and c) identify the challenges on the day to day activities of the residents as a result of the current conditions of communal open spaces. The study is conducted at two levels; first, a preliminary study was done covering the whole neighbourhood in order to study the activities, which are taking place on communal open spaces, and to select an illustrative parcel. Then an in-depth study is conducted on the chosen parcel based on the focus of the research to achieve the objectives. From the data collected through interviews, questionnaires, observations, and physical measurements, a qualitative and quantitative analysis are done: to examine the usage of existing communal open spaces; to understand the relationship between the physical setting of open spaces and the activities; and to investigate communal open space related challenges on the day to day activities of the residents. Results indicate that, despite availability of communal open spaces, physical attributes of the area investigated, such as adequacy of spaces, type of enclosure, location, accessibility and overall physical quality (attractiveness), when unsatisfactory, negatively affected residents’ attitudes and motivations to utilize and improve the space through physical changes and maintenance, and consequently affected social and user-environment interaction. Besides the physical attributes of the open space, the existing multiple activities are also a major factors that affect residents while utilizing the space. The other important finding is that the existing communal open space related challenges are found to be the result of combined effect of the physical characteristics and the existing activities. Finally, based on the findings the study recommends that the respective institutions who take part on developing communally owned residential neighbourhoods should make an in-depth observation to consider the need and the spatial aspect of communal open space during planning & implementation stage. The study also recommends post-occupancy resolutions to improve existing condition of communal open spaces on the study area. Key issues: IHDP, Activity, Communal Open Space
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    Public Rental Housing as Housing Delivery Strategy in Addis Ababa: The Case of Apartments Constructed by Agency for Government Houses (AGH)
    (Addis Ababauniversity, 2016-06) hailu, Yehanew; alemayehu, Yonas
    Rental housing takes the biggest share in Addis Ababa’s housing stock; above 50 percent. 37% is the share of the private rental sector; which is characterised by continuous rise in rent price and is becoming unaffordable for many poor households. Contrary to this is the public rental housing sector (PRH); it provides the most affordable housing units so far. With unrevised rent price and contract the sector has become permanent affordable shelter for many. Government policy that promotes home ownership has frozen the production of new PRH units. The study examines existing PRH stock in Addis Ababa in search of potentials and lessons for further developing the sector in the future. It focuses on apartments constructed by Agency for Government Houses (AGH); and studies development process, target group and management. Based on findings the study also proposes a strategy for developing the sector anew. For the purpose of in-depth understanding of the sector a Case Study method is used; cases were selected based on availability of data and rational of the study. Purposeful random sampling was used for selecting interviewed tenants. Data are collected through interview, questionnaire and reviewing archival materials; tenant satisfaction survey was used to shed light on the management performance of AGH. Additional data were also collected from secondary sources as part of contextual and background study. Data on development process were analysed in comparison with current housing development trend. The study came up with three basic findings; first, it was the decisions made at different times by the central government that had led to the construction of the apartments rather than pre-planned consistent strategy. The central government (Ministry of Urban Development and Construction) played the major role in the development process. All involved actors were public institutions; including those who participated in the design and construction. AGH financed the construction of the apartments with money collected from rent; which makes AGH financially self-sufficient back then. Second, Current tenants are mainly high and middle income households, opposed to low income households which are considered to be the right target group of such PRH programs . The units are also rented for different purposes; for housing, office and shop. Third, the management is found to be satisfactory in some aspects and unsatisfactory in others; with big problem on repair and maintenance. The study also found potentials for further developing the sector, such as huge underdeveloped land in the city centre; occupied by low-rise and poor quality PRH units and rent money collected from these units. Current institutional structure of AGH and government housing policy and strategy are challenges for further developing the sector. Based on the findings the study provides detail strategy proposal. Program design, land acquisition, financing mechanisms, target group and management are discussed in detail in the strategy. Key words: Public rental housing, tenant, Agency for Government Houses, housing management, tenants‟ satisfaction, development process, Addis Ababa
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    Sustainability and open space the spatial sustainability of open spaces in new condominium neighbourhoods of addis ababa
    (Addis Ababauniversity, 2014-07) getnet, Anteneh; alemayehu, Yonas
    Neighbourhoods are becoming basic planning entities in the modern planning industry and there is a great attitude and tendency in the planning process to make neighbourhoods vital, safe, and beautiful places to live in. For this achievement greater significance is given to the design and management of public open spaces of neighbourhoods. Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and the diplomatic capital of Africa, is developing new neighbourhoods mainly through the grand housing program of the city. These new neighbourhoods in the perspective of the current open space problem of the city is a worth mentioning success. But in the arena of development it needs to be assessed and evaluated from the sustainability point of view. The general objective of the study is evaluating and assessing the sustainability of open spaces in new condominium neighbourhoods of Addis Ababa. The study focuses mainly on their physical sustainability, which is one parameter to the three dimension of sustainable human settlement development: environmental/physical, social, and economic. Thus the study asses and examine the sustainability of open spaces of the new condominium neighbourhoods in Addis Ababa, with a focus on their spatial dimension, by taking Gerji neighbourhood as a case study site. The study utilized a qualitative case study method. To do so interviews with the residents and personal long-term observation are carried on. The open spaces of the new neighbourhoods are analyzed according to the different activities exercised, landscaping objects, accessibility and security, and their distribution. By doing so, the study analyzes how activities and objects contribute to and accessibility, security, and distribution enhance the spatial sustainability of the open spaces. The analysis and findings clearly show that there is a difficulty in planning, implementation, and management of the open spaces in the new condominium neighbourhoods. The open spaces currently do not have owner. Their utilization, for the different activities going on, is very arbitral and according to the interest of individual residents. There are no objects or landscaping elements in the open spaces. And their physical status is above left over spaces but not developed and administered to its minimum standard. The success on the distribution and potential on the accessibility and security shows the potential of the open spaces to be the would be places of the neighbourhood. In general terms, the results show that the open spaces have problems related with their spatial sustainability
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    Transformation of konso vernacular houses
    (Addis Ababauniversity, 2015-02) mengesha, Garedew; alemayehu, Yonas
    Vernacular Architecture is about buildings that are built by available resources within a traditional technological context. It also refers to the workmanship of the indigenous housing experts and the dwellers. Vernacular houses are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies and ways of life of the cultures that produce them. Konso, the study area, is one of the Woredas of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People Regional State (SNNPRS) in Ethiopia, is one of the areas in Ethiopia where vernacular architecture is practiced abundantly. Five walled villages have been identified in order to study the expressions of vernacular architecture in Konso. The general objective of the study is to analyze the characteristics and transformation of the original Konso vernacular houses. The study identifies the characteristics of Konso vernacular houses from the point of view of space, function and building material. Besides, the study indicates the reasons for transformation. The study employed case study method where the data collection tools were interviews, focused group discussions and personal observation. In doing so, the study took in to account two case areas found closer to and far from the woreda’s town. The target groups were selected from different walled villages. The first case study was based on information from three walled villages, whereas the second case presents the data from two villages. And, the data gathered for the study was analyzed qualitatively using pictures, tables and maps. The analysis and findings clearly indicate that the Konso vernacular houses were transformed partially (including the hybrid type) and totally to the extent of bringing about new cultural dynamics that challenges old power relations in the society