Urban Design

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Housing strategies in inner city areas The case of low-income housing in inner city addis ababa
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2005-09) Tesfaye, Mihretu; Gossaye, Ashenafi (PhD)
The question of shelter has become more crucial with the rapid urbanization we see today. Developing countries such as Ethiopia have paid too little attention to the shelter problem and how deeply rooted it is in matters of urbanization. The existing housing stock plays the major role in housing provision in these developing countries. Consequently what is to be done with this existing housing stock is an overriding concern of urban renewal efforts. Various urban renewal approaches exist that have different effects on low income housing, such as slum clearance and resettlement, rehabilitation and conservation, slum and squatter upgrading. A study into the very nature of low income housing points in the direction of the roots of the problem. There are various concepts as to the nature of the inner city such as the idea of the compact city, diversity of use and equity. By taking a case study area within the city of Addis Ababa the thesis explores the nature and prospect of inner city low income housing in the context of the city. There has been significant population growth; internal as well as external in Addis Ababa. There have been changes of an economic, social and political nature that have affected the nature of inner city low income housing. Various aspects affect the condition of low income housing within the inner city such as the housing policy, forms of land ownership, availability of financing, land values, regulations, poverty and rapid urbanization. The thesis concludes that for a more effective and sustainable urban renewal approach, the potentials of low income settlements must become an integral part of local development plans. Our choice for the location of local plans should be based on inner city wide assessment of needs and potentials. At a more detailed level, the condition of the dwelling units has made improvements difficult for these settlements. The lack of security of tenure has limited the improvement drives of the people. There is a serious problem of poverty and there is a lack of secure employment. This has led to the inability for most of these settlers to get loans from banks. However, even with the evident dilapidated condition of the settlement, the residents prefer to stay. Cooperating with community based organizations will have far reaching effects in areas such as providing security for housing finance and community participation
Open space and social interaction; the case of balcha condominium in addis ababa
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2006-06) Worku, Rahel; Abebe, Ketema (PhD)
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
Public Transportation System and Its Impact on Urban mobility: The Case of Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Kassahun, Meron; Singh, Gurdeep(Professor)
A review of relevant literatures covering the issue of public transport and its impact on mobility suggests that, a heavy reliance on this mode of transport increases the efficiency of urban mobility while at the same time easing the level of congestion. The literatures reviewed also suggest that the presence of an efficient public transport system creates a safe, sustainable and equitable urban mobility. This study evaluates the extent to which the public transport in Addis Ababa has an impact on the urban mobility of the city. It also assesses the possible strategies and approaches that can be devised to enable this mode play a significant role in mitigating the worsening level of congestion that we see in the city today. The study mainly relies on secondary data for its analysis and findings; however primary data has also been generated and analyzed with the help of sample surveys and structured interviews. The overall findings of this study revealed that despite the fact that an efficient public transport system is the best way to maximize urban mobility, in reality this mode of transport is in a critical condition to begin with in Addis Ababa. Furthermore it has been observed that increasingly heavier reliance on vehicles with small passenger carrying capacity, such as private automobiles and mini bus taxi, is resulting in congested junctions, with heavy traffic. Other factors such as the existence of only one dominant core area in the city, demand overlap that emanates from the similar working hours that are observed for almost all institutions in the city have also been identified to be the main drawbacks that need to be addressed to create an efficient public transport system in Addis Ababa. While assessing ways that can make this mode become more efficient, it was further noted that there are other factors at play, namely, the existing transport
Environmental Cost Benefit Analysis of Waste to Energy Recovery In Nifas Silk Lafto Subcity Addis Ababa (As a Component In The Context of Integrated Solid Waste Management
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2007-11) Kemal, Mukemil; Gessese, Nebiyelule (PhD)
Addis Ababa current solid waste management system is in crisis and faces important political, geographical and environmental challenges that make it nonsustainable. Therefor there is an urgent need to move towards an integrated solid waste management that includes modern alternatives, such as waste-to- energy recovery (WTER). In a sustainable development approach, waste should be regarded as a resource for materials and energy recovery and not simply as a product for disposal. The objective of this research is to propose an integrated solid waste management for lafto sub city that focuses on the use of WTER as the key component. This study offers a cost benefit analysis of one WTER plant that will serve Lafto sub city. The mass burn technology of the martin reverse –acting grate was selected for a WTER plant of capacity of 1000 metric tones /day but for the case of lafto sub city it is modified to accept small amount of solid waste. This plant will provide 540 kg/ton of MSW of net charcoal out put to utilities. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that at the assumed benefits from charcoal production, liquid bi-product and inorganic part of solid waste the project has a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $9,049,949 at a 9% discount rate, therefore the project should be undertaken. The initial investment would be paid back in 4 years while the WTER plant would have a useful life of at least 30 years. Thus, the sensitivity analysis showed that the WTER facility could charge a significantly lower cost than current dumping system and still have a positive NPV. However, a very small increase or decrease in the charcoal price or heating value can make a dramatic difference in profitability. Before the construction of the plant, the none-quantifiable impacts such as the environmental, social and economic factors must be carefully examined. The perception of air pollution associated with the incinerators of the past and the location of the WTER plant are factors that could generate opposition from the host community. On the other hand, modern Waste-to-Energy Recovery plants have been shown to result in a dramatic decrease in air emissions in comparison to dumping site. Also, their emissions are much below the EPA standards and lower than coal power plant emissions. In addition, the location of a WTER plant will be closer to the municipality than the present dumping site. This will reduce truck travel and diesel emissions to the atmosphere, and a significant reduction in generated smog. Overall, the non-quantifiable benefits seem to overweight the non-quantifiable costs, therefore supporting the construction of a WTER plant for Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa. The community would have to be educated about these issues. Considering that the current waste management situation in lafto sub city is almost identical to the rest of Addis Ababa, the possibilities of WTER as a widespread solution for waste management are very promising. Addis Ababa’s city government should implement an integrated solid waste management system that would perfectly solve the problem arising from solid wastes. Addis Ababa city government has already started recycling solid wastes. This decreases the amount of solid wastes that will disposed to the dumping site. In addition, the WTER plant proposed
Heritage Conservation oriented planning: Heritage Policy in light of Sustainable Urban Planning The Case of Piazza lDp, Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2008-02) Worku, Mekonnen; Albert, Gerhard (Professor)
Addis Ababa, the present capital city of Ethiopia, was established over 120 years ago by Emperor Menelik II. Founded as a garrison town, the city grew without a guiding master plan for which we observe predominantly organic layout with mixed land uses of different nature. The brief Italian colonization improved road’s, created new buildings, and attempted to implement a master plan, which would have split the living areas of the indigenous population of the city from the Italians. The substantial transformation planned according to the master plan was not put in to practice. This allows a reading of the city’s astonishing history and exceptional architecture through its old buildings and the paths linking them. These buildings often lack maintenance or are even ruined, having been used for practical purposes that have disrupted their original features day after day. The question of their survival is aggravated by strong redevelopment pressure from the solely profit oriented market environment. Every built up environment can not adjust limitlessly to changes of dynamic needs of the society but when it reaches to the point where it could no longer satisfy the needs of the market it will suffer one of the two fates: adaptive reuse as cultural heritage or demolishing. Therefore, this research paper is intended to identify clearly the pros and cons of this redevelopment pressure on the cultural heritages of the city Addis Ababa, evaluate current policies and regulations as well as enforcement methodology concerning conservation of cultural heritages and come up with relevant recommendation on the policy and policy enforcement measures. To do this what I have done is first deeply analyze the current international policies regarding built up cultural heritages and also tried to analyze the current policies in the local context, then also tried to analyze the policy enforcement mechanism of the city by studying the master plan and also deeply analyzed the specific policy enforcement mechanism by analyzing the local development plan of the case area, piazza. Apart from analyzing the policy enforcement mechanism, I also studied the activities made so far with an effort of the preservation and conservation of the city by any of the stake holders, Governmental and non-governmental. Along with this I also have tried to deeply analyze the physical conditions of the cultural heritages and their functional aspects, the developments around them and cross check with all the above stated efforts as well as policy measure. Then after I tried to analyze the short comings of all the efforts starting from policy level up to the implementation of the policy, the drawback and also the merits of the efforts by all the stake holders and reached on a summarized conclusion as an answer for the research question which helps me to draw relevant recommendations
The case of Addis Ababa-along Ring Road from Bole Square to Megenaga Square
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2010-06) G/Tsadik, Tewedros; Singh, Gurdeep(Professor)
Cities are fascinating because, in our increasingly urban world, they are intimately tied into almost the complete totality of human life. This makes them such vibrant and exciting places in which to live and also to study. Today due to many reasons: Employment, Education, Health and other opportunities, people prefer to live in cites, and as such population increases in the cities. Providing of land for various activities and fulfilling the required services became the challenge of the Administration. To overcome these problems, proper utilization of recourses such as Land (Urban Vacant Land) plays significant role. In this respect the Urban Vacant Land Management and Development assures the development of the city in the positive direction. Land is intrinsically a social rather than a private commodity. Literature explains that, Vacant and abandoned properties present both a significant problem, and also an opportunity, for many central cities. As Vacant Land represents both a significant problem and an attractive opportunity for many central cities, Vacant Land imposes both economic and social costs on cities in general and the neighborhoods or districts in particular in which the vacant land is located. On the economic side, such properties lower neighboring property values and tax revenues even as they create pressure to raise taxes to maintain service levels. Likewise, vacant land imposes significant social costs on communities as images of blight, as targets for vandalism and criminal activities, and as such it is unsafe and unhealthy plot for residents. It is, therefore, the main objective of this study to investigate what hinders and what are the reasons for the under utilization of the existing Urban Vacant Land in Addis Ababa. The study has three major parts. The first part is the general part in which it discussed about the need for the study, its significance and the rationale behind this study. It also states objectives and scope of the study, limitation of the study and points that the study would like to investigate. The second part deals with the review of relevant literature. In this part the research reviewed books, study papers, relevant publications and discussed the concept of Vacant Land, its Types, Properties conditions and Characteristics in general globally and tries to present the concept of Urban Vacant Land rationally
Sustainable city fabric for urban slums case of bahir dar
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2010-08) Debele, Samson; Baumiester, Jorge (Professor)
Place Attributes and Place Preference The case of Lagar Railway Station–Beherawi Theatre area and Captain H/G/Sellassie Street .
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2010-12) Tesfaye, Zewdu; Wogayehu, _Fisseha (PhD)
Addis Ababa has been subjected to different kinds of urban developments which are undertaken at different times: past and present. The city is now witnessing the product of these two kinds of urban developments. The places created by these two urban development activities vary significantly; some places in the past developments arguably, to a certain level, have good place attributes which can be prototypes. They have good physical setting, activities and impart strong meanings. On the other hand the present developments lack strong place attributes. They have problems in the physical setting, in the activities that take place in these areas and in the meanings they impart. This requires proper investigation in to which places do people prefer, to what extent the past urban development areas are having the place attributes and recent urban development areas are lacking them. The investigation was made by studying two places selected from the rapidly growing urban areas in Addis Ababa and the other from the past developments. That is, Captain H/G/Sellassie Street (CHAGS) and Lagar Railway Station-Beherawi Theatre (LRS-BT) areas respectively. The study was made by measuring the two places with place preference (attachment) indicators and place attributes or urban design qualities which are collected from different sources. These were further refined in to two pillars of evaluation. The first was questionnaires for users of place in each location and the second was the expert evaluation format with which an expert evaluation was made in the two places. The target of questionnaires was to find out important components of places as answered by respondents in the two case study areas: the place preference of respondents and their opinions on place attributes (urban design qualities). The place preference component targeted to find out place preference, reason for place preference and the level of attachment. On the other hand the place attributes component of the questionnaire dealt with the level of place attributes as indicated by respondents. As to investigation on place attachment, questions were that deal with place preference, reason of preference, level and kind of place attachment were added to the questionnaires
Challenges of urban plan implementation in small towns of Ethiopia: The case of Gelan town
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2011-05) legesse, Habtamu; mahiteme, Yirgalem (PhD)
The sudden establishment and eventual growth of Gelan town brought many urban plan implementation challenges that need to be investigated to minimize the spillover impacts of urbanization in Gelan town. Gelan town is established after the establishment of some investments and has been grown by displacing and affecting the livelihood of local farmers. The overall impacts of urbanization on the local farmers requires to look into the local ecology towards which Gelan town is expanding, role of investments operating in the area, the plan that guides development and future expansion. This research is an attempt to investigate the challenges of urban plan implementation in Gelan town with a particular emphasis on the livelihood of farmers, role of investments of the town to the local economic development and ground water resource of the area. Accordingly, to look into the issues I have used both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. Data collected through interviews, questionnaires and field observations were analyzed and presented through discussions, tables, figures and maps. The findings revealed that most investments and recreational centers before the establishment of Gelan are located along highway and occupy large blocks that hinder accessibility of land uses at the back. The ground water catchment area of Akaki partially within the planning unit of Gelan town. Intensive constructions taking place in the area is believed to have a negative impact on the ground water recharge of the area from where water is supplied to the population of southern Addis Ababa. The research also found out that farmers whose livelihood is based on farming are forced to change their livelihood strategies by renting farmland using money obtained through compensation. As a result, the livelihood of farmers is negatively affected. The analysis of Gelan town structure plan showed that the plan was implemented poorly and lacked plan evaluation, monitoring and updating taskforce. As a result, irregular and irrational development as well as incompatible land uses are common along Addis Ababa-Adama highway crossing the town
Assessment of the effects of decentralization on urban service delivery: case study on education and health services deliverance at Debre Markos town, Amhara National Regional State
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2011-05) Muktar, Mahmud; Abebe, Mulugeta (PhD)
In Ethiopia rapid urbanization is the product of socio economic development. As a result urban populations have been growing in an alarming rate. This situation mainly aggravated by the two major features: rural-urban migration and natural increase of the population. Due to these demographic changes, pressure put on urban centers in which residents hardly get quality and efficient services. To tackle down such urban problems, the GoE has established decentralization policy that aimed to transfer powers, responsibilities and resources from the central government to regional, zonal, and Wereda levels of administration. This research has given emphasis on education and health service delivery in Debermarkos town case. In this town basic services provision intricate with social problems: inadequate and poor quality of services, less accountability and transparency, insignificant number of professionals, low institutional capacity and minimum public participation in planning, monitoring and decision making process. But these poor conditions of service providers of had not been assessed or studied (i.e. academically); it couldn’t be identified, determined, evaluated and recognized the hindrance for effective implementation of decentralization at the district level. The research used qualitative and quantitative data. This study has assessed the local service providers’ performance in line to quality indicators and the governance values indicators: accountability, transparency and community involvement in the improvement and provision of services. From the findings, it concluded that that decentralization obviously shown improvement in service delivery particularly in schools’ and health centers’ service delivery activities: service providers could perform their duties with autonomy, improve quality and efficient services delivery. However, administrative constraints: clarity of responsibility, accountability, open information flows, and participation have made the services provisions inadequate. The paper suggests that public service providers should be participatory, transparent (free access to information), empowered to decide administrative issues autonomously, accountable to the community, dynamic to identify community interest and should include community input in strategic planning and decision making process in the public service providers. Key words: decentralization, autonomy, accountability, transparent, participation, social service: education service, health service
Gender differentials in the coping strategies of the Urban poor in addis ababa: the case of households in Woreda 4, gulele sub-city
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2011-07) sirgiw, Selamawit; teshome, Woldeab (PhD)
Poverty has many dimensions. Social aspect of poverty is one indicator of deprivation existing in society. The main objective of the study is to compare and contrast the living condition and the coping and survival strategies used by female and male headed household in the study area. The analysis of the study was based on 236 households, of which 144 are male headed and 92 female headed households. Questionnaires were distributed to households in the study area and interviews were conducted with some household head informants. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study has found out that a large proportion of the households in the study area are challenged with lack of access to services like housing, water supply, cleansing, health service and the problem of food shortage. All the indicators of poverty used in the research also pointed out the poor living condition in the study area. However, such problems are found to be more severe among households headed by females. Female headed households are characterized by an even worse living condition when compared with male headed households. Poor living condition, lack of access to basic amenities and inability to meet basic needs have forced the poor to come up with ways to enable them cope and survive harsh economic times. Some of the strategies used by the poor households in the study area are diversifying income by engaging oneself, spouse or children in income generating activities, selling property, adapting a new eating habit which is characterized by low quality and quantity, reducing expenditure on non food items, relying on social network selling, renting and sub renting of assets. The use of survival strategies shows difference among the different gender of household heads. The most frequently used strategies in female headed households are cutting back on consumption (75.4%) and borrowing food or cash from friends, relatives and neighbors (49.2%). Comparatively in male headed households cutting back on consumption (60.7%), and engaging oneself/spouse in different income generating activities are most frequently used. Choice of livelihood strategy is found to be influenced by the marital status of head, level of asset ownership and the level and strength of community ties and social networks
The status of historic buildings in addis ababa and their Contribution to the urban development
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2011-07) tewoldebirhn, Selam; Teshome, Woldeab (PhD)
Historic buildings have a lot of contribution for the development of a city: The primary contribution of these historic buildings shows cities’ pasts, continuity of change through time, periods of ascendancy of remarkable events, or ruptures in the urban fabric as a result of conflict or transformation. It has also contribution for the present generations to understand their place in history and to better cope with the constant mutations in society. On the other hand, income generated from tourists and Architectural values are secondary contribution of the historic buildings. This study consequently attempts to assess the status of historic buildings and their contribution to the development of the capital city Ethiopia with five specific objectives. To attain the objectives, the study employed percentage distribution followed by simple random sampling and selected 35 historic buildings found in 10 sub-cites of Addis Ababa, unfortunately, up on the process of sampling it has been discovered that one of the sample historic buildings is found demolished therefore, only 34 historic buildings are taken for the analysis. For the tour operators simple random sampling was employed and 19 tour operators were selected. The data obtained from in-depth interview and personal observation was analyzed qualitatively and the data from the survey was analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Accordingly, Different issues like awareness of responsible owners, tour operators and heritage experts in each sub-cites, economic contribution, maintenance and future prospects of historic buildings were analyzed and the findings showed that the majority of responsible owners are not aware of rules and regulations that they should follow during the maintenance. As the result, most of the buildings are not well maintained .Moreover, none of the responsible owners who tried to maintain the building did not get financial support and there is no maintenance they know done by AACTB, those who don’t have the finance to maintain the buildings face different problems in addition to this, none of the sub –cites tried to aware the responsible owners about how to maintain these buildings. Moreover, these sub-city experts didn’t get any awareness from the responsible authorities. The study result also indicates that, only few historic buildings are known by the tour operators which imply less contribution to the development of the city. With regard to future prospect of the buildings, there is lack of coordination between planning institutions, Addis Ababa Culture and Tourism Bureau and the sub-cities. As a result the development activities and heritage conservation are not going with the same pace. To conclude, the study recommended adopting a general policy, hiring professional expertise, conducting frequent technical studies and researches would help the historical buildings to get protection from the concerned bodies and also preparing different fund raising programs like music concerts and exhibitions to promote and to gain money for the conservation of the buildings, beside designing current constructions in a way architecturally reflecting old historical buildings believed will help the next generation understand how unique these historic buildings are
The livelihoods of displaced people in addis ababa: the case of people relocated from arat kilo area
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2011-07) atelaw, Habtamu; Teshome, Woldeab (PhD)
The study has discussed the livelihoods of displaced people. The focus of this study was to explore the relocatees‟ livelihood assets and activities, to look at how relocatees are vulnerable to urban context, to examine the livelihood strategies employed by relocatees to cope up or recover from the undesirable outcomes of displacement and to assess the outcomes of such strategies .In doing this, those people who were relocated to Nifas Silk Lafto were purposefully selected as study community. The study used qualitative research methodology. Relevant data for the study were gathered from the secondary as well as primary sources. The main primary data collection methods were household interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussion and observation. To analyse the livelihoods of displaced people in holistic manner, this research used sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) as a main theoretical and livelihood analytical framework. The SLF is modified and operationalised in a tool that is relevant to this particular study. The study reveals that relocating people from slum area to another location is important in providing good housing quality and neat living environment, in making people less susceptible to poor sanitation induced diseases, enabling people to integrate with other community, reducing women and children burden who were formerly responsible to collect water, and providing children with open space for play. On the other side, the study found insignificant role of local community in decision making process .It also found that a large number of studied community have been directly affected by loss of livelihood activities, traditional institution, social network, education, transport and health service access and financial capability. Due to loss of social cohesion and means of income disruption, the displacees are more likely vulnerable to urban economic shock more than the non-displaced people. There are various livelihood strategies that have been employed by displaced people so as to manage the adverse effects of displacement on their livelihoods. With this regard, the study found that such strategies have both negative and positive impact either in short term or long run on the relocatees, especially on those who have directly involved in this strategy. Finally, the study suggests the importance of participating the community in decision making process, facilitating micro-enterprises, credit service, training and taking in to consideration the availability of school, health centre and bus termini in the new location
Inner City Riverside Development and Land Use Transformation: in the context of Addis Ababa MSC Thesis in Urban Settlement Studies /Noma- Search program/
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2012-03) Younis, Munir; Yitbarek, Elias (PhD)
Looking at the current trend in the use and appropriation of land adjacent to rivers in the city of Addis Ababa, it becomes difficult to imagine how these areas had been transformed from userfriendly and plausible city-river interaction to degraded and disregarded part of the city where, these areas are characterized as destination points for most of the garbage from households and factories. The main objective of this study is to investigate the physical and spatial transformation of settlements along with existing activities currently taking place along riverside areas within the city. It also identifies different parameters and develops basic principles as well as guidelines for future river-edge development strategy. Four case study areas located within the inner city, currently undergoing urban renewal program, are selected for investigation. The study is carried out using data obtained through Google earth image, line maps, interviews, observation and mapping of the case study areas. In addition space syntax software “AGRAPH” is used as an important tool in analyzing spatial- program relationships, while providing a scientific backdrop in cross-relating initial assumption with on site observations. The study found out that, there are significant numbers of built-up structures added, extended and transformed between1995 and 2002 mainly to accommodate shelter mostly for informal inhabitants. Inner city riverside areas of Addis Ababa are characterized as “lost” spaces of the city which do not promote social values and harmonic interaction between people and their natural surroundings. Moreover, these spaces are least accessible and poorly utilized which has resulted in attracting informal activities and informal settlements. In addition, the several transformation and activities happening within the informal environment and their proximity to major access routes show a direct relationship- i.e. the further away from major access routes the more the informality. Finally, based on the findings of the study, design guidelines and land use strategies are proposed for inner city riverside areas. To show practicality of the recommended guidelines, a schematic landuse design is proposed for one specific case study area. Key words: River-edge, Watershed, Transformation, Accessibility, Buffer-zone
Land Allocation and the Publicness of Lake Tana Area in Bahir Dar City
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2012-06) Abay, Jantirar; Wogayohu, _Fisseha (PhD)
The Bahir Dar city administration is allocating land for investors and for other public activities with no more emphasis given for the equitable distribution of the natural resource. The recent development undertakings along Lake Tana are high standard hotels and lodges which occupy large parcels of land that restrict access for the poor towards the public spaces found along the lake. Moreover the routes are fenced in and closed at various points along the lake. The term publicness by itself shows the common usage, and common ownership right of a certain resource. The land allocation for different activities especially along the coastline of rivers and water bodies affect the publicness of the resource. Most development demands to concentrate on facing the soft space water bodies through inclusive enclaves which is difficult for the public to access. The objective of this study is to assess, examine the land allocation process along the lakefront of Bahir Dar and its impact on publicness. The research deals about the equitability of public goods, i.e. land, about the impacts of land allocation for private development on publicness of the lakeside area and the impact of the development on accessibility to the given natural resource. The research answers the questions of land allocation system, the immediate beneficiaries, the different rules and regulations if available, and the publicness of the lakeside against the recent development and the equitability of the lakeside area from a social perspective. The research used both descriptive and explanatory methods and data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The sample to collect the data were targeting on the residents in selected Kebeles, randomly selected local and foreign tourists, Different officials of the region and the city by adopting purposive sampling techniques. The findings obtained that 38.67 hectare of land were allocated for 14 investors along the lake till this study were conducted through lease and negotiation. The developments going on along the lakeside do not assure publicness and most of the accesses are blocked and the sizes of public spaces found along the lake are getting reduced. Furthermore, the future of the rest of the public spaces has become uncertain. In this regard the study suggests that, the local government should develop rules and regulations to properly prepare and implement a lakefront plan. Besides, genuine public participation is mainly recommended at different level to address equitability for the natural resource. Moreover the blocked public spaces should be opened as per the design proposal presented in this study or based on other detail studies
The problem of urban utility infrastructure Provision in ethiopia: the case of bahir dar City.
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2012-07) Zegeye, Yirsaw; Adugna, Dagnachew
Integrated urban utility infrastructure provision is very essential for the modernity, social and economical development of urban localities. The efficiency these infrastructure provision is determined by the responsive act of policy makers, utility authorities, municipalities as well as stakeholders. Consequently, this study attempted to investigate the issue of municipalities and urban utility authorities. It accounted the storm water drainage, electric power, telecommunication and water supply utility infrastructure provision problem in Ethiopian urban localities. The problem principally expressed in terms of the planning and institutional dimensions. The planning dimension is characterized by an organic (unplanned) nature of urban land and utility infrastructure development basis while the institutional dimension of the problem is well expressed by uncoordinated system of urban utility infrastructure provision. Due to these facts the problem resulted in inefficient use of public finance and urban land, mixing up placement/conflict of utilities, improperly location/arrangement of utilities, damage of properties and related problems. The process, dimensions and the cause-effect relationships of urban utility infrastructure provision problem and the role of the partners are the major intended areas of the study. In order to investigate this problem, primary and secondary cases were collected from the departments of Bahir Dar city Administration and the city’s utility infrastructure providing authorities and service offices. In general the lack of integrated urban utility infrastructure policy and common standards, lack of strong link between the land use development and utility infrastructure provision, shortage of institutional coordination and less use of digital mapping technologies are resulted in sub-standardization of the city utility infrastructure. Thus the issue is branded as economical, social and environmental effects. All these resulted in Ethiopian urban localities to have as much comparable utility infrastructure provision problem as Bahir Dar city
Assessment of urban plan and design implementation and management in ethiopian secondary towns:
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2012-11) Dukale, Yohannes; Wogayehu, _Fisseha (PhD)
Planned urban development is a phenomenon recently getting a wide acceptance throughout the country in genera and in the study town in particular. Following this fact, Dilla town had been prepared plan for two distinct times (1967 by Italian consultant and 1998 by NUPI). However, when we examine its implementation and management rigorously in the real ground the situation is bounded with a number of problems. When superimposing this to Dilla's current situation in which the town stayed for a half decade by implementing dated out development plan (envisaged to serve only ten years 1998-2008); it could not be exaggeration to one to say urban developments are held without proper or fully consideration of plan. Furthermore, none of the time the implementation, performance and management of the stated plans has been evaluated and monitored. The ultimate goal of urban plans and designs lies in its successful implementation. Urban development without pre-planned activities causes a mess of urban problems, and laissez-faire development having long term repercussions. This research is attempted to exploited the real problems pertained in Dilla town plan/design implementation and management, and then pin points the better means that can potentially foster the socio-economic development of the town. The research work approached with explaining the identified gaps while planning periods. Then after brief descriptions both qualitatively as well as quantitatively employed to describe and provide magnitude of the problems. These are performed through direct on spots observation of the implementation trends, interviewing the direct beneficiaries those believed to have exposure to the issues under study. Spatial physical plan documents like land use, road network, local development plans, etc and reported documents like text summery while plans prepared, municipal reports related with plans and designs implementation and administration have been engaged as a main methodologies for the development of the entire study. Even though, there exists fragmented efforts to guide the socio-economic development of Dilla town in various periods and persons it is found out that the overall performances of plan and design implementation and management is held with bundles of problems. The majors among many are: Institutional capacity of implementing bodies mainly connected with poor documentation of the plan resources, shortage of plan/design making and implementing professionals, skill gaps of available human/personnel resource, shortage of equipments and facilities required for planning and implementation process, shortage of financial capacity and proper utilization of it. Gaps during planning process, absence of means for facilitating implementation, absence of plan monitoring, evaluation and updating trends, absence or lack of stakeholder participation and interference, presence of areas where the boundary till not well delineated, presence of 6 rooms for illegal/informal settlements, are real and major upfront problems among many in the context of Dilla town. Finally, all stake holders at various levels to be equipped with full information about these problems mention here above and had to give especial attention and the clients critically establish unique means and strategies to follow-up and ascertain:  Use of up-to-date and recent map information and aerial photo for the acquisition of accurate topographic maps and existing realities;  Conduct and properly forecasted socio-economic linkages study from all possible influential areas;  Consistency of Graphic/spatial representations with implementation strategies, planning goals, objectives and text report;  Ways how public participated and reverse/rectify the immediate mistakes of implementation;  Production of all relevant documents of planning processes in hard copies and in soft copies during planning as well as implementation period. Particularly, zonal administers/city governors/Dilla municipality critically examines and ascertain periodically:  Weather the city had had and under-go in accordance with development plan;  Monitor professional, managerial, financial, technical, equipments, etc capacity and situation and then adapt oneself in accordance to expected output and potential of the city
The Impact Of Unplanned Urban Waterfront Development on Lake Hawassa
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2013-06) Tekalign, Anasimos; Workeneh, Abreham
Urban Waterfront development has direct and indirect deteriorating impacts on lake. This problem will be aggravated if there is no sustainable waterfront planning and management. In Hawassa waterfront there has not been any concern given to the water front development even at the master plan level as a local development plan. As the same time the interest and expansion of development towards natural waterfront is increasing tremendously. This unplanned development has negative impacts on the Lake due to land use land cover change and problems emanated from types of land uses. The practice and awareness of important stakeholders within and without the waterfront also plays important role in degrading or conserving the lake. The average yearly percentage of change of development, forest cover, bare land and flooded zone has been increased by 1.47 %, 1.46 %, 4.76 % and 5.72 % respectively while wetland size, grassland and agricultural land has decreased at an average yearly percentage rate of 0.74 %, 13 %, and 1.94 % respectively. Development is increased proportionally with the decrease in wetland, grassland and forest cover. As development increases the demand for land resulted in the encroachment of natural land covers. The natural buffers become fragmented that ecosystem services like waste treatment, flood prevention and supporting the ecology diminished which has significant negative impact on the lake. Because of lack of municipal waste treatment, Organic waste from household’s end up into the lake causing eutrophication. There is also uncontrolled utilization of surface and ground water resources which does not consider the water budget of the lake. In addition, different land use types have impacting the fragile littoral zones and the lake through removal and defragmentation of the natural landscape, pollution and unsustainable consumption of resources. Even if there are possible legal and planning aspects and bodies for conserving lakes in Ethiopia the implementation is weak in the waterfront of Lake Hawassa. Therefore sustainable waterfront development plan and management plan are essential alongside with collaborative implementation. Key words
Transformation of vernacular house, compound and Settlement of gurage, ethiopia
(Addis Ababauniversity, 2013-11) Seid, Yalew; Yitbarek, Elias (PhD)
In this era of globalization, where mixity of cultural fabrics are increasing and where the advancement of technology is taking place, it becomes challenging to protect the vernacular house, compound and settlement(HCS) from influence. So there must be way of appropriating the influence and enhance the vernaculars in going along with the transformation. In order to achieve this, the research aimed to understand and record existing situation of the vernacular house compound and settlement of Gurage in terms of physical and spatial aspects; which then check and show the existence of transformation in reference with its original setting. It also investigates factors and actors of the transformation and evaluates it by checking criticality of factors and contextuality of solutions provided. After which it is summed up with recommendations. Detailed case study research method is employed in addition to qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to achieve the research’s objectives. After exploring, recording and analyzing existing situations of the Gurage vernacular house, compound and settlement(HCS) it proves that there exists transformation. The transformations found out based on this research are both externally and internally triggered which are named as exo-generic and endo-generic transformations respectively. In which governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and the people themselves, directly or indirectly, play their role in the process. Appropriateness of the transformation is tested through criticality of factors,which causes the transformation, and contextuality of solutions. Based on this test some are critical and contextual, critical and non-contextual, non-critical and contextual and noncritical factors and non-contextual solution. In the process of physical and spatial transformation it is found out that hidden or indirect factors also have great impact or contribution, like population growth and economic status. It is also found out that most transforming elements are adopted from a common rural town housing typology ‘korkoro bet’ to overcome challenges of the vernacular ones and/or other influences. This is an indicator showing demands for the provision of appropriate alternative design solutions to be adapted or implemented directly in the area. This research also proves that transformation of vernacular house, compound and settlement(HCS) is inevitable. So, one possible option to keep and enhance the vernacular fabric is to guide the transformation in an appropriate way

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