Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development

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Browsing Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development by Subject "Adaptation"

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    A Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Study for Menelik II Palace in Holeta Genet Town, Ethiopia
    (EiABC, 2017-06) Lemma, Rahel; Gottert, Leslie
    Menelik II’s Palace, a national cultural heritage site, which is found in Holeta town, is one of a very few buildings that have stood time and shouldered burdens during the changing of regimes. The beautiful appearance of the building is still found in its graceful character that outshines the effects of time. Although the building is a national cultural heritage site, it also has a significant role in the recent history of Ethiopia, in its connection to the foundation of a modern military academy as well as Holeta town’s establishment and settlement. It is a living witness of the building technology and thought of the period of Emperor Menelik II. With all the precious value that the building and its compound have, it is the discovery of its present deteriorated condition which inspired this research. The primary and secondary data resources show that, the Palace building has made a significant mark on Ethiopia’s architectural history. As reviewed on the case study, the Addis Ababa Palace of Menelik II has a very similar architectural character and heritage value with the building under consideration. It has been conserved recently and shall open to the public with new function in the near future. Thus it serves as an example and the lesson what we learn should be taken to conserve and transfer such precious historic building to the next generation. After documenting the Palace building’s history and floor plan, the paper closely identifies and examines the factors contributing to its deterioration and recommends conservation options. It also identifies potential stakeholders in the process and analyzes opportunities and values as well as current challenges and threats regarding the conservation of the historic Palace building. Despite various problems related to the building’s deterioration, this study also shows the effects of abandonment and absence of ownership that have been observed on the heritage Palace. Nonetheless, the site has considerable potential for sustainable development as tourist destination and socio-cultural integration if properly managed and conserved. These findings lead to a few recommendations on valorization of Menelik II Palace building in Holeta for sustainable use.