Urban Design
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Item The Potential of Residential Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting As a Supplementary Urban Water Supply Option in Addis Ababa: The Case of Bole Sub-City Wereda 6(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Weinshet Berta; Tibebu AssefaAddis Ababa faces water shortages and intermittent supply due to increasing pressure on the municipal water supply system from rapid population growth and urbanization. At the same time, the city receives substantial rainfall, yet much of it is lost as runoff. This study assessed the potential of RRWH in Bole Sub-city, Wereda 6, by determining rooftop harvesting potential, assessing awareness, perception, and acceptability of RRWH, estimating its contribution to household water demand, and examining seasonal variability. Spatial, quantitative, and descriptive research methods were employed. Rooftop catchment area and mean annual rainfall were estimated using QGIS Spatial analysis. RRWH potential, its contribution to household water demand, and seasonal variation were determined through quantitative analysis. Descriptive analysis was applied to household survey data to assess awareness, perceptions, and acceptance of RRWH. The results show that the study area has a rooftop catchment area of 362332.41 m2 and a mean annual rainfall of 1120.04 mm, yielding an estimated annual harvestable potential of 324661.5 m³. This could meet 54.9% of annual household water demand. However, the harvesting potential is highly seasonal, with most rainfall occurring between June and September. Survey findings indicate high level of awareness regarding water scarcity and the use of rainwater for non-potable purposes. 93.3% of respondents use rainwater for washing/cleaning in the rainy season. However, 80.3% of the respondents had never heard of a formal RRWH system before the survey. The study concludes that rooftop rainwater harvesting RRWH can serve as a supplementary urban water supply option and contribute to improving household water security in the study area.Item The Dichotomy of the Performance and Aesthetics of Sun Breakers of High Rise Buildings in the CBD of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2026-03-01) Paulos Demeke; Wondwossen DebebeThis study examines the dual relationship between environmental performance and aesthetic perception of sun-breaker systems in high-rise buildings within the Central Business District of Addis Ababa. Four bank headquarters Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Hibret Bank, Nib International Bank, and Wegagen Bank were analyzed using a mixed methods approach that integrates quantitative solar-geometry evaluation with qualitative perception surveys of urban residents and design professionals. The quantitative analysis assessed cut-off angles, shading factors, and solar-radiation reduction, while the qualitative component examined façade articulation, pattern rhythm, and architectural identity. Results show that geometric configuration particularly fin depth, spacing, density, and orientation is the primary determinant of shading effectiveness. High-density vertical fins and grid-based arrangements achieved the best environmental performance, especially on west façades exposed to intense afternoon solar gain. Optimal performance was associated with cut-off angles above 30° and shading factors between 0.6 and 0.7, while sparse or horizontally oriented devices produced limited shading efficiency. Perceptual findings reveal that residents prioritize visible qualities such as material and form, whereas professionals emphasize solar control and comfort. Both groups strongly support the integration of Ethiopian cultural motifs. The study concludes that effective sun breaker design requires integrating orientation-specific geometric parameters with coherent visual expression to balance environmental performance, aesthetic quality, and cultural identity in rapidly urbanizing equatorial CBD contexts.Item Assessment of Vehicular Parking Space Problem on Urban Transportation: The case of Bole sub-city, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2026-02-01) Kibreab Azene; Birhanu GirmaLack of parking spaces in global context is a complex problem that affects the urban transportation in cities. High population and rapid urbanization coupled with augmentation in the quantity of vehicles have advanced the pressures in parking spaces, which has resulted in a massive urban transportation problem and inefficiencies. The primary objective of this paper is to assess the reason behind the inadequate parking facilities especially off-street parking areas that leads to different types of urban transportation problems. This paper examines the reasons and effects of parking space shortages on the urban transportation in Bole Sub City, Addis Ababa. To measure the main factors the study employed primary and secondary methods of data collection and field observations. The collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, to support the findings, the study incorporated qualitative interviews with stakeholders, Key findings of the research revealed that shortage of parking spaces are some of the factors that cause traffic congestion, decrease in road capacity, and increase in the travel time, and deterioration in the safety of the pedestrians. There is also illegal and double parking behaviors that increase the number of traffic flow delays and reduce the effectiveness of the public transport. The paper concludes by stating that to overcome the problem of parking shortages, integrated urban planning, policy reform, and investment in structured parking facilities are necessary. This effort shall play a key role in enhancing the traffic condition to enhance urban mobility, and sustainable transportation development in the fast expanding cities such as Addis Ababa. The results can be used by urban planners and policymakers to reduce the problem of parking-related transportation issues.Item Assessment of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Potential as an Alternative Water Source for the Commercial Buildings in Merkato, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Rahel Wondmu; Tibebu AssefaRapid urbanization and increasing commercial activity in Addis Ababa have put high pressure on the already struggling urban water supply system of AAWSA. This challenge is particularly evident in Merkato, where commercial buildings experience frequent water shortages and supply interruptions. In this context, rooftop rainwater harvesting presents a promising supplementary water source. Therefore, this study assessed the potential of rooftop rainwater harvesting for commercial buildings in Merkato, Addis Ababa. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are employed. A census survey was conducted on 34 commercial buildings. The findings showed that municipal water remains the dominant source of supply. However, the AAWSA water supply is unreliable. All buildings use storage tank as coping mechanism for the shortage. The recorded municipal water consumption ranged from 65.28 m³/year to 8352.00 m³/year. Non potable activities represented the dominant category of water use. 79.4% of buildings used water primarily for activities such as toilet cleaning and floor cleaning. All surveyed buildings are physically suitable for RRWH with gutters and roof materials favorable for runoff collection. The estimated annual RRWH potential ranged from 192.64 m³/year to 3693.43 m³/year with a contribution to existing municipal water consumption varying from 6.07% to 169.20%. The analysis of monthly variation revealed that RRWH potential is highly seasonal, with the highest yields occurring during July and August, while minimal contributions are observed in December and January. The study concludes that RRWH has significant potential to reduce dependence on AAWSA and improve water security in commercial buildings in Merkato. Promoting its use, particularly for non-potable applications, can therefore contribute meaningfully to strengthening the urban water supply system.Item Assessment of Pedestrian Safety Problems and Its Effect on Urban Mobility: The Case of Kolfe- Keranio Sub-City, Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06-01) Benoni Ayele; Birhanu GirmaPedestrian mobility constitutes a foundational pillar of sustainable urban development, yet active commuters in rapidly motorizing African cities remain disproportionately exposed to structural, behavioral, and environmental safety hazards. In Addis Ababa, where walking accounts for an estimated 60% to 80% of all daily commuting trips, the urban built environment has historically prioritized vehicular flow over pedestrian protection, generating acute safety deficits. Kolfe-Keranio Sub-City exemplifies this tension, characterized by massive pedestrian volumes, dense mixed-use land-use patterns, and high-speed arterial corridors that concentrate pedestrian-vehicular friction. Despite prior studies examining accident frequencies and pedestrian level of service, a critical empirical gap persists regarding how cumulative safety hazards directly restrict overall walking efficiency and functional urban mobility. This study examines the effect of pedestrian safety hazards—operationalized as Pedestrian Infrastructure (PI), Traffic Conditions (TC), Environmental Factors (EF), and Pedestrian Driver Behaviors (PDB)—on urban pedestrian mobility within Kolfe-Keranio Sub-City. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted. The target population comprised active daily commuters intercepted along major arterial corridors measuring 20 meters or more in width. Using a multi-stage sampling framework guided by land-use and road network maps, 384 structured questionnaires were distributed during peak hours, yielding 366 valid responses (95.3% response rate). Bivariate Pearson correlation and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple linear regression were employed for data analysis. Results indicate that the combined regression model is highly significant (F(4, 361) = 67.071, p < 0.001), collectively explaining 42.6% of the variance in Pedestrian Mobility (R² = 0.426). All four independent variables exert statistically significant positive effects on mobility (p ≤ 0.001). Pedestrian-Driver Behaviors emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.375, t = 9.028), followed by Environmental Factors (β = 0.303, t = 6.905), Pedestrian Infrastructure (β = 0.244, t = 5.972), and Traffic Conditions (β = 0.146, t = 3.340). Multicollinearity diagnostics confirm model integrity, with all Variance Inflation Factors below 1.22. The study concludes that pedestrian safety hazards in Kolfe-Keranio Sub-City function as active mechanisms of mobility suppression, particularly for vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The findings validate the global Safe System Approach, confirming that sustainable urban walkability demands a deliberate transition from vehicle-centric planning toward an integrated, pedestrian-centered built environment. Priority recommendations include enforcing automated speed management along arterial roads, installing continuous street lighting, constructing uninterrupted non-motorized transport corridors, and redesigning high-risk commercial intersections with pedestrian-actuated signals and raised crosswalks.Item Optimizing Urban Mobility Exploring the Gap between Travel Demand and Existing Public Transportation Network the Case of Bishoftu(Addis Ababa University, 2026-03-01) Michael Tesfaye; Zegeye Cherenet; Anteneh TesfayeEthiopia’s rapid urbanization has created a challenge in public transport systems of secondary cities like Bishoftu, which rely heavily on informal paratransit transport modes. This paper investigates, the mismatch between travel demand and current public transport network in Bishoftu amid growing population and physical expansion of its boundary. Using a multi criteria approach, the paper applied a Four Stage transport demand model on a block level TAZs (Traffic Analysis Zones) to analyze trip generation, distribution and optimal route assignment. Data were drawn from surveys of PT routes, road conditions and, and secondary sources including GIS data, Bishoftu Transport Authority records, and the 2019 Structure Plan Revision documents. The analysis, evaluated through four key performance indicators—accessibility, route directness, route diversity, and infrastructure condition—reveals significant gaps in service provision. Findings indicate low level of public transport accessibility with 18.6% of Bishoftu urban blocks not having access to public transport routes within a walking distance of 500m. Six, three-wheeler routes out of thirty-eight studied are found to have mobility index value higher than 1.4, indicating inefficient route assignments that should be optimized. Infrastructure limitations further constrain service, as minibuses are restricted to asphalt roads, while three-wheelers dominate on lower quality surfaces. This study concludes that Bishoftu’s current paratransit network is inadequately aligned with its mobility demand and street layout. It recommends route optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and the introduction of ring-road connections to improve accessibility and efficiency. The methodology and indicators developed are transferable for analyzing and optimizing public transport in similar Ethiopian secondary cities, contributing to the broader goal of achieving sustainable, compact urban centers by improving mobility planning. Future research should incorporate real-time travel data and explore the integration of formal mass transit systems.Item Evaluating Street Orientation for Pedestrian Thermal Comfort the Case of Metehara Town(Addis Ababa University, 2025-04-01) Rorisa Eshetu; Nebyou YonasUrban design plays essential role in designing pedestrian thermal comfort, especially in regions going through high temperatures. This research investigates the evaluation of street orientation on pedestrian thermal comfort in Metehara Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, through a systematic examination of climatic variables and urban geometry during the hottest months of the year April, May and June of the town. The study utilizes a combined methodology integrating field measurements of air temperature and relative humidity alongside wind speed and solar radiation analysis collected from global weather datasets. Additionally, the study integrates thermal indices of mean radiant temperature and universal thermal climate index to evaluate outdoor thermal conditions extensively. A pedestrian survey obtaining thermal sensation, comfort perception, and meteorological preferences is carried out to verify subjective experiences. The study employs bioclimatic chart, shadow length and sky view factor analyses to examine optimal street configurations. Findings involve that street orientation effectively influences thermal exposure with north-south, east-west and northeast-southwest and northwest-southeast streets exhibit different microclimatic characteristics. In addition, the importance of integrating climate responsive urban design strategies such as vegetation coverage, reflective surfaces and optimized urban geometry to enhance pedestrian thermal comfort. This study provides a framework for urban planners and policymakers to formulate street design strategies that prioritize pedestrian’s thermal comfort supporting to sustainable urban development in arid and semi-arid climates.Item Human-Centric Urban Mobility Solutions for High-Density Regional Transportation Hub: The Case of Lamberet Long-Distance Bus Station and Its Neighbourhood(Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-01) Feben Ramish; Birhanu GirmaThis master thesis is about human, centered urban mobility challenges at Lamberet Transport Hub, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Lamberet is a hub regional bus terminal serving northern Ethiopia. The research delves into aspects of how the bus station influences the efficiency, accessibility, safety, and daily experiences of different stakeholders such as commuters, drivers, vendors, and residents of the nearby areas. The study points to main issues such as a lack of proper infrastructure, accessibility challenges, absence of safety features, poor environmental management, and the non, implementation of urban planning and zoning regulations. The movement of pedestrians around the place is a major struggle due to a lack of sidewalks, ramps, crosswalks, adequate lighting, and signage. Moreover, uncontrolled street vendors, and a mixture of pedestrian and vehicle movement have led to congestion and safety issues. Among the vulnerable, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children are the most impacted. Field observations, infrastructure inspections, pedestrian movement studies, land, use and mobility, pattern mapping, and ethnographic interviews with local inhabitants and commuters formed the study's core methodology. Besides, transport hub, related policies and regulations were also analyzed to pinpoint discrepancies between standards and field realities. The study uncovers that, while the terminal is an engine of the local economy, its social and environmental costs overshadow the benefits, as evidenced by overcrowding, noise pollution, inadequate waste management, and inefficient spatial arrangement. The terminal is not yet integrated with world, class standards in accessibility, inclusive mobility, and community participation. The study finds that by redesigning the Lamberet Transport Hub, the efficiency of the system as well as the experience of the users can be improved by clearly defining pedestrian, vehicular, and vendor areas; strictly applying existing regulations; upgrading accessibility infrastructure; making safety measures more effective; and involving the community. The use of human, centered and universal design approaches can help the hub to become a regional transport facility that is more inclusive, safe, and environmentally friendly.Item Exploring the Therapeutic Role of Urban Parks on Mental and Physical Health of City Residents: The Case of Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2026-02-01) Shimengus Blen ; Wondwossen DebebeRapid urbanization in Addis Ababa has led to increased environmental problems, making the issue of urban parks as a tool for mental and physical health support regains the lead on the agenda. This paper investigates the perceptions of the residents of Addis Ababa on the mental and physical health benefits of selected urban parks in Addis Ababa and the extent to which these parks satisfy therapeutic urbanism principles. A concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed, combining a cross sectional survey that was conducted among 372 park users, and data were collected through a five-point Likert scale. This was further supported by an observational assessment based on the standards of therapeutic urbanism through domains of accessibility, amenities, design quality, place making, and sustainability. Semi structured key informant interviews with relevant authorities was conducted. Survey respondents were selected through on-site convenience sampling with proportional allocation across eight selected urban parks in Addis Ababa, representing diverse park typologies. Quantitative analysis using weighted mean analysis showed that stress reduction was the factor that gained the highest perception score (M = 4.62), which was then followed by the overall improvement of mental well-being (M = 4.26), thus indicating very positive psychological outcomes. Over 96% of the respondents were in agreement that visits to the park help in reducing stress. The observational study results showed differences in therapeutic design compliance among the parks, with the better performing parks having stronger place-making and sensory design elements. The results revealed that urban parks in Addis Ababa are mainly operating as places of psychological restoration and function as informal restorative infrastructure. Thus, they support Stress Reduction Theory and Attention Restoration Theory, but they require stronger integration of therapeutic design standards and equitable access strategies to enhance mental-health outcomes citywide. The research also demonstrated that the principle of therapeutic design should be involved in urban planning if one wants to make the most of the mental health benefits obtained from rapidly urbanizing cities.Item Evaluating Energy Metabolism in the case of Addis Ababa City Cement Consumption(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05-01) Tsadiku Zerihun Merga; Wondwosen DebebeIn the city's development, this “Evaluating Energy Metabolism” in cities is essential for the different industries and future clean energy development. The idea of "cement metabolism" looks at the movement of cement through a city, including its extraction of material with its transportation to factories, the production process of cement, and the distribution of cement to use for construction. To evaluate cement energy metabolism in urban systems, it is crucial to understand and optimize the energy flows and environmental impacts associated with material collection, cement production, and distribution. Since cement plays a major role in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this analysis is vital for sustainable urban development. Key goals include research Quantifying Energy Consumption, Evaluating Emissions & Environmental Impact, Optimizing Resource Efficiency, and Supporting Sustainable Addis Ababa City emergy. The Emergy (spelled with a "m") analysis is an effective method for evaluating the true resource efficiency and environmental stress of cement production, as well as the sustainability of Addis Ababa city cement consumption. It offers a comprehensive view of sustainability that extends beyond traditional energy or carbon metrics by quantifying all inputs (like natural embodied material, labor, and energy like coal or electricity) in terms of their solar energy equivalents (solar Emjoules, or Sej). The last three to four decades of cement metabolism in Addis Ababa have seen a significant increase due to high demand and limited supply. Contributing factors include nonrenewable energy and fuel crises, logistics and distribution costs, rapid urbanization with elevated construction activity, minimal use of alternative materials and energy, a linear (non-cyclic) material flow, and considerable environmental stress. The cement industry, which accounts for 8% of global CO₂ emissions, faces significant challenges in adopting green energy due to technological, economic, and infrastructural barriers. On the other hand, this city must invest in sustainable alternative energy and local production to avoid future disasters. Keywords: Energy Metabolism, Emergy Analysis, Green Energy, Materials FlowItem Affordable Housing and Economic Sustainability and the case of the Poorest of the Poor Housing in Debre Markos City(Addis Ababa University, 2023-10-01) MIichael Menberu Zewudie; . Elias YitbarekThe affordability of housing is an essential policy goal. Incorporating economic sustainability in affordable housing in the development of the poorest of the poor's housing programs has become a major concern. This paper examines the affordability and economic sustainability of the poorest of the poor affordable housing in Debre Markos city. To address this, this study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, using questionnaire surveys, interviews, field observation, and household surveys. Households in the expanding area have lower monthly salaries than in the past, but they are satisfied with the housing quality, rental pricing, and tenure security of their dwellings, according to the data analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Households in the intermediate zone had significantly higher incomes after moving into their new homes. Housing is not truly affordable if it is in an inaccessible place with a long commute to work, high transportation expenditures, and land use that is homogeneous. In addition, the study examines several economic sustainability performance indicators. As a result, indicators have been established to examine new housing development schemes for the poorest of the poor. intensive literature analysis and investigation into the study area yielded a preliminary list of 15 critical economically sustainable performance indicators of affordable housing for the poorest of the poor’s. The study suggested indicators for incorporating economic sustainability into the poorest of the poor affordable housing programs. The indicators suggest using mixed-use housing and neighborhoods, economic sustainability performance indicators, house location, affordable housing for the poorest of the poor women, house management and maintenance, infrastructure, and local community participation as parameters for evaluating key dimensions of the poorest of the poor affordable housing programs' economic sustainability. Key words: Affordable housing, Sustainable housing, economic sustainability.Item Assessment of Walkability on Selected Streets and Neighborhoods of Hawassa City(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-18) Mesay Matusala; Nebyou YonasThis study aims to evaluate the walkability in selected streets and neighborhoods in Hawassa City by identifying the built environment features that affect walkability in inner-city, intermediate, and suburban areas. Additionally, it aims to create a local walkability index for Hawassa. To achieve this, the research has identified the indicators, parameters, and indexes associated with walkability. To determine the walkability status of Hawassa City's inner-city, intermediate, and suburbs, various qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. The study assessed the walkability factors related to the built environment features and examined indicators that impact walkability on Hawassa City streets, then measured the local walkability index. The results indicate that the suburbs are not walkable and mostly lack pedestrian friendly features, with an average 36.54 local walkability index. The Inner City, also known as Arab Sefer, has an average of 71.69, indicating moderate walkability. The intermediate area has an average of 74.77, indicating that it is mostly walkable. Overall, Hawassa City has an LWI ranging from 58.76 to 64.44, with an average of 62.6, which means it is moderately walkable. The study evaluated the quality of footpaths, street patterns, street lighting, visibility, safe pedestrian crossings, even slope or gradient along the route, continuity of routes, a well connected street network, easy access to facilities and services, proximity to destinations such as schools, shops, other local services, and public transport, and developed a local walkability index by measuring perception using a Likert scale, rating weights assigned to the indicators based on their relevance and importance. The study findings from the walkability assessment revealed several factors that affect the walkability of streets and neighborhoods in Hawassa City. These were categorized into five safety-related factors: orientation, comfort, diversity, and local destinations. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for safe, comfortable, secure, diverse, and accessible streets that prioritize pedestrian-friendly urban design Key Words: Walkability Concept, Walkability, Walkability Assessment, Walkability Indicators, Local Walkability Index.Item Low Impact Development (LID) Design Retrofit to Reduce the Impact of Flooding and Diffused Pollutants from Affecting the Urban Lakes, The Case of Hawassa City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2022-06-01) Yared Dereje; Alazar AssefaRapid urbanization has become a prevalent trend in the twenty-first century, putting development pressures on existing urban areas as a result of socio-economic changes, which has an impact on the natural system, particularly the hydro logical system, by increasing flooding and degrading water quality. The recent expansion and densification of Hawassa city contribute greatly to the generation of more pollutants, which are transported to the city's lake through storm water runoff from built-up areas. The objectives of the study is to see how fast urbanization impacts the city's natural environment, particularly the lake ecology, while also addressing sustainable storm water management to safeguard the city's lake using the Low Impact Development (LID) site design approaches. The city's natural and man-made land cover were investigated to determine the source of Lake Hawassa's ecological problem, which was connected to an increase in impermeable surfaces. In this regard, the study used a data set that included a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), a high-resolution satellite image, an existing land use map, precipitation data, and water quality samples. Using spatial analysis tools in QGIS 3.6.3 and a simulation model in SWMM 5.1, the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff impacting the lake environment were evaluated. The imperviousness level of 14 sub-catchments that directly flow into the lake, as well as the pollution load from impacted catchments, have all been investigated to determine which sub-watersheds contribute the most pollutants to the lake. The study revealed that between 2013 and 2018, the imperviousness level in catchments that directly drain to the lake increased from 12.20 % to 20.32 %. That shows an increment of 43.4 % of runoff from impervious covers within five years period. COD, TSS, TN, and TP levels in water samples tested from the degraded catchments' lake intake streams were 2307.5, 510.5, 2.09, and 10.4 mg/l, respectively, which are all above the permitted range. The SWMM model's simulation results also show that surface water quality is substantially degraded and exceeds acceptable limits. The study identified various types of LID design features as well as potential retrofitting open spaces in the study catchments. After incorporating the proposed LID retrofits, simulated results reveal a reduction of 16.0 % and 17.4 % in storm water runoff and peak flows for catchment 10 (C10) and a drop of 66.3 % and 5.0 % for catchment 11 (C11). Regarding to water quality, the COD, TSS, TN, and TP pollutant loads were reduced by 16.5 %, 16.2 %, 16.3 % and 16.3 %, and for C10 and 26.7 %, 13.1 %, 26.6 percent, and 26.2 %, for C11 respectively. Finally, flooding and water quality impairment shows the disruptions in the urban hydro logic cycle resulting from the construction of more impermeable surfaces have contributed to the degradation of Hawassa Lake's water quality. Incorporating effective LID solutions into the city watershed management systems and limiting a significant increase in impervious surfaces in urbanized catchments has the potential to reduce urban flooding, non point source pollution into the lake, and the oncoming environmental crisis. Keywords Imperviousness, Urban Hydrology, UrbanizationItem Regaining Lost Agricultural Yields: Vertical Façade Farming on Ayat 1 Condominium Buildings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Endale Amdemariame Yirga; Tebebu AssefaDue to the city's rapid urbanization, agricultural and non-agricultural areas have been transformed into built-up urban areas. The Integrated Housing Development Plan (IHDP) of Addis Ababa is the main sector for the conversion of agricultural land to housing development-built areas without the provision of any option for farming products. This study aims to demonstrate vertical vegetable farming as a means to regain agricultural yields that has been taken over by condominium buildings. The study focused on Addis Ababa in Ayat 1 site 1, 2, and 3 condominium buildings and their resident as a population. A stratified sampling method based on their family size strata was used to find the population's vegetable demand, and 362 families were sampled. Purposive sampling is selected to find the potential surface area of the buildings based on their building typology and orientation. The data was gathered from the residents and farmers by questioner and key informant interview and observation from the existing building. The household's vegetable consumption amount, the buildings' potential surface area, the land's previous productivity, and the vertical farming productivity of the façade were analyzed and described statistically. Based on the literature and resident preference 10 vegetables were selected for the demonstration. The result shows that the total annual vegetable consumption of the residents in the study area is 3,632,473.4kg/year or 1,204,169,438 calories/year. The potential surface area for vegetable façade farming with 6 hours and 4 hours of daylight exposure is 297,270m2 from both, B+G+8 and B+G+10 building typologies. The 31 hectares of the study area land has been producing 46.5 tons of teff, which is 155,775,000 kcal/year. Vertical façade vegetable farming can produce 5,333,418.11kg/year or 2,309,169,276.366kcal/year. As a result of the vertical façade vegetable farming, 191.76% of the vegetable consumption of the residents can be fulfilled and 1,482.56% of the lost agricultural land produces can be regained. Using vertical façade farming on the condominium building is the key recommendation for the government, researchers, urban designers, and the community. Key Words – vertical farming, façade vegetable farming, condominium housing, food securityItem Potential Solutions for Spatially Disconnected Ginfile Sub Watershed of Woliso Town, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2023-05-01) Demelash Geremew Jebessa; Alazar AssefaThe Woliso town, originally centered around the natural spring 'Filwuha,' features abundant natural resources like the valuable hot spring 'Hora Ayetu,' scenic landscapes, and perennial streams sustaining fertile soil year-round. However, rapid population growth and urban expansion are disrupting the delicate ecological balance. Understanding the spatial organization of surface water in urbanized areas is crucial for sustainable water resource management and mitigating environmental impacts. In the study area, the majority of potential blue spots and wetlands are encroached upon by impermeable surfaces, leading to fragmented hydrological channels and limited connectivity with the broader stream network, exacerbating flood risks during extreme events. The research aims to assess the spatial and temporal connectivity of urban streams, considering the influence of land use changes and raising awareness of surface water management in the Omo Gibe sub-basin region. Employing GIS and remote sensing techniques, the study evaluates watershed characteristics and stream connectivity using morphometry, graph metrics, and spatial analysis. Results indicate that urban expansion has significantly altered surface water bodies and riparian zones, leading to their reduction, disappearance, and pollution. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated, proactive approach to land management and planning at both regional and local scales, emphasizing the importance of incorporating water bodies and riparian areas into sustainable urban design strategies to preserve their social and environmental value. Key words: Graph Metrics, Morphometric, Stream connectivity, Watersheds, Wetlands/blue-spot, Woliso townItem The Image of the Street Sidewalks and their Influence on User Perception the Case of Africa Avenue, King George Vi Street, Haileselasie Street, and Churchill Avenue(Addis Ababa University, 2023-05-01) Biruk Tamrat Hailemeskel; Darik ZebenigusGreat cities begin with sidewalks. Sidewalks have been the main circulation places and centre for social, cultural, and economic activities. While walking a person can understand, experience, and evaluate the streets cape and this impression creates an image of the sidewalk. And the image created might become an identity for the sidewalks. Addis Ababa city is the capital of Ethiopia and the political capital of Africa is going throw different public space developments, mainly on street networks. walking is the predominant transportation system of the city. The city sidewalks serve as a meeting, socializing, and economic space beyond movement. This paper attempts to examine the Image of the Street and its sidewalks of the city by taking case study sidewalks namely Africa Avenue, King George VI street, Haileseilase street, and Churchill Avenue which were selected based on different selection criteria. There are different subjective and objective ways of measuring the image of the street and its sidewalk. The study used two approaches site evaluation and sidewalk user interview (perception approach). The examination of the sidewalks focused on Image creating indicators like the physical layout of the sidewalks, function, and activities held on them, district function and activity, presence of landmarks, architectural style along the sidewalk, safety, place identity and meaning, sense of belonging, and other emotional factors. The finding indicated Image able sidewalks are created with the balance between landscapes and the senses capes. The presence of tangible features (the physical layout and functions) and intangible features (the activity and emotion) aspects are very important. The study also revealed that there is a solid connection between people and activity, people and function, people and space, and based on these people develop feelings and emotions. The research also witnessed place (sidewalk) familiarity and emotional attachments (sense of belongingness) depending on their experience of the places. Keywords: Public Space, The Street and its Sidewalks, the Image of Street and its Sidewalks, Street Sidewalk user‟s perception, Addis AbabaItem Leveraging on-Site Rainwater Harvesting for Water Supply Challenges of High-Occupancy Mixed-Use Buildings in Addis Ababa; The Case of Crown Hotel 40/60 Condominium(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05-01) Ashenafi Belina Hunde ; Tibebu AssefaAddis Ababa City Administrations has built different types of condominium housing since 2005 through its Housing Development Program. 40/60 condominium is one of the program schemes intends for higher middle income residents. However, most of these housing sites supplied water twice a week. This research aims to investigate the water supply demand gap as well as potential rooftop and surface runoff RWH for supplementary water supply and flood reduction in Crown Hotel 40/60 condominium site. Monthly water demand is projected from household survey data collected from 193 residential and commercial units; the current water consumption determined from six-month monthly water bill. Rooftop RWH potential of site is calculated by interpolating the mean monthly rainfall data of 15 rain gauge stations collected from National Meteorological Agency. As well as, the catchment hydrology is analyzed using rational methods; infiltration trench and basin is proposed for surface runoff harvesting in accordance to the catchment suitability criteria. The result indicates, the study site has a monthly water supply gap of 0.41m3 per housing units. Each buildings have rooftop RWH potential of 1190.2m3 annually, this amount can contribute 11 percent of the buildings annual water demand. The required size of infiltration trench and basin are 14.72m2 for trench and is 22.7m2 basin. These components have a potential of 22,511.28m3 surface runoff harvesting annually by infiltrating to ground soil. Both rooftop and surface RWH system can reduce 63 percentages of floods generated from the study site. Thus, practicing both surface and rooftop RWH systems are comprehensive to encounter the city water supply challenges and flood related problems caused by the combination of population growth, climate and land use change. Keywords: Water sensitive urban design, water; rooftop rainwater harvesting; surface runoff, stormwater, 40/60 condominiumItem Assessment of Urban tree Canopy Cover: Case of Hawasa City(Addis Ababa University, 2024-04-01) Gemeda Mekuria Habte; Kalkidan AsnakeUrban Areas Face Increasing Challenges Related To Environmental Sustainability, With The Inadequate Of Green Infrastructure And Tree Canopy Coverage Being A Pressing Concern. This Study Focuses On The Assessment Of Tree Canopy Coverage In Hawasa City, Offering Crucial Insights Into The Multifaceted Benefits It Provides. Methodology Involves Itree, Remote Sensing, GIS Mapping, And Field Surveys, The Research Reveals That The Total Tree Canopy Cover In The City Is Approximately 18%. This Canopy Cover Serves As A Significant Carbon Sink, Storing And Sequestering Around 565,160 Tons Of Carbon, Thereby Contributing To The Mitigation Of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels. Additionally, The Study Finds That The Existing Tree Canopy Generates Substantial Economic Savings, Amounting To $27,321,773 Per Square Mile Per Year, By Reducing Energy Costs Associated With Indoor Cooling. Moreover, The Environmental Advantages Extend To Storm Water Management, With A Reduction Of 135,590 Liters Of Runoff Per Square Mile Per Year. This Not Only Aids In Preventing Property Damage But Also Results In A Significant Cost Savings Estimated At $320 Per Square Mile Per Year. The Study Further Highlights The Role Of Tree Canopy In Mitigating Urban Heat Island By Absorption Heat Energy That Come From The Sun, Revealing That In Each Square Meter Of Land, Light-Leafed Trees Absorb Only 615.18W Of The Solar Heat Energy And Reflecting 307.59W Back Into The Atmosphere. These Findings Underline The Holistic Benefits Of Preserving And Enhancing Tree Canopy Coverage In Urban Areas, Providing A Foundation For Evidence-Based Decision-Making By City Planners And Policymakers. The Methodologies Employed In This Study Offer A Replicable Framework For Similar Assessments, Encouraging The Adoption Of Sustainable Practices. Therefore, The Hawassa City Administration Should Set Tree Cover Targets To Achieve The Desired Balance Between Green And Grey Infrastructure And Enhance The Climate Resilience Level Of The Study Area.Item The Influence of Street Pattern Configuration on Road Traffic Accident in the Case of Two Cities: Dilla and Debre Birhan, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Flagote Taye Yifru; Tibebu AssefaThe purpose of this study is to find out, whether the variation of street pattern configuration impacts the incidence of Road traffic accident (R.T.A.). Dilla and Debre Birhan cities are selected due to their different street pattern configuration and approximate equal number of population. RTA, in Dilla city is the most common type of injury causes and it is responsible for higher percentage of death among suffering patients. Residents believe that, the cause of this accident is the city’s grid iron street pattern configuration. Debre Birhan in the other hand has mixed street pattern configuration and has relatively lower accident rate. In order to assess the influence, initially, identifying hotspot areas, then analyzing road maps of each city to get data about street configuration parameters, representing hotspots on each cities’ street maps as well as their parametric maps and selecting the most significant parameters to correlating the variables are followed respectively. Street maps of the cities are converted to axial map to analyze the configuration using tool of analysis, called space syntax via software depth map X. This data collaborating with accident risk rate, states their correlation one to another. Consequently, the study provided accident estimation models based on the parameters of street pattern configuration. For Dilla it is explainable by the predictors F (6, 4) = 19.03, p 0.05, R2 = 0.799. Adjusted R value brought the significance level’s explainablity of Dilla’s RTA by parameters to 91.5% and 33% for Debre Birhan. Finally it’s recommended to create awareness about space syntax for those having no prior experience and highlights the importance of considering space syntax while planning and designing road network, is important factor. Key Words: RTA, Space Syntax, Dilla city road network, Debre Birhan city road network.Item Urban Nightscape: An Assessment of Artificial Lighting on Place Recognition and Perceived Safety, the Case of Addis Ababa Main City Center(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05-01) Elias Endale Simegne; Wossen WoldekidanThe study explores the impact of artificial lighting on perceived safety, environmental perception, and place identification in urban environments during night. It focuses on four selected areas in main city center of Addis Ababa: Piassa, Arat Kilo, La Gare, and Merkato. The study reveals a direct correlation between lighting and city image, with pedestrian safety directly related to visibility and maintenance of lighting posts. The research also highlights the lack of attention given to lighting on urban design elements like landmarks, monuments, historic buildings, and public spaces compared to street lighting. The study uses international codes of practice in lighting masterplans and interviews, analyzing data in charts and graphs. The result of this study shows that from the selected 8 areas, Yekatit 12 Memorial (35.38%), Arat kilo patriots monument (46.68%), Addis Ababa city administration building (87.67%), Churchill Road (73.13%), Ethio-Cuba friendship park(41.93%), Lion of Judah near Beherawi theater (37.7%), Lion of Judah in La Gare (56.14%) and Meskel square (92%) recognized in comparison from the daytime recognition test this shows an average of 58.89% of recognizability of this areas due to lack of artificial lighting and the reassurance of the place on pedestrians directly impacted by visibility of the surrounding environment. Finally, its recommended that to better recognize and identify and to improve the perceived safety of pedestrians urban lighting should integrated with urban design elements and responsible stakeholder should be involved in both design and maintenance. Key words: Nightscape, Landmarks, Artificial lighting, Safety and Reassurance, Recognition