Urban Design
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Item 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 Yitbarek (phd)The 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 Managing the Publicly Accessible Space Supply Process in Ethiopia's Urban Transition Process: The Urbanist-Contextualist Outdoor Signage Management Gap in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06-01) Mariamawit Ayele Asfaw; Heyaw Terefe (PhD)Emerging urban transition processes like that of Ethiopia are likely to have not only development and knowledge problems but also problems of research or the process with which solutions to the first two problems are searched. This research belongs to a thematic research group consisting of 14 researches concerned with the three problems. One of the researches was dedicated to study of the third problem while the remaining were planned, on the one hand, to deal with the first two problems and, on the other, to test the recommendations of the research on the research process. Accordingly, the objectives of this research will be, on the one hand, to investigate the development and knowledge problems pertaining to outdoor signage and the Publicly Accessible Domain (PAD) of the city, which is considered as its soul and an important input for improvement of quality of life particularly for the majority whose access to high quantity and quality private domain is limited in developing country cities like Addis Ababa, and, on the other, to test the said recommendations. A qualitative research methodology including interview, document review, analysis of implemented signage designs, and discussion were used for the research. The research indicates that there is significant gap in the literature on outdoor signage management system for contexts like Ethiopia where low level and slow industrialization but rapid rate urban transition is likely to lower management capacity, create public and private domain space quantity constraints, and introduce the unmanaged/informal signage containers like buildings and open spaces.Item Assessment of Walkability on Selected Streets and Neighborhoods of Hawassa City(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-18) Mesay Matusala; Nebyou Yonas (PhD)This 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 Assefa (PhD)Rapid 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 Assefa (PhD)Due 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 Assefa (PhD)The 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 Assefa (PhD)Addis 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 Asnake (PhD)Urban 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 Assessment of Urban Tree Canopy Cover: Case of Hawasa City(Addis Ababa University, 2025-04-01) Gemeda Mekuria Habte; Wondwosen Debebe (PhDUrban 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 Assefa (Associate professor)The 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 Woldekidan (PhD)The 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, RecognitionItem Comfort of Streets As A Public Space: The Case of Selected LRT Streets in Addis Ababa(Addis Ababa University, 2025-02-01) Hunde Motera Wakjira; Darik Zebenigus WuhibDespite being an important part of urban public space, streets are often designed primarily for cars, not people. This can make them hostile and uninviting, which discourages people from using them. This study examined the selected street segments along the Light Rail Transit (LRT) of Addis Ababa for one of the qualities of the place-making approach, which is comfort from aspects of the physical setting, safety, and sense of pleasure. With the methods of literature review, observation, and survey, the study attempts to understand the expected qualities and limitations on the ground. Three objectives are set to address the issue. One is to grasp quality parameters and attributes from existing literature by using content analysis. The second objective is to investigate the physical context and pedestrian activity on the street using observation and pedestrian counting with the descriptive statistics analysis method. The third objective is to evaluate the performance of the pedestrian environment as a public space using Vikas Mehta's "public space index" (PSI) analysis. Based on the results and discussion, the streets were found to be crowded, lack diversity in user types, and have limitations in the provision of optional activities. There is compromised overall comfort in the physical setting, safety, and sense of pleasure caused by a lack of provision of sidewalk elements, maintenance, and appropriate use. Keywords: street, pedestrian, comfort, public space, street as a public space.Item Assessment of The Quality of Urban Public Open Space for User’s Case Study: Inner City Public Open Space in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2024-02-01) Eden Dires Agidew; Darik ZebenigusPublic spaces play a critical role in urban environments by creating vibrant, livable communities and promoting social cohesion, civic engagement, and physical activity. The rapid urbanization in Bahir Dar has led to a decline in the quality and functionality of public spaces, presenting challenges such as misuse for unintended purposes, conversion to vacant lands, illegal waste dumping, degradation from urban floods, fragmentation due to gully formations, areas of conflict. Even some urban public open spaces might have existed in unknown conditions. These issues indicate a lack of attention to the quality and proper management of open public spaces in the city. Prioritizing the improvement of public spaces in Bahir Dar is essential to ensure they continue to serve as vital community resources, contributing to the well-being and vitality of urban areas. This study aims to assess the quality of urban public open spaces in the inner city of Bahir Dar through case studies of Shumabo Park, Millennium Park, and Mulualem Street side Public Open Space. It utilized both quantitative data from survey responses and qualitative data from mapping, photography, and direct observation. Primary data was gathered through direct observation and on-site survey questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from relevant literature and empirical studies. Data collection involved simple random sampling, with a sample size of 100 users from each study area, totaling 300 community members. Methods of data collection included direct observation techniques such as tracing, tracking, and photography, as well as a self-administered questionnaire survey. Descriptive analysis was used based on user behavior (the frequency, duration, and type of activities) and established quality guidelines (context, place, comfort, variety, and connection), with data summarized through tables, graphs, and pictures obtained during the field survey. The study's findings indicated that the quality of the public open spaces did not adequately support optional activities and fall below desired quality levels. Scores based on five quality guidelines showed an average quality below average, indicating poor value for public open spaces. Challenges in managing and maintaining these spaces, along with a lack of public awareness and clear guidelines, contribute to their poor quality. Enhancing, revitalizing, or modifying the public open spaces in Bahir Dar is necessary to meet quality standards. Key Words: Public Open Space, QualityItem Mapping The Level of Active Frontage in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2025-11-01) Ametu Mohammed Oumer; Tibebu Assefa (Phd)Active frontages have high value for city development. However in Addis Ababa fence properties, blind walls and streets which make its frontage inactive and repressive for citizen, passersby and visitors. Blind walls or street frontages with few openings are deterring. The study aims to measure active frontage level of Addis Ababa city. Active frontage level in Addis Ababa city was identified on field observation and by applying Arc GIS software digitize and give attribute of each frontage level data obtained from field survey,(captured photos in walk-along), analyze, interpret, map out active frontage level map and rated active frontage level. Accordingly the city has been rated frontage level from A to E. Where frontage level A is full of widows and inviting and frontage level E is for passive frontage. The study investigated that the level of active frontage level in Addis Ababa city was depends on street type, building function, fence and building structure. The result showed that 85.6% of AA is passive while 14.4% % is active. The study found that from the total active street segments in Addis Ababa city 55.6% is both side active streets and 44.4% is one side active streets either right or left side. This shows that even the active streets in Addis Ababa city are not fully active. So the responsible body needs to take action by identifying potential active area by issuing relevant regulation and redistributing magnet buildings. Key words: - Active frontage, passive frontage, active frontage level map.Item Challenges of Pedestrian Movement in Addis Ababa: The Case of Bole Sub-City(Addis Ababa University, 2025-11-01) Melisew Andarge; Birhanu Girma (PhD)Walking is being promoted as either a main mode of transportation or as a part of multimodal mobility. Despite the advantage of walking mode of transport, there is no standard pedestrian facility not only in quality but also in the capacity. Thus, pedestrian accidents are a serious and growing problem in the world, especially in the cities of low income and middle-income countries. To answer all the research questions, a 1 to 5 Likert scale , correlation and multiple linear regression models were used. Moreover, primary and secondary data were collected using research tools and collected data was analyzed using (SPSS) version 20. Results showed that the presence of rubbish dumped on pedestrian walkways, temporary garbage storage on pedestrian walkways and unlimited excavation and construction materials dumped on pedestrian walkway were the major challenges in pedestrian side walk. Besides, design of pedestrian facilities can lead to endless problems and can discourage the pedestrians due to a feeling of unselfishness, unprotected, or uncomfortable conditions. Thus, it is recommended that while planning urban road facilities, pedestrian crossings should be given due importance and placed accordingly so that its impact does not affect the traffic flow to a higher level. Keywords: Bole Sub-city, Pedestrian, Roadside Vendors, Obstruction, Street ParkingItem The Impacts of Urban Redevelopment-Induced Relocation on Low-Income Disabled Communities: A Case Study of Koye-Feche Condominium Site(Addis Ababa University, 2025-11-01) Abayneh Tesfaye Bedane; Birhanu Girma (Phd)Urban development is a global phenomenon that promotes economic growth, infrastructure modernization and social development However, it often dis-proportionately affects vulnerable populations, and such as low-income and disabled communities leading to displacement, social disruption, and economic hardship this study examines the impacts of such relocation on residents of the Koye-Feche Condominium site. The primary objective is to assess how the relocation process has influenced access to essential services, social inclusion, and economic opportunities for these communities. This study employed primary and secondary methods of data collection and field observations. The collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, the study combines qualitative interviews with 20 key informants, including resettlement authorities, community leaders, and affected individuals, the research is mainly qualitative, and the quantitative data obtained were used to support the findings alongside a quantitative survey of 165 relocated households. Key findings reveal that relocation has disrupted social networks, limited access to basic amenities, and posed significant challenges to economic stability, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the study identifies barriers in policy implementation and gaps in post-relocation support programs. The findings underscore the need for inclusive planning, robust support systems, and targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of urban redevelopment induced relocation on vulnerable populations. Recommendations include enhancing accessibility, improving stakeholder engagement, and providing tailored economic and social support for affected communities. Keywords: Relocation, Impact, Disability, Low-Income, Social Inclusion, ResettlementItem 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 Assefa(PhD)Rapid 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 hydrological 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 stormwater 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 stormwater 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 stormwater 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 hydrologic 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, nonpoint source pollution into the lake, and the oncoming environmental crisis.Item Mapping the Level of Active Frontage in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia(Addis Ababa University, 2022-11-01) Ametu Mohammed Oumer; Tibebu Assefa (PhD)Active frontages have high value for city development. However in Addis Ababa fence properties, blind walls and streets which make its frontage inactive and repressive for citizen, passersby and visitors. Blind walls or street frontages with few openings are deterring. The study aims to measure active frontage level of Addis Ababa city. Active frontage level in Addis Ababa city was identified on field observation and by applying Arc GIS software digitize and give attribute of each frontage level data obtained from field survey,(captured photos in walk-along), analyze, interpret, map out active frontage level map and rated active frontage level. Accordingly the city has been rated frontage level from A to E. Where frontage level A is full of widows and inviting and frontage level E is for passive frontage. The study investigated that the level of active frontage level in Addis Ababa city was depends on street type, building function, fence and building structure. The result showed that 85.6% of AA is passive while 14.4% % is active. The study found that from the total active street segments in Addis Ababa city 55.6% is both side active streets and 44.4% is one side active streets either right or left side. This shows that even the active streets in Addis Ababa city are not fully active. So the responsible body needs to take action by identifying potential active area by issuing relevant regulation and redistributing magnet buildingsItem Space- Syntax as a Tool for Place Making by Restructuring Public Spaces Within Mixed-Residential Areas Of Addis Ababa, the Case Of Meskel Flower District(Addis Ababa University, 2022-04-01) Daniel Sileshi Leggese; Alazar Assefa (PhD)Placemaking is a process that inspires people to reinvent or reimagine public spaces as the heart of every community. It also strength the connection between peoples and places they share. The main existing problem in the study area is the existence of fewer open spaces when compared to standards. The existing open spaces are not providing the intended services and most of them are leftover spaces without any function and some are even used for emerging slum housing. The general objective of this study is identifying spatial capital of the neighbourhoods and redesign open. In this paper analytical research is used together with qualitative and quantitative data types. Software like GIS, AUTOCAD, and depthmapX are used for data analysis. The main finding from this paper is, the Study area is poorly connected in relation to the required function, the linkage and integration of public spaces with people's primary uses are poor and roads within residential areas have poor connection and are characterized by dead ends. So, the overlayed street integration and open space map was developed in response to creating functional open spaces to achieve the desired mixing of functions and accessibility based on the standards, which provides responses to the problems that were collected and analysed. This study attempts to provide sample design proposals of selected areas or nodes of the overlayed map, with placemaking as the main focus area.