Contextualizing the new Development with Urban Heritage (The Case of National Theatre Area)
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Date
2019-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Heritage conservation and urban development have been considered as two
controversial concepts. In rapidly changing cities, like Addis Ababa, the conflict
between the two concepts appears acute and complex. The overshadowing of the
new development over the urban heritages is degrading the spirit of the existing
urban space. The National Theatre Area is among the urban quarters that suffer
from the mismatch of the development with the urban heritage. Its location in the
main city center which requires a minimum of 70m building height for new
developers made the problem more complicated.
The purpose of this research is to stimulate a heritage sensitive design in areas
where development takes place. It reveals the fight observed between the urban
heritage of the study area and the new development. It also questions what kind of
interplay should be created between the two concepts. In order to determine ways
of bringing the two ideas into good dialogue the researcher has reviewed related
theories and philosophies; examined similar international practices; analyzed the
study area; collected and examined different data and questionnaires from different
stakeholders; and also has done an interview for concerned government officials.
The data are primarily collected by qualitative methods supplemented by a
quantitative method. The investigation has been carried out from the perspective in
which new development and urban conservation can be achieved in a harmonious
way. Moreover, contextual analysis has been done to relate the literature review
with the existing case analysis. The researcher revealed that the absence of
political initiations by the government, lack of coordination between stakeholders,
insufficient policies and guidelines, lack of community participation, the slanted
attitude of architects and planners against heritages are some of the reasons that
cause the conflict. Beyond the recommendations, the researcher has proposed a
descriptive urban conservation proposal for the study area.
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Keywords
Urban Heritage ,, New Development,, Sense of Place,, Context,, National Theatre Area