A Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Study for Menelik II Palace in Holeta Genet Town, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2017-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
EiABC
Abstract
Menelik II’s Palace, a national cultural heritage site, which is found in Holeta town, is one of
a very few buildings that have stood time and shouldered burdens during the changing of
regimes. The beautiful appearance of the building is still found in its graceful character that
outshines the effects of time. Although the building is a national cultural heritage site, it also
has a significant role in the recent history of Ethiopia, in its connection to the foundation of a
modern military academy as well as Holeta town’s establishment and settlement. It is a living
witness of the building technology and thought of the period of Emperor Menelik II. With all
the precious value that the building and its compound have, it is the discovery of its present
deteriorated condition which inspired this research.
The primary and secondary data resources show that, the Palace building has made a
significant mark on Ethiopia’s architectural history. As reviewed on the case study, the Addis
Ababa Palace of Menelik II has a very similar architectural character and heritage value with
the building under consideration. It has been conserved recently and shall open to the public
with new function in the near future. Thus it serves as an example and the lesson what we
learn should be taken to conserve and transfer such precious historic building to the next
generation.
After documenting the Palace building’s history and floor plan, the paper closely identifies
and examines the factors contributing to its deterioration and recommends conservation
options. It also identifies potential stakeholders in the process and analyzes opportunities and
values as well as current challenges and threats regarding the conservation of the historic
Palace building.
Despite various problems related to the building’s deterioration, this study also shows the
effects of abandonment and absence of ownership that have been observed on the heritage
Palace. Nonetheless, the site has considerable potential for sustainable development as tourist
destination and socio-cultural integration if properly managed and conserved. These findings
lead to a few recommendations on valorization of Menelik II Palace building in Holeta for
sustainable use.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Chair of Conservation Of Urban And Architectural Heritage
of Addis Ababa University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
degree of Master of Science of Conservation Of Urban And Architectural Heritage
Keywords
Cultural significance, Fabric:, Conservation, Maintenance, Restoration, Adaptation, Rehabilitation, Interpretation