Inner City Riverside Development and Land Use Transformation: in the context of Addis Ababa MSC Thesis in Urban Settlement Studies /Noma- Search program/
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Date
2012-03
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Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
Looking at the current trend in the use and appropriation of land adjacent to rivers in the city of
Addis Ababa, it becomes difficult to imagine how these areas had been transformed from userfriendly
and plausible city-river interaction to degraded and disregarded part of the city where, these
areas are characterized as destination points for most of the garbage from households and
factories. The main objective of this study is to investigate the physical and spatial transformation of
settlements along with existing activities currently taking place along riverside areas within the city.
It also identifies different parameters and develops basic principles as well as guidelines for future
river-edge development strategy. Four case study areas located within the inner city, currently
undergoing urban renewal program, are selected for investigation. The study is carried out using
data obtained through Google earth image, line maps, interviews, observation and mapping of the
case study areas. In addition space syntax software “AGRAPH” is used as an important tool in
analyzing spatial- program relationships, while providing a scientific backdrop in cross-relating initial
assumption with on site observations.
The study found out that, there are significant numbers of built-up structures added, extended and
transformed between1995 and 2002 mainly to accommodate shelter mostly for informal inhabitants.
Inner city riverside areas of Addis Ababa are characterized as “lost” spaces of the city which do not
promote social values and harmonic interaction between people and their natural surroundings.
Moreover, these spaces are least accessible and poorly utilized which has resulted in attracting
informal activities and informal settlements. In addition, the several transformation and activities
happening within the informal environment and their proximity to major access routes show a direct
relationship- i.e. the further away from major access routes the more the informality.
Finally, based on the findings of the study, design guidelines and land use strategies are proposed
for inner city riverside areas. To show practicality of the recommended guidelines, a schematic landuse
design is proposed for one specific case study area.
Key words: River-edge, Watershed, Transformation, Accessibility, Buffer-zone
Description
Keywords
River-edge, Watershed, Transformation, ; Accessibility, Buffer-zone