Field and river

20th International Conference of Ethiopian Studies (ICES20)
Mekelle University, Ethiopia

"Regional and Global Ethiopia - Interconnections and Identities"
1-5 October, 2018

ICES20 logo

Use the "back" button of your browser to return to the list of abstracts.

CURRENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES ON URBAN HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF ADDIS ABABA CITY [Abstract ID: 0105-01]

ABEL Assefa, Architectural Conservation Expert at ARCCH, Ethiopia

The city of Addis Ababa, due to its political and geographical importance encompasses historical significant urban heritages that are associated with its foundation and growth. Although these heritages are being identified and acknowledged by concerned government institutes and some incorporated on the City’s Master Plan, they are currently in danger as a result of poor cultural heritage management. This paper therefore, attempts to identify and discuss the current practice and challenges on management of the city’s urban heritages generally, and historical buildings in particular. It seeks to discuss and propose a strategy to overcome the current urban heritage management challenges by adaptive re-use of architectural heritages by promoting Public Private Partnership. It also gives a glimpse and attempts to bring to light new issues on how conservation and adaptive reuse of historical buildings meets Ethiopian Government strategy towards green economy. Furthermore, considering the diversity and potential for urban heritages and established cultural institutes where one historic quarter of the city consists, this study attempts to suggest for integrating these resources in the urban planning and create a ‘cultural zone’ for the city.