Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is challenged by the phenomenon of rapidly growing urbanization. The city is targeted at the risk that fast-tracked urbanization will cause loss of existing habitats and socioeconomic qualities (Tesfaye, 2012). The initiated condominiums have caused a mismatch between the Architectural approach and the anthropological features, lifestyle and aspirations of the inhabitants themselves. This highly influences the quality of life in the urban context of Addis Ababa. The objective of this design project is to redress this mismatch and reflect on striking findings of the research that have been made throughout Ethiopia. By following the striking needs of Ethiopians, the goal of this design project is to realize a well-integrated design, which allows Ethiopian variety and differences of their lifestyle, aspirations, and needs. The report will communicate my vision for this project. A combination of sketches, short writings, flashes of Ethiopian inspiration and common interests argue the choices that have been made. It will lead you through the rural- and urban living all the way until the new proposed urban design project for Addis Ababa, a systematic approach that can adapt to cultural and lifestyle differences on various scales.

The goal of the Global Housing graduation studio is to research and design housing solutions to improve the livelihood of Addis Ababa’s urban dwellers. Combining analysis, planning and design, the participants in this graduation studio are challenged to use multidisciplinary research methods and tools to elaborate design proposals for mass housing as mass welfare. The research outcomes and analytical output compiled in this book have been instrumental to support several dozens of reflexive and critical design proposals for adequate housing in Addis Ababa. More than just a compilation of material, we believe the work included in this book is also a contribution to help students, educators, practitioners and policymakers exploring and developing new standards for housing that respond to contemporary ideals of sustainability and inclusivity.