The main objective of this research is to understand the age long experiences of people living around shared residential open spaces in the old neighborhoods of Addis Ababa. And the manner is focused on the comprehension of the shared open spaces in the neighborhoods as a social and cultural products or phenomena.
Case study research is employed to do this research because it is an auspicious method to study such contemporary phenomenological processes. Particularly four shared open spaces are systematically chosen from the inner-city old neighborhoods and studied. The research tries to understand the shared open spaces through their physical and spatial character: spatial configurations and transformations and their relationship with the dwellers; covering such aspects as: activities, meanings, behaviors, communications and perception. And both quantitative and qualitative data are collected through in-depth interviews, mapping, time diaries, observations and photography. The collected data is analyzed through comparative pattern matching, statistical computations, semantic differentials and cross-compound analysis.
The study revealed that the open spaces have from four up to five layers of spaces where different activities are entertained; which are executed out of sheer necessity, option, social and cultural interests. And the distinctions are marked by either physical elements (territorial markers) or expressed through routines. It also showed how well surveilled the open spaces are because of the overlap of activities and layering of spaces. However lack of systematic segregation and ordering of activities marred their effectiveness. In addition, it also showed that women and children are the predominant users of the open spaces whereas the adult males have different spatial predispositions.
Finally, the study has positively drawn lessons in such areas as, creation of layers of spaces that are often complimented by the layering of associations and the inoculation of security and the implication of gender, culture and socio economics on the use of space. Besides, it also highlighted the contribution of domestic open spaces, if organized well in space and time, in readily solving the shortage spaces at home and in bringing economic and cultural sustainability in low income communities.
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1
1.1 Motivation
1.2 Research Relevance
1.3 Scope of the research
1.3.1 Spatial scope
1.3.2 Thematic scope
1.4 The research questions
1.5 Organization of the research
1.5.1 Thesis structure
1.5.2 Research design
2. Chapter 2
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Choice of method
2.2.1 Case study method
2.3 Selection of the case areas and compounds
2.3.1 Case areas selection
2.3.2 Compound selection
2.4 Purpose of data collection
2.5 Data sources and collection techniques
2.5.1 Semi-structured in-depth interviews
2.5.2 Mapping
2.5.3 Time Diaries
2.5.4 Photographs
2.6 Data analysis techniques
2.7 Validity and reliability
2.8 Discussion on the choice of method
3. Chapter 3
3.1 About space & place
3.2 Conceptual space
3.3 Lived space (place)
3.4 Space as a Social Phenomena
3.5 Space and culture
3.6 Residential open spaces (courtyards) across cultures
3.6.1 Courtyards in the international context
3.6.2 Residential open spaces in the Ethiopian context
3.7 Space and Behavioral settings
3.7.1 Territoriality
3.7.2 Configuration of space
3.8 Space and communication
3.9 Perception and environment
3.10 Transformations or appropriations
3.11 Activities and space
3.11.1 Necessary Activities
3.11.2 Optional activities
3.11.3 Social activities
3.11.4 Cultural activities
3.12 Economic activities in Housing areas
3.13 Summary of the literature review
4. Chapter 4
4.1 Background to the case study
4.1.1 Addis Ababa
4.1.2 Arada Sub-City
4.1.3 Dejach Wube Sefer
4.1.4 Gedam Sefer
4.2 The case areas data presentation, analysis & findings
4.2.1 Compound 1 (Aleqa Ambaye Gibi)
4.2.2 Compound 2
4.2.3 Compound 3
4.2.4 Compound 4
4.2.5 Cross compound analysis & findings
5. Chapter 5
5.1 Summary of findings
5.2 Recommendations
5.2.1 On the planning level
5.2.2 On the design level
Research Objectives and Themes
This research aims to understand the long-standing experiences of residents living in shared residential open spaces within the old neighborhoods of Addis Ababa, framing these spaces as crucial social and cultural phenomena that shape and reflect urban life.
- Analysis of spatial configurations and transformations in old neighborhood compounds.
- Investigation of the relationship between physical space and dweller behaviors, meanings, and perceptions.
- Exploration of how gender, socio-economic factors, and culture influence the use of shared spaces.
- Evaluation of the role of domestic open spaces in addressing housing shortages and supporting sustainability.
- Provision of design and planning recommendations for future residential environments.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Motivation
According to a report by UN-Habitat; Ethiopia is the second least urbanized country in Africa, with some 83% of its population living in rural areas. And the rest in cities. Nonetheless, Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and the diplomatic center of Africa, is one of the fastest growing cities on the continent and, based on African Economist Report, the 10th and 16th biggest city in population size and area respectively. With the current population growth rate of 3.36%, the population size which was 3,365, 000 in 2015 is expected to reach the 5 million mark in 2025 (UN-Habitat, 2012).
Addis, like many of the cities in Ethiopia, is facing enormous challenges with respect to employment, housing, water supply, sanitation and many more. (UN-Habitat, 2008).From the above mentioned urban issues; Housing is one of the critical frontiers where Addis is struggling since 80% of its settlements are recognized as “slum” and majority: 70% of them are located within the inner-city boundary (Elias, 2008).
As part of the measures to that end, in 2004 the city has launched IHD (Integrated Housing Development) project aimed at building some 50,000 units per year to fill the gap between the supply and the housing demand. The approach kick started from the peripheries and some inner brown sites and now it is becoming an all rounded phenomena; touching areas in the inner city: that upholds the older (Traditional) settlements. Those areas are full of places that are products of everyday activities, individual aspirations social relationships and culture. Those areas within the inner city, as per Steinberg definition, are heritages.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: Provides an introduction to the research, outlining the motivation, relevance, scope, research questions, and organizational structure.
Chapter 2: Details the research methodology, including the choice of case study design, data collection techniques, and analytical framework.
Chapter 3: Presents a comprehensive review of literature regarding the concepts of space and place, cultural influences, and behavioral settings.
Chapter 4: Focuses on the case studies, describing the background of the areas and presenting the empirical findings and cross-compound analysis.
Chapter 5: Summarizes the major research findings and offers recommendations for future planning and design practices.
Keywords
Addis Ababa, old neighborhood, shared open space, spatial configuration, transformation, activity, meaning, behavior, Dejach Wube Sefer, Gedam Sefer, territoriality, urban housing, social phenomena, dwelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this master’s thesis?
The research examines the physical, social, and cultural characteristics of shared residential open spaces in the historic inner-city neighborhoods of Addis Ababa, specifically focusing on how inhabitants use, perceive, and transform these areas.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
The work covers spatial configuration, the social construction of space, behavioral settings, cultural norms in space usage, and the role of shared compounds in the daily lives of low-income communities.
What is the main research question or objective?
The main objective is to understand the lived experiences of residents in shared open spaces and to comprehend these spaces as social and cultural products that influence and are influenced by the inhabitants.
Which scientific methods were employed for this study?
The research employs a case study method, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques, including in-depth interviews, mapping, time diaries, observations, and photographic documentation.
What is discussed in the main body of the thesis?
The main body includes a literature review on space and place, an in-depth context analysis of the chosen neighborhoods (Dejach Wube Sefer and Gedam Sefer), and a detailed presentation and analysis of four selected compound case studies.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The key terms include Addis Ababa, shared open space, spatial configuration, transformation, and social/cultural meaning.
How do territorial markers function within the researched compounds?
Territorial markers, such as fences, plants, and paving, are used by residents to define privacy, establish boundaries, and communicate social status or specific uses of space within the shared compound.
What impact does urban renewal have on these historical shared spaces?
The study highlights that standard modern renewal often ignores the positive social lessons of these vibrant older spaces, leading to the destruction of traditional community structures and social bonds found in the inner-city compounds.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Daniel Negash (Autor:in), 2016, Characteristic Use And Transformation Of Open Spaces In Old Neighborhoods Of Addis Ababa, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/424084
