Characteristic Use And Transformation Of Open Spaces In Old Neighborhoods Of Addis Ababa

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

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.