Aleksandra Stoltz and Marceli Sobiański, as part of their occupation at the Faculty of Architecture, Poznan University of Technology, inspired by Czech and Ethiopian culture, created a design for the building complex of the Czech Republic embassy in Addis Ababa.
The students, under the direction of Ewa Angoneze-Greli, designed a complex consisting of separate buildings connected by circular squares, which refer to tukula - oval-shaped houses typical of Ethiopia.
The embassy consists of separate buildings
© Aleksandra Stoltz, Marcela Sobanski
Ethiopia's contemporary, not always good construction
Before working on the project, the authors drew information about conditions in Ethiopia.
According to the students:
Before starting the design part, it was extremely important to have a thorough understanding of the conditions in this part of the country. The use of natural materials in the project is a kind of opposition to the architectural activities that have been taking place in the Ethiopian capital for several years. Due to the considerable development of the country, a huge number of new buildings are being constructed there, the form and design of which very often do not take into account local conditions. Currentdevelopments are expensive, as the materials necessary for their construction are imported from other parts of the world. The spaces themselves in unsuitable to local conditions glazed buildings are overheated, and users do not feel comfortable in them.
Sunlight analysis influenced the design
© Aleksandra Stoltz, Marcela Sobanski
Local materials and a return to tradition
Not so long ago, less than a century ago, Ethiopia had a tradition of building seven-story buildings out of clay, a tradition that is now almost forgotten. In the project, the key is to move away from prevailing trends and focus on architecture that draws on local traditions and values. Focusing on using local building techniques and materials that do not burden the environment and benefit from Ethiopia's rich and diverse culture. The country, once called the granary of Africa, has rich soil that contains high levels of clay particles. Almost all of the material needed for the new structures can be mined in Addis Ababa. The main building blocks of the project are therefore clay construction blocks. The roof and walls are covered with a special waterproof mortar made from prickly pear cactus juice, salt, lime and clay.
Circular plazas connect the individual buildings
© Aleksandra Stoltz, Marcela Sobanski
