LOOKING TO THE PAST TO BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
The booming construction industry increasingly relies on expensive imported materials to satisfy demand, yet a team of innovative architects believes a solution lies closer to home. Combining traditional techniques with the latest technology, the only barriers they face are the recently imposed housing regulations, writes Tibebeselassie Tigabu. The neighborhoods of Addis Ababa are transforming into concrete jungles, with the mushrooming buildings giving the city a whole new identity. Many complain of losing their old memories, as the high-rise projects dominate the skyline. Traditional housing materials such as mud, straw and bamboo are considered “primitive”, now completely replaced by concrete and iron sheets. Houses found in different areas of the country, like the hidmos in Tigray or the bamboo houses of Sidama, cannot be transferred to an urban setting, and even in rural areas they are moving towards corrugated iron. Many architects criticize the new city build