The Embassy of Czech Republic in Addis Ababa

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Architecture

Project idea

The main idea of the proposal is to divide the outdoor spaces by means of objects into communication, private, service and representation areas. I choose the axial composition of the embassy buildings, which confirms the dignity of the embassy.

Project description

The site is divided by two private communications on 3 parts. The western lappet is used for local forced housing. The southern tip has a service function for the third part which si the most extensive part of the embassy itself. The third part consists of buildings for embassies, residences for ambassadors, residential buildings for employees and consular and visa facilities.
The axial composition of the official embassy building and the apartment building is closed by residences for ambassadors. This composition confirms the dignity of the embassy premises and divides the site into various outdoor spaces. In the western part of the site there is a representative garden with a connection to the representative part of the official embassy building and also with the residence. I perceive this garden as the safest part of the site, which is not in direct contact with public roads or the surrounding buildings. In the eastern part of the site there are private gardens, a garden of residence and an apartment building.
Two identical counterparts correspond in their form to different functions of objects. Official Embassy building has a compact form with clear articulated entracnce, exterior layout and protruding construction, serving as a shield. On the another hand the apartment building is airy. It is based on the principle of inserting flats into the bearing structure so that they create different depths of terraces, thanks to the irregularity obtain the necessary private outdoor spaces. Created yard between the volumes is partially obscured, into this space are oriented office and housing entrances.
The residence solitaire at the end of the axis view follows the axial division of the representative and private parts. The atrium house consists of 2 above-ground floors and one underground floor.
The Consular and visa office building is a one-storey, compact, closed solitaire house which is part of the perimeter walls of the complex. The building has a separate entrance directly from the street, so the entrances of the Official Embassy building and the Consular and visa office building are clearly separated.

Technical information

All technical facilities for room for air-conditioning machine room, boiler room, substation are situated in the underground floor. The bearing structure (as walls and columns) of the buildings is made of white concrete. White symbolizing perfection and purity and concrete symbolizing strength and safety.

Co-authors

doc. Ing. arch. Zdeněk Rothbauer, Ing. arch. Vojtěch Sosna, Ing. arch. Karel Filsak