Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

Christopher Columbus University

Project idea

CONCEPTUAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BUILDING

In order to conceive this work, we have used the concept of "anamnesis", which consists in relating a memory or reminiscence to a design concept; deepening in the patriotic and cultural symbols that for us are the most emblematic of the nation; same concept that was mint by the Architect Daniel Libeskind to create the design of the Jewish Museum in Berlin. This in addition to our design is not only based on graphic elements, found in these symbols; if not we have also delved into intangible elements of culture, those elements that evoke feelings of belonging and identification with the people.
The development of this complex is based on a basic grid, taking up the proportions of the Czech Republic flag, this being one of the most important national symbols. This grid, being completely regulated and oriented in a perpendicular as well as parallel to the upper side of the terrain, results in a simple composition suitable to the needs of the project. Fist, the project was raised in a single building, which subsequently underwent modifications to make way for a set of three buildings distributed over a large part of the land surface.

VISAS AND CONSULATE BUILDING

The Czech tradition plays an extremely important role in the design decisions for our main building. The typical Czech women's costume has artistic and artisan elements. A floral pattern located on the sleeves of the suit was extracted from this suit. This pattern was reinterpreted and redesigned to be able to materialize within the visual characteristic of our project. To be able to mint prominence to this element, it was decided to materialize it architecturally and bio-climatically speaking, in an envelope structure that surrounds this whole building.

RESIDENCES BUILDING

In the residence building it was proposed to represent the 14 regions that make up the Czech Republic, in a set of frames, located at the beginning of this, generating a support effect.
This same building has a perimeter channel that helps generate an antigravity effect.
When both elements are combined there is a visual effect where the building seems to be only sustained by these arcs, as the 14 regions work together to support the entire Czech Republic.

LANDSCAPE CONCEPT DESIGN

From the National Anthem, famous phrases are extracted that are located throughout the complex generating an atmosphere of belonging and patriotism; This national symbol directly influences landscaping decisions, because it describes the natural environment of the nation, which is of the utmost importance for Czech nationals.

Project description

DESIGN CRITERIA

HIERARCHY: The zoning of the complex is governed by a hierarchy of functional approach
ORIENTATION The buildings were developed in East-West orientation to avoid the greenhouse effect in the interior.

DOUBLE FACADE: In the building of visas and consulate a perforated structure is proposed to effect the entrance of natural lighting and cross ventilation.

FIFTH FACADE: On the last level of the main building (visas and consulate), a terrace was developed, sheltered by the above structure and a system of pergolas.

FUNCTIONALITY: The development of the complex is governed by the function of each of the buildings, as well as their location, design and orientation.

LANDSCAPE: The external environment is governed by regulatory lines and tension lines, generating centralized patios, whose vegetation responds to the existing species in the country.

SUSTAINABILITY: Due to the condition of the city, a pluvial water collection system is proposed in order to efficiently satisfy the water consumption within the complex.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

OFFICIAL BUILDING OF THE EMBASSY

This building is made up of three levels; In the first level the offices related to the visa department are developed, in the second level the sections belonging to the consulate are developed, as are meeting rooms, halls and dining rooms. In the last level is the machinery area and a roof garden. This building has a central courtyard, which helps the entry of natural light.

RESIDENCES BUILDING

This building was proposed as a large nave that houses a set of cubicles inside, said cubicles respond to each of the departments, starting with the largest; the disposition of these departments helps to generate connections between them, but at the same time preserving the privacy for each one.

Technical information

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

MAIN BUILDING

The construction system of this building is based on a rigid steel endoskeleton, composed of columns with a square profile of 0.60m on each side and IPR type beams of 0.60m cant; they hold a steel slab type slab system. In addition to having a dome supported with steel structure.

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

For this building a system of columns type V was developed, in its total 8 columns were distributed on the longest side of it. These columns have a wood covering to hide installations within them, which at the same time generate a more attractive image of the structure.

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