Red Oasis in Addis Ababa

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, FH Kärnten

Project idea

The project deals with various typological categories and tries to find a suitable relation/solution to function between each other by reinterpretation of a composition from F. Kupka made into the 3D. All these categories are made with great emphasis on prestige of embassy as well as the elegance of architecture that would fit into the Ethiopian climatic conditions and surroundings.

Frantisek Kupka is a well known Czech artist who represents with his art the culture from the first Czech Republic. He was also fighting for the independence of Czechia in the first world war. Therefor he represents even more the culture of the Czech Republic.

The design is aimed at a connection of these two “worlds” – Czech Republic and Ethiopia, despite their differences. Some studies were made in order to understand the local climactic and historical conditions. Based on these knowledges, basic goals were determined, like for example:

- the sun shines the whole year from every side (also from North) – roof overlap shading system + lamellas


- no green space in the nearest surroundings
saving existing trees – flexible building structure with atriums, improves climatical & sensual feeling on the plot


- little drinking water in the city water is gathered on the roofs of embassy & natural filtrated – part of the water is available for free to the citizens in the green cutout-corner in the south-east of the plot

- sustainable and energy saving – materials that are accessible/available in Ethiopia, less import needed, less energy for cooling needed, more authentic – connecting cultures

According to case studies, the capital is struggling with a drinking water lack-problem. Another study from ETH Zurich is showing, that there is a problem with energy in the city as well. Copying architectural strategies from other countries brings serious problems, technical cooling systems are using one of the goods, that Ethiopia does not have: energy.

Project description

The compound of embassy is built like a flexible building structure inside the oasis that respects the nature by cutting off the atriums and by the positioning of the elements/buildings. This solution keeps the place/plot of embassy cooler and pleasant for the crew in a natural way. The “atrium theme” is inspired and taken over from the capital, Addis Ababa, itself.

Big volumes of embassy are divided in smaller units, where each unit has its unique function. Concept is avoiding big blocks because of the „small scale“ city structure. The aim was to create a functional unit of embassy buildings, that would not disrupt the already scattered city structure. This is done through a reinterpretation of the composition from F.Kupka.

The architecture itself, with overlapping roofs and shaded paths is a result of warm climatic conditions in Addis Ababa. Lamellas are used to diffuse the strong wind in this area. Big volumes of embassy are divided in smaller units, where each unit has its unique function. The concept is avoiding big blocks because of the „small scale“ city structure.

New embassy should remind also to one of the latest and most popular building period in Czechia, functionalism. Le Corbusier himself was admiring grandiose buildings in Prague. This architectural heritage is something what can be Czechia proud of. Project intends to learn about Czech Republic with its form, architectural speech and art. It means for example - the opened visa-consular building is some kind of a symbol of openness - democracy in Czechia. Facade elements are referring to famous functionalism era in Czechia and the whole areal itself as well.

Technical information

The material selection is made by putting great emphasis on connecting these two cultures – concrete - typical construction material in modern Czech Republic in combination with rammed earth, which is more “healthier” and sustainable to build with in Ethiopia. The red color represents the famous historical stone churches from Lalibela, in Ethiopia, that are under UNESCO world heritage protection.

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