Cultures dialog

Cracow Technical University (Politechnika Krakowska), Kraków

Project idea

The idea for the new Czech Republic Embassy in Addis Ababa is to join both cultures by different ways of perceiving architecture in these countries. The main inspiration for the design was Cubism art style which is visible in the urban plan that affects the outer skin of the buildings. The architecture style (Cubism) developed only in the Czech Republic which makes it significant and unique for this country. The inner skin is made from natural material typical for Etiophia (Rammed Earth technique). This way two different cultures are combined together.

Project description

The project contains an urban and architectural proposal for the embassy complex. Five buildings are located on a plot and surrounded by a planned garden. The plan creates a variety of private and public spaces by using different design solutions. The official part contains Visa and Consular Department building and Official Embassy building. The ambassador's residence is located behind them and has its own private garden. The third part are residential buildings for the Embassy staff and local workforce. The buildings are centrally located towards the circle situated in the heart of the garden.

Technical information

The building's walls are made from reinforced concrete or in rammed earth technique. This technique used natural materials and only local resources are needed. The biggest advantage is a very good thermal insulation provided by the huge thermal mass essential for the climate. The solution is cheap and ecological.

Co-authors

Maria Zimnoch, Katarzyna Orzechowska, Mateusz Ryjak, Filip Sierak

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