The Embassy of Czech Republic in Addis Ababa.

Christopher Columbus University

Project idea

The Embassy project is focused on being a form of expression of Czech culture, which must be expressed in the design of the architectural complex. The place must be a source of information in which anyone who visits it has the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, economy, and society of the Czech Republic.

The design of the architectural complex is based on one of the largest icons of the Czech Republic, which is the Prague Astronomical Clock, located in the Old Town of Prague and which has been considered as Cultural Heritage.

Project description

The starting point of the project was the radial shape, mainly in the walls, which tries to be indefinite and reflective based on the geometry of the astronomical clock in Prague. Also, the main clock hand has been represented as a dividing axis in the architectural complex.
In addition to representing the astronomical clock of Prague, we have sought to base the functionality that it has.
The design process has been based on determining the composition and how each building will be distributed logically and functionally. Finally, the design was given to the facades according to the bioclimatic requirements of the geographical area of Addis Ababa.
The facades are designed according to the bioclimatic needs of the region, which have fallen into a minimalist design. There is a contrast between walls and hollows through the use of minimal linear slots that allow the concentration of hot air inside the buildings.

Technical information

The architectural complex has been based on a specific construction system: circular concrete columns 50 cm in diameter, load-bearing walls and steel slabs that support each building.

In addition to have a distributive and disjunctive function, the central wall of the architectural complex has the constructive function of a load-bearing wall that supports each of the buildings through its radial composition.
Ecotechnologies based on the use of water have been implemented and merged with the design of the building through an interior waterfall. To do this, it was necessary to use a hydro-sanitary system suitable for the entire complex.

Co-authors

Luis Antonio Rodriguez Maasberg, Elizabeth Ojeda Zuccolotto, Ilse Gonzalez Colina, advice from Arq. Enrique Sánchez Pugliesse

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