Established in 2020, INTBAU Ethiopia exists to promote traditional architecture, urbanism and the related building crafts in Ethiopia. The chapter does this by raising awareness, both in country and internationally, of existing traditional skills and practices. Its vision is that these time-tested methods and traditional building techniques are understood, celebrated and incorporated into contemporary practice.

INTBAU Ethiopia also seeks to promote environmental and cultural sustainability through the development of a locally-crafted modernism that incorporates local, national and regional traditional techniques into contemporary practice. The collaborative efforts of academics, architects, artists, craftspeople and other interested actors will support the chapter in its aim to educate and negotiate a space for tradition in new development within the built environment, as well as to help influence policy-making.

INTBAU Ethiopia’s mission is to research, engage and educate.

Its research focus will be on the study of diverse homegrown architectural practices, traditional building techniques and crafts. Specifically, the chapter explores local and ecologically sustainable materials with a focus on earth.

With regards to engagement, INTBAU Ethiopia will initiate small-scale collaborative  building projects in which communities directly participate.

In order to exchange knowledge and practical skills, INTBAU Ethiopia will build a network of supporters, including though content such as newsletters, virtual talks, and where possible, hands-on workshops.

Chapter

-Biniam Hailu, Chapter Chair and ICC Representative

-Seid Abdu

-Yonantan Workneh

-Mina Awol

Images

1. 1. Traditional Gamo House, Southwest Ethiopia; woven bamboo construction & enset leaves, grass, timber
2. 2. Traditional Gurage House, Wolkite, Ethiopia; bamboo frame structure, earth wall with thatched roof
3. 3. Palace of Emperor Yohannes IV, Mekele, Ethiopia; stone & timber construction with lime plaster
4. 4. Royal Archive Building, at Gondar Castle complex, Ethiopia; stone & timber construction
5. 5. Fasil Castle, Gondar, Ethiopia; stone & timber construction
6. 6. Bakafa’s Castle, Gondar, Ethiopia; stone & timber construction
7. 7. Gondar, Ethiopia; stone & timber construction
8. 8. Debreberhan Sellassie Church, Gondar, Ethiopia; stone & timber construction with thatch roof
9. 9. Debreberhan Sellassie Church, Gondar, Ethiopia; traditional mural decorated ceiling
10. 10. Traditional Hidmo House, Tigray region, Ethiopia; stone structure & flat roof with wood supports
11. 11. Traditional Hidmo House, Tigray region, Ethiopia; stone structure & flat roof with wood supports
12. 12. Zoma Museum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; wattle and daub earth construction
13. 13. Zoma Museum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; façade decorated with Ge’ez script numbers
14. 14. Zoma Museum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; hand sculpted decorated earth façade