Evaluation of the Quality of Open Public Space in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Gebrechristos Nuriye

doi:10.7176/cer/12-10-01

Abstract

Urbanization history tells us that the public open space first was observed in Greek where Agora served as central market for the community to assemble, debate, and converse diverse opinions (Madanipour, 2003:194), (Larbi Touaf and Soumia Boutkhil(ed)., 2008). Thus, public spaces are part of urban structure, where space and societies are in the dynamic harmony of historical changes. This research is conducted in selected sub-cities of Addis Ababa. The results have illuminated importance of open public spaces in one hand and disclosed how existing open public spaces are deteriorating. The problem is a manifestation of unplanned development of the city whereby the city has experienced haphazard and organic development. The evaluation of the quality of public open spaces in study area is done in view of internationally recognized standards. Concurrent mixed research method is followed employing qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Sample size was scientifically determined. Data analysis was done using different statistical tools. Study results have shown that significant number of open spaces exist in the city with significant size though their performance is reported unacceptably poor. Certain open spaces were found to be in excellent conditions but inaccessible. Conversely certain public open spaces are found in poor condition but they are openly accessible for public use. Conclusions are drawn from study results and recommendations are specified accordingly. Keywords: Open Public Spaces, Quality, Accessibility DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-10-01 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

Highlights

Introduction to the Study GreekAgora is historically among the first quintessential open public spaces in ancient urban history whose central function serving as a central market, though later served as a place of assembly for the town’s people (Madanipour, 2003:194)
This study is conducted to evaluate quality of open public space in Addis Ababa based on conventionally agreed indicators
Though Addis Ababa is the seat of local international organizations as capital of Ethiopia and Africa, the city is not satisfying internationally accepted standards when evaluated from the point of open public spaces

Summary

Introduction

Agora is historically among the first quintessential open public spaces in ancient urban history whose central function serving as a central market, though later served as a place of assembly for the town’s people (Madanipour, 2003:194). Experiences from many countries show that quality urban open public spaces provide environmental, social and economic benefits to communities in the world. Since open public spaces constitute mainly green spaces, they provide the environmental, social and economic benefits to the present communities and to the future generation with little management and maintenance costs. This study evaluates quality of open public spaces in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Though Ethiopian National Urban Green Infrastructure Standard suggests authorities to allocate 30% for green areas and shared public use in their urban land management plan, the reality on the ground reveals that urban spaces are congested by buildings and other structures

Methods

Results

Conclusion