Alex Kirschstein
Contact: alex.kirschstein@web.de
Biennale Architettura 2023
When: May 2023 - November 2023
Location: Venice, Italy
By: La Biennale di Venezia 2023
In collaboration with Alex Kirschtein, we were commissioned by the dean of the Faculty of Architecture at TU Delft to create an architectural model of a housing compound in Meqdela Gebbi.
This model was inspired by research into some of the complex forms of Addis Ababa, particularly focusing on the typologies of informal settlements. These housing compounds, locally referred to as gebbi, are characterized by their organic composition of spaces and forms. They typically feature a public central space bounded by residential housing and fencing, which facilitates circulatory, social interaction, and different income based functions. Each compound includes at least one distinct social space that is central to the local community life, fostering tight-knit social relationships and economic activities.
This model showcased the intricate social and spatial dynamics of this region and was used to emphasize the research conducted by Anteneh Tesfaye Tola. It was first exhibited at TU Delft before being featured at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023.