In my last post I have mentioned the background of Ethiopia and how Christianity shape the Ethiopian architecture. My collective ideas through research have helped me to formulated and identify Venn diagram that come out from my question. My question is “How can we create a hotel industry in Ethiopia that expresses cultural identity in globalized environment?”
The representation of culture should be evident in the architectural approach that is adopted by different hotels in Ethiopia. Despite the application of technological approaches in the development of architecture, it is imperative to ensure that there is sufficient reflection of the cultural ideals of a nation in the interior and exterior architecture in hotels positioned in a given nation. It is imperative that there is an increased reflection of Western ideals in the development of hotels in Ethiopia. This blog post will examine the insufficient reflection of Ethiopian cultural ideals and architecture in hotels in Ethiopia including Babogaya Lake Viewpoint Lodge, Maribella Hotel and The Sheraton Addis Hotel.
Figure 1 Sheraton Addis Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
To begin with, The Sheraton Addis Hotel presents minimal Ethiopian approaches in the development of their architecture. The hotel displays the application of Westernized approaches to their interior and exterior design. There is an increased emphasis on the integration of arches in the entrances of various areas in the hotel, which is uncommon in the Ethiopian culture. Moreover, the lighting and ceiling, which comprise the interior of the house are westernized, thus, excluding the integration of Ethiopian culture in the hotel’s interior. From the exterior outlook of the hotel, it is impossible to identify and conclude that it is located in Ethiopia. The roofing and placement of windows fails to reflect an Ethiopian approach to architecture and exterior design.
Figure 2: Maribella Hotel, Lalibela, Ethiopia
Furthermore, the Maribella Hotel attempts to integrate different Ethiopian ideas into their architecture. It features various wall designs and decorations that reflect Ethiopian ideals and the placement of furniture emphasizes their connection with Ethiopian culture. However, there is insufficient inclusion of Ethiopian culture in the structure. For instance, the hotel compromised in the development of a valley view terrace, which is evidently borrowed from Western architecture. Also, the walls that are present in the room neglect the integration of Ethiopian features, which leaves them with a Westernized approach. Most of the representation of culture is founded in the furniture that is present in the rooms. There is a need for additional inclusion of Ethiopian ideas in the development of the hotel exterior and interior architecture.
Figure 3: Babogaya Lake Viewpoint Lodge, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
On the other hand, the Babogaya Lake Viewpoint Lodge presents an inaccurate and insufficient representation of Ethiopian culture and cultural ideas. The increased focus on the development of huts, which are separately placed in the vast land fails to relate with any of the cultures that are present in the nation. There is a trial to depict traditional architectural developments; however, the final product fails to adhere to the cultural developments of any culture in the country. It can only be classified as a bad representation of Ethiopian culture since it dismisses viable cultural approaches adopted in architectural developments throughout Ethiopian history.
The discussion reveals the manner in which numerous architectural developments in the hotel industry have failed to represent, and accurately depict Ethiopian culture. There is insufficient research in regard to the studies performed by some of the architects in the development of structures in the country. The study reveals the need to adopt an Ethiopian approach in the design of structures while incorporating furniture that emphasizes the cultural practices in the country. Despite the inclusion of furniture that reflects Ethiopian culture, the architectural approach diffuses the feeling of Ethiopian culture while emphasizing the Westernized nature of the approaches that are adopted in numerous hotels in the country.
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