The Ethiopian hotel industry was, for a long period, considered to remain in the infancy state. This situation was attributed to, among other reasons, the slow pace of development given the weak development policies and structures of governments. The situation of the sector further manifested in the context of inadequately trained manpower, ineffective promotion of knowledge and management capacities, as well as a relatively weak economic situation. The recent years have, however, seen a spike in the industry and an attempt by actors to enhance its visibility ant operation at the international level (Dario, 2015. The growth of the hotel industry in the country is informed by the gradual rise in its tourism activities and potential. This is in addition to the growing economic pattern that the country witnessed in the past twelve years. This growth sets the stage for the development of high-rise developments across Ethiopian cities. Irrespective of the positive perspective with which these developments are viewed, the relevance of such trends to a now rising hotel sector is motivating more questions than answers. Like many African countries, the diversion of the construction industry to the erection of modern structures in Ethiopia raises concern over their viability in supporting the growth of the hotel industry (Goodwin, 2015; Hosagrahar, 2012). This is because the survival of the hotel industry cannot be guaranteed in Ethiopia and many other countries separate from the cultural offerings of these very establishments.
Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries, synonymous with robust cultural heritage. It was also recognized for early civilization, which supported its relations with other countries since the first millennium. The nation, therefore, became a center of the Cultural Revolution. However, the country still takes pride in a cultural heritage that provides abundant evidence of its people's past. The traditional architectural designs of the country are among the most prominent and captivating evidence of this tradition (Gruber, 2015). The endowment of the country with rich traditional architectural wealth coupled with increasing adoption of modern cultural designs begs the question of how these phenomena can be merged to enhance the experience of stakeholders in an industry that operates at a global level.
The need for the inclusion of elements of cultural identity in the modernizing designs of hotels in cities across Ethiopia lends its self to scrutiny by the urban theory. Rossi, the theorist behind the framework, pointed out that architectural design that projected collective memories of the population was ideal in a city setting (Homes and Communities Agency, 2013). The philosopher’s formulation of the theory sprung from a desire to help developers shift from the rigidity that the modern construction design project. The framework encourages the erection of structures from which populations can find their roots (Ghirardo & Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts 2019). The infusion of traditional Ethiopian architecture in hotel structures that would meet the expectations of the theory would require a consideration of manifold designs spread across diverse climate zones and topographies. The traditional architecture of the nation is diverse since its springs from different Ethiopian communities. Within the different communal backgrounds, the country presents an architectural tradition with extraordinary adaptation and quality. The erection of structures in the cultural context of the nation hinges on both the available materials and natural settings within which construction occurs. This is besides the country's manufacturing tradition. The traditional architecture in the country range from the small nomadic tents to the massive stone buildings and establishments. They are erected using different materials and designs, but with significant touches of Ethiopian traditions.
Making the most out of the growing hotel industry in Ethiopia is evident. As the industry serves the global need and embraces global trends in the construction of their premises, care requires being taken to ensure that the very tradition of the country is not lost. Actors in the hostel and construction industry in the country ought to work together to establish a construction trend that serves a global market while retaining the cultural identity of the country. The focus for these entities should remain to maintain an understanding of the difference and uniqueness of the Ethiopian culture, particularly in the backdrop of the hospitality industry. With this objective in mind, the actors should determine to establish avenues for developing designs that project the uniqueness and significance of the country's culture. They should additionally observe the need for stimulating the sense of identity of the traditional designs with the population of the country.
An assessment of these questions paves the way for a determination of how to create designs that would help the hotel industry survive in a global environment whilst complementing the designs of the hotels with the cultural meanings they radiate. It will give these hotels essences using designs that blend traditional and modern construction approaches besides to help reinforce the element of cultural representation and reception (Macdonald, 2011; Pdh, 2016). This is in addition to projecting the premises' cultural use, commodification, and remarkability, as Rossi implies in his urban theory. What is more, the concept will serve to bring to life the belief that players in the hotel and tourism sectors are at the core of creating popular perceptions about the destinations. It, therefore, stands that the idea of architectural designs of hotels in Ethiopia should be broadened to encompass policy, culture, globalization and economic conditions to mention a few features. This should be done with an understanding of the need not to blur the boundaries between the country’s cultural identity and the globalized environment within which the clients and other stakeholders of the hotel industry stem.
The philosopher who believed in the quality of such traditional architectural designs as critical to the definition of a location as a sign, sight and event put considerable emphasis on the organization of the structures (Ghirardo & Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts 2019). Additionally, the critical regionalism Theory by Kenneth Frampton provides a foundation for the sustenance of the construction and the Hospitality through the preservation of the old as well as the adoption of the modern. The theory emphasizes on the need for defiance against lack of identity and placelessness of international architectural designs (Bani & Saeed, 2015). The theory further recommends rejection of the impulsive ornamentation and individualism of postmodern architecture
This discussion explores the place of culture in the developing hotel industry of Ethiopia, particularly in a global environment. It gives significant attention to the role of architecture in cultural expression and the ability of Ethiopian stakeholders to integrate their traditional design into the modern developments that are gaining popularity in the country. The need for this paper stems from the realization that the economic development that the country witnessed in recent years has informed an influx of real estate developments in the country.
Comentários