Approach
This research explores the state of architectural designs of hotels in Ethiopia and the place they stand as regarding cultural identity even as the sector operates in a globalized environment. This is besides considering the approaches through which the country can shape the industry to help integrates its traditional architectural attributes into the modern constructions that have sprung in its cities amidst economic growth and globalization. The research embraces a literature analysis of secondary information sources that range from books, reports, journals and websites. The documents consulted cover a wide range of topics related to the tourism and hospitality industry, globalization of the hotel environment and cultural heritage in Ethiopia as well as the architectural dynamics of the country‘s hotel industry. These documents were consulted with the view of understanding the pattern of architecture that the current hotel establishment constructs. This is besides finding responses to queries over the unique features that define the country, methods for generating Ethiopia’s identity in the designs and establishing means through which Ethiopians can gain identity with its hotel designs.
Architectural designs of notable buildings in Ethiopia, hotels included embodying the refinement of the cosmopolitan cities as well as its intricate as their intricate association with modernity. The construction of most of the establishment occurred under the initiatives of foreigners who came from as far as Italy, India, Germany, Switzerland, and other distant parts of the world. The history of employment of the talent and services of individuals from other nations gave little chance for local Ethiopians to actively engage in the construction of the establishments. Even with the growing economic situation of the country, much of the opportunities and responsibility for the construction of hotels and other buildings across Addis Ababa and other cities in the country remain in the hands of foreign actors. These developments have informed the growing influx of modern buildings in the cities through a trend that has not spared the hospitality sector. Most of the cultural experts in the country agree to the disregard of cultural aspects of Ethiopian tradition in the erection of the structures which give much prominence to western designs and architecture (Adjaye & Allison, 2017). The limited construction opportunities that locals enjoy in the hotel industry and other sectors are a result of a history of disregard, lack of empowerment, and denial of opportunities for architectural talent in the country. According to Jarzombek (2008), Ethiopia’s military dictatorship that ended in 1991 put architecture under the control of the state. No private businesses were commissioned to design buildings in the country. At the same time, the government extended little support to architectural students. Instead of venturing into noteworthy architectural work following graduation, most of these students were sent to work in rural housing projects that saw them compare to day laborers in the industry. In that setting, graduates that would not survive the treatment fled to other countries to pursue their careers or further their education.
Regarding the conception of the uniqueness of Ethiopia and its architecture, it is apparent that the mastery of its ancient designs of houses not found anywhere else in the world. The uniqueness of the country's architecture manifests through the wealth of heritage seen through the history of an authoritative religious ancient civilization and a rich cultural background. The traditional architectural designs of the country, whether serving on the hotel sector or other industries, radiate a context of legend and tradition as well as facts and mystery. Some of the oldest architectural products of the country followed the vernacular designs of the country despite the inadequate discussions of such phenomena and the cultural evolution the country has witnessed over the years (Berry & Dasen, 2019). The over 80 ethnic groups in the country contribute to the approximately 73 million individuals making up its population. The ethnic groups further express culture in a manner that portrays gaudiness and a variety of fascinating Ethiopia's indigenous architecture. Irrespective of modernization and globalization that have inspires urban settlement, a substantial portion of the population still lead rural life (Ferede & Haile, 2018). Within their vernacular housing, they pursue a strong and autonomous living, which represents their immediate environments and climatic circumstances. Furthermore, their living arrangements portray the connection between their environmental and climatic conditions to spiritual or religious convictions (Salman, 2018). This is in addition to the strong ties they exude to the tradition of social community, symbolism, and rituals. These buildings represent the physical preservation of the communities' traditional guidelines and habitual practices.
Leading actors and opinion shapers in the country's hospitality, economic and cultural sectors, among other segments in the country, acknowledge the wanting situation characterized by the considerable abandonment of traditional architecture in the hotel industry. According to these participants, it is important for the sector to play a part in the reinforcement of the vernacular culture in its undertakings, architectural constructions included (Kassa et al., 2018). Leaders that support the adoption of these designs in the hotel sector and other segments of the country hold claim to the fact that the traditional architecture corresponds to the local needs of the Ethiopian communities, thus most appropriate for implementation in the country (Agbo, 2018). Moreover, the designs make use of local materials while advancing the exceptional traditions of the country. According to one Professor, Dr. Fathi, practicing architecture and member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, re adopting traditional Ethiopian architecture exemplifies a rebirth of the country. in the hotel industry, this rebirth will give both locals and international participants an opportunity for enjoying and appreciating the unique culture of the nation.
The adoption of architectural styles that meet the needs of the industry while integrating cultural identity and globalization is a complex undertaking. However, it is not impossible to work with it. One of the measures that apply in this end includes the introduction of an architectural movement that is both culturally sensitive and responds to the dynamics of globalization Fathi (2012) suggests that architectural planners should maintain keenness on erecting traditional structures with improvements that are radiated in the modern structures. This is because even as hotel users remain sensitive to the cultural depiction of structures, the functionalities of the structures, as well as modern touches on the structures, still attract them (Piano & Calabe, 2010). the infusion of culture in the architecture of the building should exhibit in both the exterior and interior construction of the buildings and integrate the traditional shapes as well as traditional crafts from Ethiopia (Speck, 2006). To successfully achieve this end, players in the hotel industry ought to embrace the offerings of the local architects in the design and construction of the buildings. Given the central role that foreign entities have played in the construction of modern establishments in the globalized environments, the actors should also ensure not to disregard their significance in the process (By & Cn, n.d). A careful and graceful combination of ideas and talents of these categories of individuals would have a powerful effect on generating the most suitable hotel architectural designs in the country (Jarzombek 2008). What is more, training for talented individuals with no formal education or adequate skills for contributing to the industry is recommended (Olweny, 2018). Their contribution of exceptional natural talent in the integration of traditional components in modern hotels following training could go a long way in solving the limitations of mainstream modern architecture in the industry
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