Critical regionalism is a local architectural traditions that do not come from archetypal sentiments or from an opposition to the modernism. Critical regionalism attempts to get the answers to the question by Paul Ricour concerning; how to be modern and yet continue the tradition. Furthermore, a key question of investigation is on how to revive an old civilization as part of the universal civilization. Even though adopting the universal value of modernism might be good, it is important to consider the geographical building context i.e. areas such as the climate, light and topography of the building. These aspects are historical and geographical conditions of architecture. Track of phenomenology in critical regionalism can be read with an attitude which implies that any form of modernism can be criticized without application of any form of bias. Therefore, critical regionalism can be considered to be reformed modernism which implies that the best designs are done by architect who may not be coming from the big cities.
Figure 1 - Critical regionalism Diagram
Critical regionalism depends on regions. This implies that a specific region like Ethiopia determines the architectural structure of the buildings around irrespective of the modernism that might have taken place. Even though the modernism that came in during the 20th century was focused on rationality, logic and modernism with all forms of ornamentation which appeared to be wasteful and useless creating the need to strip down the building to necessary essentials. The international style became dominant in any part of the world irrespective of their cultural orientations and preferences. Critical regionalism replaced postmodernism which had come in attempting to solve the limitations associated with the 20th-century modernism.
Figure 2- Current Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Critical regionalism can be applied in Ethiopian hotel industry. This is important in solving the question, how to create a hotel industry in Ethiopia that expresses cultural identity in globalized environment. Critical regionalism allows architectural representation of the hotels in Ethiopia that allows the application of modern technology without compromising the cultural ideals of the nation. The importance of increasing reflection of the western ideals in the Ethiopian hotels should never be taken slightly. However, a study on the architecture of hotels like Maribella and the Sheraton Addis Hotel. For instance, Sheraton Addis Hotel (Figure 3) reflects a small attempt to incorporate the Ethiopian culture into architecture. The hotel appears more modern. However, a balance is necessary to adopt the modernism while at the same time maintaining the cultural touch of the Ethiopians in the design. The emphasis on the integration of arches in the entrance of various areas is definitely not the Ethiopian culture. The design should ensure that anyone looking at the hotels is able to tell that it’s located in Ethiopia. Analysis of the various hotels in Ethiopia gives an indication that numerous architectural developments have failed when it comes to representation and accurate depiction of Ethiopian culture and heritage. Even though furniture used in the hotel might attempt to reflect the culture, unless critical regionalism is applied to make sure that the buildings have a good balance between modernism and the regional culture, Ethiopian culture becomes totally diffused.
Figure 3 - Sheraton Addis Hotel Figure 4 - Maribella Hotel
In conclusion, critical regionalism creates a balance that allows proper integration between modernism and maintenance of cultural identity in a specific environment. Architects need to understand the culture of the region when making the necessary designs if critical regionalism is to be used as an architectural approach in modern buildings.
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