The following design hypothesis addresses the spatial dilemma between city development and lack of tenure security of informal housing dwellers with a special emphasis on improving the economy of both of the individual households as well as supporting the development of the city. The goal of the research and the main goal for the design was to create a new urban paradigm of city development proving that resettlement of the informal households can be avoided and that maintaining the bond with the center is crucial for the livelihood of the communities. The main challenge was to spatially combine both functions keeping in mind the inherent differences between them and exploring all the social implications, challenges and opportunities of the resulting mix. Important for the project was maintaining current income-generating activities (especially the close relation to the ground) and maintaining the social bonds between the slum dwellers. The area of intervention is located in the Kazanchis area around the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, which in recent years has gone through rapid urban development resulting in resettling 730 households outside the city center to make space for expensive multi-story offices and mixed buildings. Because of its prime location and direct proximity to informal settlements, further development is predicted to ensue.

The goal of the Global Housing graduation studio is to research and design housing solutions to improve the livelihood of Addis Ababa’s urban dwellers. Combining analysis, planning and design, the participants in this graduation studio are challenged to use multidisciplinary research methods and tools to elaborate design proposals for mass housing as mass welfare. The research outcomes and analytical output compiled in this book have been instrumental to support several dozens of reflexive and critical design proposals for adequate housing in Addis Ababa. More than just a compilation of material, we believe the work included in this book is also a contribution to help students, educators, practitioners and policymakers exploring and developing new standards for housing that respond to contemporary ideals of sustainability and inclusivity.