The Dutch agencies MTD landschapsarchitecten, Treurniet Architectuur and Michiel Clercx Architectuur, together with the Ethiopian architect agencies Addis Mebratu and Studio7, have recently been commissioned by the Ethiopian government for the design of the Ethopian parliament building in Addis Abeba. The team of consultants on the Dutch side also includes ARUP Amsterdam as the structural engineer.
MTD landschapsarchitecten was contracted for the total ‘landscaping’ of the project, consisting of the public space surrounding the complex, the roof gardens, the patios and an adjacent park zone. The commission is directly related to the international design competition for the new construction of the complex, which was held in 2012 by the Parliament of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). In 2013 the design submitted by the Dutch / Ethiopian team of architects was unanimously selected with much enthusiasm by the panel of adjudicators.
The submitted competition design for the new Ethiopian parliament building makes reference to the large variety of Ethiopians who live scattered across the fascinating landscape of approximately 1 million km2. The new building is significant for every individual, every ethnic group.
To this end a clear concept was created with a strong and symbolic architectural main design, in which the situation of the parliament building on a hillock in the middle of the city is exploited to the full. The square positioned at the top of the hillock, is bordered by a subtle ensemble of three main volumes that look like Negarit drums. In the past these traditional drums were played after new legislation had come into force. Aside from this connotation the drums also symbolize communication and continuity.
The competition design emplaces the creation of a building with a considerable iconic significance for the city, that does justice to the requested schedule and has a close correlation with the urban development context. To this end the design refers to the historical structure of Addis Abeba with the royal palace on top of the hill.
The voluminous project encompasses a total surface area of approximately 40,000 m2. The planning team has, in the meanwhile, started with the further elaboration and detailing of the design for the buildings and grounds. In about a year the plans must be ready to such an extent that the call for tender can take place. The expectation is that the design will be delivered in 2018.
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