Urban parks in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Bruktawit Getachew Kebede; Devrim Yücel Besim

doi:10.47818/DRArch.2024.v5i2131

Urban parks in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Authors

Bruktawit Getachew Kebede Short Bio Sapienza University of Rome

Bruktawit Getachew Kebede, born in 1996 in Ethiopia, earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Mekelle University in 2019. She completed her master’s degree in architecture at Cyprus International University in 2023. Currently, she is pursuing a second master’s degree in Heritage Conservation at Sapienza University, where she enrolled in 2023.
Devrim Yücel Besim Short Bio Cyprus International University

Devrim Yücel Besim, born in 1970 in Bodrum, Turkey. Received her bachelor’s degree in 1992 and Master degree in 1995 from the Architecture Department at METU. Completed her Ph.D. on urban spaces in Bodrum at Ankara University, Department of Landscape Architecture in 2007. She worked in different scaled projects in Ankara. Continues her academic works at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, Cyprus International University since 2012. She is the active member of Publishing Committee of Chamber of Turkish Cypriot Architects and interested in the relation between space, photography and literacy.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2024.v5i2131

Keywords:

developing countries, urbanization, urban parks

Abstract

The scarcity of well-functioning green spaces in the rapidly growing urban centers of developing countries poses significant challenges, hindering the well-being and quality of life for urban populations. Urban parks, often referred to as the "lungs of the city," have the potential to alleviate these challenges, yet their benefits are not always evident. This study explores the challenges and opportunities faced by urban parks in developing countries through a comparative analysis of Janmeda Park and Entoto Park in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The research assesses key dimensions, including accessibility, sociability, comfort, image projection, and management/maintenance. These elements are vital for understanding how well urban parks serve their communities and contribute to urban development. While Janmeda Park, despite its historical importance, struggles with physical and operational challenges, Entoto Park’s well-designed amenities, management, and safety provide a model for future park developments. The study offers recommendations to improve urban parks, such as enhancing accessibility, fostering sociability, ensuring user comfort and safety, strengthening image projection, integrating cultural and historical elements, and improving management and maintenance. It also highlights the importance of monitoring and evaluating park performance. These recommendations aim to guide urban planners and policymakers in enhancing urban parks, thereby supporting community well-being and promoting effective urban development. The insights provided are intended to inform better practices for urban park planning and management, contributing to more vibrant and functional green spaces in developing cities.

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Published

2024-08-30

How to Cite

Kebede, B. G., & Yücel Besim, D. (2024). Urban parks in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, 5(2), 269–286. https://doi.org/10.47818/DRArch.2024.v5i2131