COMMUNAL OPEN SPACES IN CONDOMINIUM NEIGHBORHOOD - The case of Gofa Mebrat-hail Condominium (original) (raw)

2016, COMMUNAL OPEN SPACE

The study investigates the relationships between the physical characteristics of communal open spaces and the activities in the residential environment of Gofa Mebrat-hail condominium neighborhood, which is one of the projects in the Integrated Housing Development Program (IHDP) in Addis Ababa. The phenomenon is investigated through a case study research method by taking the neighborhood as a case and aiming to study: a) how the residents are utilizing the communal open spaces by investigating the activities happening and the level of their involvement in terms of utilizing these spaces; b) investigate and analyze the cause and effect relationship between the activities and the physical characteristics of existing open spaces and c) identify the challenges on the day to day activities of the residents as a result of the current conditions of communal open spaces. The study is conducted at two levels; first, a preliminary study was done covering the whole neighborhood to study the activities, that are taking place in communal open spaces, and to select an illustrative parcel. Then an in-depth study is conducted on the chosen parcel based on the focus of the research to achieve the objectives. From the data collected through interviews, questionnaires, observations, and physical measurements, a qualitative and quantitative analysis are done: to examine the usage of existing communal open spaces; to understand the relationship between the physical setting of open spaces and the activities; and to investigate communal open space-related challenges on the day-to-day activities of the residents. The results indicate that, despite the availability of communal open spaces, physical attributes of the area investigated, such as adequacy of spaces, type of enclosure, location, accessibility, and overall physical quality (attractiveness), when unsatisfactory, negatively affected residents’ attitudes and motivations to utilize and improve the space through physical changes and maintenance, and consequently affected social and user-environment interaction. Besides the physical attributes of the open space, the existing multiple activities are also major factors that affect residents while utilizing the space. The other important finding is that the existing communal open space-related challenges are found to be the result of the combined effect of the physical characteristics and the existing activities. Finally, based on the findings the study recommends that the respective institutions who take part in developing communally owned residential neighborhoods should make an in-depth observation to consider the need and the spatial aspect of communal open space during the planning & and implementation stage. The study also recommends post-occupancy resolutions to improve the existing condition of communal open spaces within the study area. Key issues: IHDP, Activity, Communal Open Space