Ketema Journal V.37
Dear Readers, In this issue, we explore Wanchi Eco-Lodge, set within the dramatic landscape of the Wanchi Crater Lake basin west of Addis Ababa, offers a thoughtful exploration of how architecture can respond to place without overwhelming it. Developed as part of Ethiopia’s “Dine for the Nation” initiative, the project reflects a quieter architectural ambition—one centered on belonging rather than spectacle.
This issue traces the project’s evolution from the early conceptual work of RAAS Architects to the later design development by Westway Architects. Rather than treating vernacular architecture as aesthetic reference alone, both teams engaged deeply with local building traditions, materials, and cultural practices. The reinterpretation of the traditional tukul dwelling becomes central to the project, transformed through contemporary openings that frame the surrounding landscape while still retaining echoes of its original spatial character.
Material choices, local craftsmanship, and minimal landscape intervention reinforce the project’s sensitivity to context. Yet the article also raises a subtle question: can architecture adapted for tourism fully preserve authenticity? At Wanchi, that tension remains visible—and perhaps that is precisely what gives the project its architectural depth.
Enjoy!
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