World Architecture Day 2025: Design for Strength

📅 6 October

Created by the UIA in 1985, World Architecture Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October, in parallel with the UN World Habitat Day. In 2025, in the context of urban crisis response, the UIA has selected the theme “Design for Strength.”

This theme invites architects to move beyond short-term solutions and embrace approaches that strengthen the built environment’s ability to withstand, adapt, and recover. Architecture must offer more than shelter — it should contribute to equity, continuity, and resilience.

Key messages:

– Strength in design: Architecture must embody durability, resilience, and cultural sensitivity.
– A platform for resilience: The built environment plays a vital role in protecting & rebuilding communities.
– Sustainable rebuilding: Responsible materials & methods should guide repair and adaptation.

Read more on the UIA website here.

Via UIA

#event #architecture

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

Addis Abeba launches landmark guide to build 12,000 playgrounds.

Addis Abeba reimagines the city for young children, with 12,000 playgrounds and one comprehensive guidebook.

You can read more here.

#news #addisabeba #city #urbaninsight #update #architecture

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

Help us save what can’t be rebuilt. While skyscrapers rise, the alleyways, conversations, and everyday coffee moments that shaped Addis Abeba are quietly fading.

Addis Memories is working to preserve the soul of the city; one story, one photo at a time. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about protecting our heritage.

Be part of Ethiopia’s first online virtual exhibition by visiting here or scanning the QR code on the poster, and sharing a photo or a memory that holds meaning.

Together, let’s build a home for the past before it disappears for good.

Via Linkup Addis

#news #addisabeba #feature #urbaninsight #update #city #photography #architecture #heritage #history

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

"...We had an emperor (HIM Emperor Hailesilassie) who had a certain sense of clairvoyance and appreciated beautiful things..."
- Honorable Maître Artist and World Laureate Afewerk Tekle

During his first #exhibition in 1954, Honorable Maître Artist and World Laureate Afewerk Tekle faced significant challenges in Ethiopia, where it was difficult for #artists to gain dignity and recognition for their work. His first battle was at this very exhibition.

Video and caption concept via Gizaw Legesse, Facebook

#ethiopia #feature #history

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

Build on It? Cassation Bench Says You Still Don’t Own It

"To resolve the contradiction, the seven-judge panel interpreted the Civil Code in light of the Ethiopian Constitution, which states that all rural and urban land is owned by the state and the people, and cannot be sold or exchanged. While individuals may own permanent structures built on land, their rights to the land itself are restricted."

Read the complete article here.

Via BirrMetrics

#news #city #urbaninsight #feature #event

📌Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

UTA-Do African Cities Summer School 2026 in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia!

Exciting opportunity for early-career academics, researchers, activists & artists! #UTA_Do #SummerSchool 2026 is happening in Addis Abeba from February 9-13. Join us for a week of critical #urban studies, #workshops, and immersive experiences.

Apply by 30 September 2025!

More info is available here.

Via UTA-Do

#ethiopia #africa #history #urbaninsight #city #addisabeba #opportunity

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

Air Quality Spotlight: Addis Abeba, Ethiopia most polluted major city

Addis Abeba is among the most polluted major cities in the world, ranking in the top four globally on August 6, 2025. The air quality poses risks, particularly during peak pollution hours, often observed in the evening due to specific local activities.

You can see the detailed Addis Abeba’s air quality map here.

Find the complete brief of the report here.

#ethiopia #news #addisabeba #feature

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

#AfricaHall has won its first international award at the 2025 Chicago Athenaeum in the #restoration/#renovation category.

Originally designed by Arturo Mezzèdimi, The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa officially opened in 1961, but over 50 years later the building required significant intervention that would ultimately lead to a decade-long investment to restore the building.

The modernist masterpiece was tasked with the aspirational goal of bringing unity to Africa – on behalf of our heritage team, it was a privilege to restore this cultural landmark.

Via Architectus

Read more here.

📸 Rory Gardiner

#ethiopia #news #addisabeba #feature #heritage #history #event #africa #architecture #update

📌 Design for Humanity.
@NArcHomeArchitecture

27 days until Africa’s urban future takes centre stage in #AddisAbeba. From bold ideas to actionable solutions, #ASCIS2025 is where cities are reimagined. 8–10 Sept 2025

Register here.
For more, click here.

Via Africa Smart Cities Investment Summit - #ASCIS25

#event #architecture #news #addisabeba #africa #urbaninsight #city #ethiopia #opportunity

📌 Design for Humanity
@NArcHomeArchitecture