The Masterplan for Aksum
Axum, Ethiopia 2009-2010
The Masterplan for Aksum was initiated by the Ethiopian government to kick start development to improve the city and turn it into a major international tourist destination. The primary objectives of the project were to propose sustainable interventions to radically improve the visitor experience, whilst benefiting the local population as much as possible. Our involvement extended into services normally beyond that of an Architect or Urban designer though documenting and communicating the value of the wealth of attractions to a worldwide audience and proposing a 'brand identity' for the city. This remains the largest and most complex projects undertaken by the office to date and involves an expanded team, including a historian, a photographer and a graphic designer.
Improvements and additions are proposed to improve the setting and access to all of the major archaeological and historic sites (including the famous Stelae Field). Interventions are modest , pragmatic and feasible given the remote context; often concentrating on infrastructure improvements or hard or soft landscaping using locally sourced plants or quarried stone. Along with signage sand blasted onto local stone these small buildings will serve to guide and orientate visitors through the city, activating otherwise undiscovered or underdeveloped districts. Space for a caretaker or guide and provision of small educational facilities within each centre will provide much needed employment and training for local people.