Architectural Cases

Ethiopian Airlines Group has initiated the development of the groundbreaking Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), a visionary project poised to become Africa's largest aviation facility. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), this monumental undertaking is situated approximately 40 kilometers southeast of the bustling capital, Addis Ababa. With an initial annual capacity projected at 60 million passengers, and a future expansion to accommodate 110 million, BIA is set to redefine Ethiopia's role in global air travel. This airport is not merely an infrastructure project but a strategic move to position Ethiopia as a pivotal gateway between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Ethiopia's Aviation Future Takes Flight with Bishoftu International Airport

In a significant stride towards bolstering its aviation infrastructure, the Ethiopian Airlines Group has officially started construction on the Bishoftu International Airport (BIA). The design, conceptualized by the prestigious Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), in collaboration with lead consultant and airport planner DAR (Dar Al-Handasah), draws profound inspiration from Ethiopia's diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. The architectural plan features a central structural spine that efficiently organizes the terminal and its connecting piers, optimizing passenger flow and significantly reducing transfer times. Each pier will boast unique interior finishes and color schemes, subtly referencing the varied regions of the country. The entire layout pays homage to the majestic Great Rift Valley, utilizing a continuous linear geometry to ensure intuitive navigation throughout the complex. Anticipated to open its first phase in 2030, BIA will initially comprise two independent parallel runways and a vast 660,000-square-meter terminal. Future expansion plans include a total of four runways and parking for 270 aircraft, aligning with the substantial growth forecasts for East African aviation. BIA's strategic location, nearly 400 meters lower in elevation than Addis Ababa's existing Bole International Airport, combined with extended runways, will allow aircraft to operate with greater maximum payloads and reduced fuel consumption, facilitating longer nonstop flights and enhancing cargo capabilities. The project is meticulously planned to achieve LEED Gold certification, emphasizing natural ventilation, solar shading, and incorporating semi-open and outdoor spaces that complement the region’s mild highland climate. Advanced water management systems will collect stormwater for reuse and foster local biodiversity, while photovoltaic arrays will contribute to on-site energy generation. Construction will prioritize modular methods, utilizing locally sourced or recycled materials. Beyond its aviation role, BIA is envisioned as the centerpiece of a larger urban development, featuring a high-speed rail link to central Addis Ababa and an adjacent 'Airport City' offering mixed-use facilities, public parks, and job opportunities for an estimated 80,000 residents. This 24-hour operational hub is integral to Ethiopian Airlines' Vision 2035 strategy, aiming to expand its global passenger, cargo, and maintenance services.

This ambitious undertaking signifies more than just an airport; it represents Ethiopia's bold vision for the future, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development, regional connectivity, and economic growth. The Bishoftu International Airport is set to become a beacon of progress, uniting communities and cultures across Africa and beyond, and offering a compelling blueprint for modern, environmentally conscious infrastructure development.

The "Tales of Saru" residence, crafted by the Studio for Architecture and Regional Urbanism (SARU), stands as a profound example of architecture deeply informed by personal history and environmental sensitivity. Located in Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu, India, at the foot of the Nilgiri hills, this 3,200-square-foot home transcends conventional design by evolving from the client's childhood memories and the site's inherent characteristics. Rather than adhering to a specific aesthetic, the project is structured around four distinct architectural narratives, each translating a cherished experience into a unique spatial sequence. This innovative methodology allows the building to resonate with its surroundings—climate, vegetation, and topography—creating an environment where the past and present coalesce in a truly layered and meaningful way. The careful selection of materials and integrated environmental strategies further solidifies its connection to place, offering a living space that is both harmonious and deeply personal.

This innovative design approach at "Tales of Saru" demonstrates how personal stories and the essence of a location can fundamentally shape a residential project. By focusing on the client's memories and the local ecosystem, SARU has created a home that is more than just a structure; it's a narrative woven into the fabric of its site. The strategic use of regional climate, lush vegetation, and diverse topography guides the architectural expression, ensuring that each space contributes to a holistic experience. This method not only personalizes the dwelling but also integrates it seamlessly into its natural and cultural context. The resulting architecture is a testament to the power of memory as a design principle, showcasing how a building can be both functional and deeply evocative, adapting and evolving with its inhabitants over time.

Architectural Narratives: Weaving Memory into Space

The "Tales of Saru" residence is ingeniously structured around four primary spatial sequences, each meticulously designed to evoke specific childhood memories and experiences. The initial narrative unfolds as a linear courtyard, enclosed by towering walls and lush plantings. This space is a direct architectural interpretation of childhood journeys through garden paths and shaded trails, with narrow proportions and vertical enclosure replicating the sensation of moving through tall grass. Filtered daylight creates a serene, dappled ambiance, and the courtyard functions not only as a climatic regulator but also as a connective element, inviting seasonal shifts into the home. Fixed seating arrangements are integrated into the structure, promoting an intimate connection between the body and the built environment. The second narrative positions the kitchen as the home's emotional and sensory heart, drawing inspiration from past domestic rituals related to cooking, water, and shade. A partially shaded dip pool evokes a former water tank, and an elevated seating area provides varied verticality and visual engagement. Landscaping, including a palm canopy, diffuses light, emphasizing the kitchen's role as a central gathering point. The spatial design prioritizes proximity, movement, and sensory interaction over strict formal divisions, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

The third story re-imagines a previous garden pavilion, which served as a place for both retreat and communal activities. This reconfigured pavilion now occupies the upper level, offering a distinct separation from the ground. It employs the principle of 'borrowed landscape,' framing expansive views of the surrounding coconut palms to extend the perceived spatial boundaries. A rooftop garden and a lotus pond further soften the transition between the man-made and natural elements. Interior spaces within this narrative vary in height and enclosure, progressing from intimate, low-ceilinged areas to more expansive, social zones, catering to diverse activities and moods. The fourth and final narrative addresses a former hidden viewing point, traditionally found between the roof and a ledge. Due to current height restrictions, this concept is reinterpreted through compact, projecting volumes integrated into the private bedrooms. These architectural extensions frame specific vistas of the Nilgiri hills and also serve as passive environmental devices. Their elevated position facilitates natural cross-ventilation, capturing prevailing breezes and allowing warm air to escape through higher ceiling zones, thereby minimizing the need for mechanical cooling systems. This thoughtful integration of memory, function, and sustainability ensures a residence that is both personal and environmentally responsible.

Sustainable Craftsmanship: A Material Language Rooted in Context

The material palette for the "Tales of Saru" project is deeply integrated with its site conditions and the availability of local resources, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and contextual harmony. Reclaimed bricks, sourced from an existing boundary wall, and excavated soil from the site are combined with lime plaster to create breathable wall surfaces. These surfaces are designed to support natural thermal regulation, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate. The resulting earthy finish gently reflects light, fostering a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior spaces. Burmese teak, salvaged from dismantled regional structures, is repurposed for doors, windows, and various structural components, significantly reducing the demand for new materials while ensuring durability and timeless aesthetic appeal. A final plaster layer, enriched with black oxide and crushed plant seeds, pays homage to earlier site markings, subtly embedding traces of the site's history into the very fabric of the building.

This meticulous approach to material selection and construction, combined with the spatial sequencing and environmental responsiveness, positions "Tales of Saru" as a residential landmark that is profoundly rooted in its location and rich in memory. The project beautifully illustrates how personal stories and historical context, when thoughtfully translated through architectural principles, can give rise to spaces that are not only deeply connected to their environment but also inherently adaptable for future generations. By embracing reclaimed materials and indigenous construction techniques, SARU has created a home that minimizes ecological impact and celebrates the unique character of its setting. The structure becomes a living testament to sustainable design, where every element tells a story and contributes to a coherent, evolving narrative, demonstrating how architecture can serve as a conduit between past legacies and future possibilities while maintaining environmental stewardship.