Revitalizing Urban Spaces: A Comprehensive Design Framework for Riverside Development in Adama, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This research develops a comprehensive design framework to revitalize urban riverside in Adama, Ethiopia, which undergoes rapid urbanization has created significant transformation of the riverside areas through pollution, flooding, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure to access the area. These conditions have reduced public spaces, diminished walkability, and contributed to social inequities. This research applied an active design framework for the revitalization of urban spaces along rivers, with a specific focus on riverside pathways and adjacent areas. The general objective is to develop an integrated urban design that enhances the riverside areas and promotes pedestrian accessibility with in them, safety, and community engagement, thereby improving the overall quality of urban life in Adama. The study used a mixed-method approach. Geospatial mapping was used to describe flood risks, and connectivity inconsistencies throughout a 5.3-km riverside corridor; surveys were utilized as a tool to collect perceptions from 86 stakeholders (residents, business owners, and government officials), and standard inclusion methods of focus groups and interviews were used to better define the community's needs. Environmentally: The use of bioswales and permeable pavements resulted in 45% less flooding while the canopies of native trees resulted in lower temperatures in local areas. Socially: There was a 50% increase in pedestrian activity in the areas with dedicated sidewalks and solar light fixtures; and also, 89% of local residents in the surrounding area preferred spaces that incorporated some motifs relating to the Oromo people. Economically: The vendors revenue increased by 30% in proximity to the dedicated sidewalks showing the commercial benefit of the spaces and the opportunity to create synergies. This process not only enabled the revitalization of degraded areas, turning them into vibrant and resilient corridor, but it also offered a framework and an avenue for cities such as Adama, Ethiopia to develop a replicable, was to undertake urban design that balances ecological restoration with social equity and economic viability through community-led, context-sensitive urban design.