<FROM CHAOS TO ACCESSIBLE MARKET>

IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY OF MARKET PLACE TO

ENHANCE USER COMFORT;
IN THE CASE OF SHOLLA MARKET

EYERUS MAMUSH……..ETS0267/12……………SEC A FINAL THESIS PROJECT

INTRODUCTION

• Sholla, Ethiopia’s second most popular market for tourists, faces challenges such as
crowding, navigation difficulties, and limited accessibility. These obstacles hinder the
market’s vibrancy and potential. Beyond these issues, it is crucial to assess Sholla’s current
state and initiate a transformation that ensures functionality, shopping comfort,
sustainability, and cultural relevance in the modern era.
BACKGROUND

• Ethiopia’s urban markets, shaped by historical trade traditions, underwent a

transformative shift towards a market-oriented economy in the 1990s. Amidst the
bustling urban landscape of Addis Ababa, Sholla Market stands as a multifaceted hub,
facing challenges of overcrowding, inaccessibility, and infrastructure issues.
• As a testament to broader town-making processes, Sholla’s present condition highlights
its roles as a trading center, social space, and cultural exchange point. Addressing these
challenges is crucial for the sustained growth and vibrancy of this dynamic market.
EFFECT OF UNCOMFORTABLE MARKETSPACE

• Uncomfortable spaces while shopping affects the overall image and reputation of the
shops.
• Uncomfortable spaces limits the potential for social interaction, cultural events and
community engagement , impacting the overall sense of community.
• Poorly designed or uncomfortable spaces may become a place for criminal activities. The
lack of proper roads, and spaces raise safety concerns for both shoppers and business
owners.
• Uncomfortable spaces often result from poor urban planning, lack of greenery, or
inadequate infrastructure.
PROBLEM STATEMENT

• Urban open markets face challenges like overcrowding, limited accessibility, and
inconvenient layouts, impacting their effectiveness. To meet evolving community needs, a
redesign is essential.
• You Peng’s research advocates a holistic approach to comfort, considering microclimatic
conditions, environmental stimuli, and psychological factors. Innovative solutions are
crucial for revitalizing these vital markets and ensuring a satisfying experience for both
buyers and sellers.
OBJECTIVE

• The main objective of the research is to explore methods which can improve the quality
of markets through design and investigate ways through which these markets can be
livelihood and comfortable for both buyer and seller.
• To create a comfortable market that fulfil the spaces to enhance comfort needed.
• To enhance the overall spatial quality and address any identified issues in urban Market.
• To develop design solutions that address the issues of low foot traffic between stores,
inconvenient layouts, and insufficient vehicle and pedestrian access in urban markets.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• 1. How can various elements be utilized to offer comfort for both buyers and sellers?
• 2. How can Shola Market be transformed and regenerated to
tackle issues like- overcrowding, limited accessibility?
• 3. How can both vehicular and pedestrian access be enhanced in urban open markets
through design modifications?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

• This research aims to create an urban market that enhances the well-
being and comfort of buyers and shoppers, contributing to a safer and
more secure urban environment around Shola Market. The improved
quality of the surrounding urban space is expected to boost tourism and
enhance the economic vitality of businesses within the market. In
conclusion, this study holds significance by addressing the complexities of
Shola Market, highlighting its challenges, and proposing solutions with
broader implications beyond the local context.
SCOPE

Thematic Scope
• The issue of market development involves various subject matters which include spatial,
economic, and social issues.
Spatial Scope
• While considering its scope, the project covers mainly the case study area, i.e. Shola
Market, Addis Ababa, Focused on addressing challenges of overcrowding, limited
accessibility, and environmental concerns.
Time Scope
• This research will extend until the end of 2nd semester of my last academic year, and it is
anticipated to conclude within a span of five months from now.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

• The limitations of the research include Weak Internet accesses during the process, lack of
sufficient budget, time limitation for doing the research and Lack of previous works done on
the topic.

Organization of the paper

• The structure of the project can align with a standard format for scholarly works, ensuring a
logical and cohesive presentation of inform
• 1. INTRODUCTION
• 2. METHODOLOGY
• 3. LITRATURE REVIEW
• 4. CASE ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• This architectural exploration employs a multifaceted approach, leveraging

foundational references from architectural literature and documentation,
alongside surveys, interviews, site analysis, and case studies. Thematic and
quantitative analyses, comparative assessments, and visualizations ensure a
nuanced understanding. Integrating both primary methods like on-site visits and
stakeholder interviews, and secondary methods drawing insights from
publications, this methodology seeks to harmoniously unite theoretical
foundations with practical observations for a comprehensive research outcome.
CONT….
CASE STUDY SELECTION METHOD

• case study on market and comfort implies that the research or design
process should be grounded in a thorough understanding of the market
context and user comfort requirements. This dual focus aims to create
architectural solutions that are not only responsive to market demands
but also prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of the individuals who
will inhabit or use the space.
DATA COLLECTION

• The project involves a rigorous site analysis using mapping, photography,

and observation to understand the unique characteristics of the site,
including topography, climate, and context . Additionally, case studies will
be systematically examined for design principles, materials, spatial
organization, and contextual relationships. Further insights into user
behavior, spatial dynamics, and usage patterns will be gained through
careful observations.
LITERATURE REVIEW

• Through an exploration of current research, theoretical frameworks, and

practical interventions, this review aims to shed light on the diverse
aspects of accessibility in marketplaces and emphasize the significance of
user comfort in cultivating inclusive and dynamic economic centers. This
chapter navigate the landscape of literature to discern key insights and
gaps that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
WHAT IS URBAN MARKET

• A marketplace is a communal space for local trade, owned by entities like city
governments or private corporations. It not only facilitates commerce but fosters social
interactions, building a unique sense of community. The marketplace reflects local lifestyle,
culture, and heritage, attracting diverse demographics and sometimes evolving into
tourist attractions. Weiss (1998) describes it as a "city within a city," emphasizing its vital
role in urban regeneration and cultural conservation.
TYPES OF MARKET

• Marketplaces display local culture and products, contributing to

community heritage. Types include public markets, farmers' markets,
shopping centers, bazaars, night markets, and traditional markets.
HISTORY OF MARKETPLACE

• Historically, markets and bazaars served as vital distribution hubs and community
focal points. In ancient Greek cities, agoras were bustling trade spaces fostering a
sense of community (Glotz, 1996). Even with contemporary alternatives, public
markets and bazaars retain unique cultural roots (Zakariya, 2016). Al-Maimani
(2014) stresses spatial and socio-cultural considerations for vibrant traditional
markets. Enclosed market houses emerged in the 19th century, often strategically
placed along central town thoroughfares, featuring distinctive shed-like structures
with pitched roofs (Author, Year).
CONTEXT STUDY OF MERCATO

• Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market, spans 113.6 hectares, serving as

a bustling commercial hub with around 200,000 daily workers and 300,000
visitors. Notable sections include Dubai Tera, Military Tera, and Anwar
Mosque.
 PROBLEMS IN MERKATO

There exist narrow corridor between stores This is undefined circulation created
CASE PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

• Sholla Market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pulsates with life, providing an

authentic experience of daily Ethiopian living. However, its vibrant
atmosphere is accompanied by challenges like narrow alleys, odors from
doro tera and spices, and lighting issues, making the shopping experience
less comfortable.
 LOCATION

• The site i.e. Shola Market is

located in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa,
west side of Megenagna Square.
CONT…

• The Ground Zero Market site showcases a vibrant urban morphology

with a structured grid pattern, but the inclusion of narrow passageways
limiting passage to a single person hampers the market's flow and
accessibility. This design choice, rather than enhancing a dynamic
environment, results in a cramped space.
 MOBILITY

• The site offers multiple access

points, providing an entrance
every two rows and three main
entry points in total. The main
entrances, designed for vehicle
passage, have widths ranging
from 4m to 6m. Internal roads
within the site vary in width,
ranging from 0.7m to a
maximum of 1.5m.
TYPOLOGIES OF SHOPS

• 1. Adarash type
• The retail establishments within
Shola Market are conventionally
organized in a configuration
akin to spacious halls(Adarash.
1. Type 1.u shape
• Most shops in the adarash are this type of shops, which are u-shaped.
• And they use the shelfs as both display and Storage. Also the outside
display areas are used as a storage when the Shop is closed.

2.Type 2.L shape

• This type of shops, L-shaped are usually found in the corners.
 CONT...

3.Type 3
• This shops are somehow in a better quality than the others and they are found in the frontage
of the site. They are retail shops, baltna..
 RECOMMENDATION

• The market aims to tackle traffic challenges by implementing various measures.

Strategies include managing traffic flow efficiently, establishing designated parking
areas to prevent congestion, and allocating specific zones for loading and
unloading, thereby enhancing market logistics.
• Additionally, efforts will focus on improving street design by widening narrow
pathways to accommodate pedestrian traffic and enhance overall accessibility. The
market also seeks to enhance its aesthetic appeal by adopting a cohesive design
that balances functionality with aesthetics, creating a welcoming and comfortable
environment for visitors.
CONCLUSION

• In summary, Shola Market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, offers a bustling yet

challenging atmosphere for shoppers and traders alike. The narrow streets,
combined with issues related to odors and lighting, create discomfort for
visitors. The decision to incorporate narrow pathways restricts accessibility,
causing congestion and cramped spaces within the market. Moreover,
insufficient parking and loading zones exacerbate congestion, impacting both
pedestrians and drivers. Addressing these challenges requires a
comprehensive redesign focused on enhancing accessibility, reducing
congestion, and enhancing comfort for all market users.
THANK YOU