WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

B.S.C THESIS IN ARCHITECTURE

Create space for traditional handicrafts to preserve and promote

Wolaita Sodo's cultural heritage

STUDENT NAME ABEBA G/KIROS

RU 1063/12

ADVISOR, ZERIHUN ABEBE

INTRODUCTION
Wolaita Sodo is a town located in the southern region of Ethiopia, known for its rich cultural
heritage. The town has a long history of traditional handicrafts, such as weaving, pottery, and
woodworking, which have been an integral part of the local community's daily life and cultural
practices. However, with the advent of modernization and urbanization, these traditional
handicrafts are facing a significant threat. The lack of space and resources for artisans to practice
their crafts has led to a decline in the quality and quantity of traditional handicrafts, which in turn
threatens the cultural identity of the community.

To address this issue, there is a need to create space for traditional handicrafts to preserve and
promote Wolaita Sodo's cultural heritage. This can be achieved through the establishment of a
cultural center, which would provide a platform for artisans to showcase their skills, share their
knowledge with younger generations, and sell their products to tourists and local customers. The
center could also host workshops, training sessions, and exhibitions to promote the cultural
heritage of the community.

In addition, the center could serve as a hub for community engagement and cultural exchange,
where people from different backgrounds can come together to learn about and appreciate the
traditional handicrafts of Wolaita Sodo. This would not only help to preserve the cultural
heritage of the community but also contribute to the town's economic development by attracting
tourists and creating job opportunities.

Overall, the creation of a cultural center for traditional handicrafts would play a vital role in
preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Wolaita Sodo, while also contributing to the
community's economic and social development.
BACKGROUND

The cultural center is a new initiative by the local government to promote and preserve the
cultural heritage of Wolaita Sodo. The center is located in a historically significant building that
has been restored and renovated to provide a modern and functional space for artisans, artists,
and cultural enthusiasts.

The center is designed to provide a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and sell
their products. It features a large exhibition hall where artisans can display their work, as well as
a gift shop where visitors can purchase locally made handicrafts. The center also offers
workshops and training sessions for those interested in learning traditional crafts, such as
weaving, pottery, and woodworking.

In addition to promoting traditional handicrafts, the center also hosts cultural events and
activities, such as music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and lectures on local history
and culture.

The cultural center is managed by a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about
preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Wolaita Sodo. The team includes local artisans,
cultural experts, and business professionals who work together to ensure the success of the
center.

The center is open to the public and welcomes visitors from all over the world. It is a place
where people can come together to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of
Wolaita Sodo, and to support local artisans and their crafts.

Overall, the cultural center is a vibrant and dynamic space that celebrates the cultural heritage of
Wolaita Sodo and provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and creativity. It
is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of this
fascinating region.
Problem Statement:
Design a cultural center that preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of Wolaita Sodo,
provides a platform for local artisans and performers, and serves as a hub for community
engagement and outreach programs, while also being environmentally sustainable and accessible
to all members of the community, including those with disabilities."

This problem statement identifies the key design requirements and constraints for the project,
including the need to preserve and promote local cultural heritage, provide a platform for local
artisans and performers, and ensure environmental sustainability and accessibility. It also
highlights the importance of community engagement and outreach programs, which can help to
foster a sense of community ownership and pride in the cultural center.

Objective:
The objective of this project is to design and develop a cultural center for the community of
Wolaita Sodo that preserves and promotes the town's cultural heritage while also providing a
platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and sell their products. The center will be
designed to accommodate various cultural events and activities, such as music and dance
performances, art exhibitions, and lectures on local history and culture.

The specific goals of the project are:

1. To create a welcoming and inclusive space for the community to engage with and learn about
their cultural heritage.

2. To provide a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and sell their products,
promoting economic development and cultural preservation.

3. To host various cultural events and activities that celebrate the diversity and richness of
Wolaita Sodo's cultural heritage.

4. To ensure the center is accessible and inclusive for all members of the community, including
those with disabilities.
5. To create a sustainable and environmentally conscious design that reflects the community's
values and traditions.

By achieving these goals, the project aims to contribute to the preservation and promotion of
Wolaita Sodo's cultural heritage, while also supporting the local economy and fostering a sense
of community pride and ownership.

Research question
1. What are the community's needs and preferences in terms of cultural and entertainment
spaces, and how can these be incorporated into the design of the cultural center?

2. How can the cultural center be designed to promote cultural preservation and education,
and foster a sense of community pride and ownership?

3. What are the sustainability and environmental considerations that need to be taken into
account when designing the cultural center, and how can these be addressed through the
use of local materials, renewable energy sources, and other sustainable design practices?

4. How can the cultural center be designed to be accessible and inclusive for all members of
the community, including those with disabilities, and how can it accommodate diverse
cultural events and activities?

Significance of the study

1. Preservation of cultural heritage: The study aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the
community by incorporating traditional elements and materials into the design of the cultural
center. This will help to promote the community's cultural identity and ensure that their heritage
is passed down to future generations.

2. Community engagement: The study involves engaging with the community and understanding
their needs and preferences, which will help to create a sense of ownership and inclusivity. This
will foster a sense of community pride and promote social cohesion.
3. Sustainable development: The study emphasizes the use of local materials and sustainable
design practices, which will help to reduce the cultural center's environmental impact. This will
promote sustainable development and contribute to the community's social, economic, and
environmental well-being.

4. Cultural exchange: The cultural center will provide a platform for cultural exchange between
the community and visitors from other parts of the world. This will promote cross-cultural
understanding and appreciation, and help to break down cultural barriers.

5. Economic development: The cultural center has the potential to generate income for the
community through cultural tourism, which can help to promote economic development and
improve the community's standard of living.

6. Community empowerment: The study aims to empower the community by providing them
with a platform to showcase their cultural heritage and arts. This will help to promote community
pride and self-esteem, and provide opportunities for community members to develop their skills
and talents.

7. Cultural preservation for future generations: The study aims to create a cultural center that will
preserve the community's cultural heritage for future generations. This will ensure that the
community's history, traditions, and cultural practices are not lost over time.

Overall, the study on designing a cultural center for the community of Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia, is
significant because it addresses various aspects of community development, including cultural
preservation, community engagement, sustainable development, cultural exchange, economic
development, community empowerment, and cultural preservation for future generations.