Construction Methods and Spatial Formations of Italian Colonial
Residences and Divisional Formations of Italian Residential
Areas in Gondar, Ethiopia

TOMOHIRO SHITARA
Keio University

I have studied Italian colonial buildings in Gondar, Ethiopia, continuously since 2003. In
my previous research, I clarified the total number ofltalian colonial buildings, the concept of
the Italian urban master plan, and the distribution, height, construction materials, construction
methods, current conditions, and ownership status ofltalian colonial buildings. Here, I focus on
the spatial formations of and construction methods for Italian colonial residences and the divi­
sional formation ofltalian residential areas. During the colonial period, four Italian residential
areas were constructed. These areas were distinguished clearly by dweller type in terms of pro­fession: high officials, officials, soldiers, and civilians. Italian colonial residences involved threety pes of construction methods, i.e., prefabrication, masonry, and reinforced concrete construc­tion, which are subdivided iJ1to 10 types of principal structure. 1he use of each type of principal
structure was distinguished by the dwellers' profession. Italian colonial residences involved tluee
types of building, i.e., detached house, row house, and dormitory, and contained various rooms,
e.g., living and dining rooms (L&D), bedrooms, kitchens, toilet and bathrooms, corridors, andverandas. Most residences had both verandas and corridors. Furthermore, Italian colonial resi­
dences involved seven types of layout; most were organized into three of the most common("V->C--+X, L&D", "V--+L&D--+C--+X," and "V--+L&D--+X". corridor (C); living and dining
room (L&D); veranda (V); and bedroom, kitchen, toilet and bathroom, or other space (X)).
Key words: colonial architecture, construction method, Ethiopia, Gondar, Italy, spatial
formation

1. INTRODU CTION
1.1. Background

Ethiopia was occupied by the Italian army from 1936 to 1941.(1) According to my previo u s field­

work,(2l Italian colonial b uildings that were constructed by Italian engineers during this occupation
still exist in major towns such as Addis Ababa, Jinma, Harar, and Gon dar In Gondar, there are still
352 Italian colonial buil din gs , and 58% of these buildings are in good condition (Shitara 2006a: 20).
.

In an opinion poll on the preservation of the area's Italian colonial buildings, 80 of the 100 people
questioned said that they re cognized these bu ilding s as historical architecture that should be properly
preserved (Sb.itara 2006b: 16-17).
However, since 2000, Gondar's economy has developed dramatic ally, and s om e of the buildings havealread y been lost to more lucrative investments. Therefore, the Ethiopian research team of Miyake

Nilo-Ethiopian Studies 12: 27-45 (2008)
Co pyright© 2008. Japan Association for Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

27

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Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

Studio at Keio University, Fujisawa,Japan, began to research Italian colonial buildings in coopera­tion with Ethiopia's Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH). In
2003, together with the Gondar City Service Office, Amhara National Regional State, and Addis
Ababa University;!ll they launched a joint project in Gondar. 'TI1e aim of this project was to clarify thearchitectural features ofltalian colonial buildings and to formulate a preservation policy. In 2006, fivehistorical Italian quarters were specified in Gondar, and building height regulations were developed
for these quarters (Shitara 2006c: 3). Io addition, a list of all Italian colonial buildings was made, andguidelines were proposed for the buildings' maintenance.
1.2. Ptevious teseatch on Italian colonial buildings

I have studied Italian colonial buildings in Gondar continuously since 2003. I have examined the fol­lowing:<4l the construction of l talian colonial buildings; the concept of the Italian urban master planas drawn up by the Italian architect and rown planner Gberardo Bosio; the total number of Italiancolonial buildings (352); building distribution and height in relation to storey; construction materi­als and methods; existing condition; and ownership status (Shitara 2006a: 15-22; Shitara 2006d:
215-220). I also conducted an opinion poll on the preservation ofltalian colonial buildings (Shitara
2006b: 16-17).
The researcher Mia Fuller studied the planning background and design features of Italian colo­
nial buildings in two Italian co.lon.ies, i.e., Libya and Ethiopia, using docttments publi.shed during
the occupation (Fuller 1988). Fuller discussed difef rences in the design concepts used in the twocountries' Italian colonial buildings and noted that most of the Italian colonial buildings that were
designed by Italian architects and constructed in Ethiopia were based on the concept of adaptation to
d1e indigenous environment (Fuller 1988: 455).
Anod1er researcher, Brian McLaren, studied the concept and design features of Italian colonialbuildings in Libya in relation to both vernacular and modern contexts (McLaren 2001). McLarenmentioned d1at these two different approaches to the construction ofltalian colonial buildings werecarried out in Libya by Italian architects: the vernacular contexts were used as abstract metaphors forcontemporary architecture. In contrast, the modern contexts were referred to as harmonizing withpre-existing environments (McLaren 2001: 5).
In 1992, a group ofltalian scholars published the magazine Rassegna, which introduced designs byseveral Italian architects who had been dispatched to Ethiopia (Zagnoni et al. 1992). This document
mentioned d1at some architects attempted to copy the design models of colonial residences by using
local techniques and materials. In 1993, an exhibition ofltalian colonial buildings focusing on four
Italian colonies, i.e., Ethiopia, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, was held in Bologna, Italy, and a catalogue
was complied that included a general explanation of Italian colonial buildings along with draw­
ings and photographs (Gresleri, Massaretti and Zagnon_i 1993). The l'Istituto Italiano per l'Mrica el'Oriente (lsiAO) published a similar document in 2005 that provided information on Italian colo­
nial buildings in Italian colonies (Lo Sardo, Massaretti, Ra.ffone and Talamona 2005: 9-75). Since
2004, the Laboratory of Architecture Aggregation Palermo (LAAP) has worked to investigate thepresent condition and distribution ofltalian colonial architecture constructed in Asmara and to makea list of buildings that are candidates for a protective maintenance policy.
1.3. PU1pose and methods

This paper is a continuation of my last thesis (Shitara 2006d). Here, I focus on the details of thespatial formations and construction med1ods of Italian colonial residences and the divisional for­mation of Italian residential areas in Gonda.r, Ethiopia. I examined the Italian colonial residences
and Italian residential areas in Gondar with the following three objectives: to examine the housing
lots and road plans and clarify the features of divisional formations; to classify the principal struc­tures and construction materials ofitalian colonial residences and clarify the features of construction
methods; and to classify the building and layout types of Italian colonial residences and clarify thefeatures of spatial formations. This report is based on fieldwork conducted between October 2003

SHITARA: Construction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

29

Fig. 1. Map ofltalian residential areas and Italian colonial residences in Gondar, Ethiopia

and November 2006. I targeted four ltalian residential areas and 9] Italian colonial residences in thecenter ofGondar (Fig 1 ).

.

2. ITALIAN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
2.1. Bosio's urban master plan
After the Italian army occupied Ethiopia, Gherardo Bosio was dispatched to Gondar by Africa
Orientale Italiana (AOI) and began to formulate a master plan for Gondar's urban development.
According to his submission to the architectural magazine Urbanistica (Bosio 1937:160-170), he
referred to the concept ofltalian residential areas and housing lots as follows:

1) Italian residential areas must be segregated from Ethiopian residential areas for the purpose ofinterrupting communication between Italians and Ethiopians;2) The residential areas of government officials and soldiers should be distinguished from the resi­
dential areas of civilians because these residential areas are functionally different;

3) The residential areas for high officials and officials (both government and military) should bebuilt on high and flat land and with a fine view of Lake Tana or the mountains. In contrast, theresidential areas of civilians such as merchants and craftsmen should be constructed on low andfiat land; and

4) All of the Italian housing lots must have sufficient areas for gardens, and the housing lots of highofficials (both military and government) must have space for garages.
The urban development ofGondar based on Bosio's urban master plan continued until Italians left
Ethiopia in 1941.
2.2. Housing lots and road plans ifItalian re.ridential area.r
A map dating from the occupation (Fig. 2) is found in Gli Annali dell 'Africa Italiana, which was pub­lished in 1938, and shows four Italian residential areas at that time: Chewa Safar, Kermata, Rafael,30

Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

Fig. 2. Italian urban master plan ofGooda.r, Ethiopia (proposed by Ghera.rdo Bosio)

and Auto-Parco (AOI 1938: 403). By comparing the old map with the current conditions of these
Italian residential areas, the formations of each residential area and the housing lots were determined
as follows:
Chewa Safar: "Chewa Safar" means ''good land" in Amharic and is known as a high-end residential
area in Gondar. This area, located at an altitude of 2020 m, was developed as a special Italian resi­
dential area for high officials and officials (both government and military) to the northeast of central
Gondar. 1he villas for high officials were constructed at the east side of this area, and other residences
for officials were also built at the west side. A total of 35 Italian colonial residences (seven villas and
28 residences) were built in this area; views of Lake Tana or the Angreb River can be seen from thefirst floor of the villas. 1he area of a housing lot for a villa is approximately 1000-1500 m2, whereasthat for other residences averages 500 m2• Most roads are 6 m wide, except for the main roads, which
are 8 m wide.
I compared the old and current maps ofChewa Safar (Fig. 3). Some housing plots differ between
the two maps. However, seven villas are found in the same positions on both maps. Because highofficials bad priority for residential construction, the villas in Chewa Safar must have been the firstresidences to have been built.
Kermata:Kermata is located at an altitude of 2000 m to the east of central Gondar and was con­structed as a residential area for both Italian soldiers and civilians. The soldiers' district and civilian
district were divided clearly using the natural slope of the hill, and the housing lots were formed
alongside the road that ran along the contour line. A total of 30 Italian colonial residences (15 sol­
diers' residences and 15 civilian residences) still exist in Kermata. The areas of housing lots for thesoldier's district are unclear because there are no fences between residences, whereas the area of hous­ing lots for civilians averages 1000 m2• Most roads are 8 m in width.
I compared the old and current maps ofKermata (Fig. 4). There are no residences in the soldiers'
district on the old map. However, seven residences in the civilian district are in the same position
on both maps, and five residences that were under construction (black outline and blank inside) are
shown on the old map. Tilis indicates that the civilian residential area was developed earlier than thatfor soldiers.
Rafael: The Italian residential area referred to as "Rafael" by Ethiopians was constructed for Italian

SHITARA: Construction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

31

Fig. 3. Comparison ofBosio's proposal and current conditions i n Chewa Safar

Fig. 4. Comparison ofBosio's proposal and current conditions in Kermara

civilians at an altitude of 2000 m, surroLmding the Rafael church. Contradictory to Bosio's urban
plan, this area is located near the Ethiopian residential area. A total of 16 civilian residences exist in
this area at present; the housing lots are approximately 1000 m2 in area. Most roads are 6 m wide.
I compared the old and current maps of Rafael (Fig. 5). There are 16 civilian residences on thecurrent map and 10 of them are in the same position as in the old map, although some housing plots
differ between the two maps.
Auto-Parco: The Italian residential area named Auto-Parco for the large parking area located inthis area during the occupation was developed as a soldiers' residential area. Located at an altitudeof 1920 m, this residential area is lower than the others. There were 10 soldiers' residences in this
district, and the housing lots are approximately 500-750 m2 in area. Most roads are 6 m wide, except
for the main road (10 m wide).
I compared the old and current maps of Auto-Parco (Fig. 6). There are four soldiers' residences inthe eastern area of the current map, and all of them are found in the same position as on the old map.

32

Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

Fig.5. Comparison ofBosio's proposal and current conditions in RafaelFig. 6. Comparison ofBosio's proposal and current conditions in Auto-Parco

However, most housing plots differ between the two maps.
2.3. Features ofdivisionalformations ofItalian residential areas

According to a comparison ofBosio's urban master plan and my own fieldwork, the following featuresof the fow· Italian residential areas can be emphasized.

1) The housing lots and road plans were basically constructed using a grid system, which was adjusted
according to contour line and slope.

2)

The entrances ofltalian colonial residences were typically bu.ilt facing the road, and most residences
had a gate and a fence. According to interviews with elderly Ethiopians who had worked with
Italians, the reason is because Italians were conscious of home security and crime prevention.

3) Trees such as pines, eucalypts, and palms were planted in the gardens of high officials' villas, andshacks for Ethiopian guards were constructed inside housing lots and car parks. However, thiswas not common for other types ofltalian residences.

4)

A number of civilian residences were constructed earlier than the soldiers' residences; soldiersusually lived in tents until their residences were ready for habitation.

SHITARA: Construction oflralian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

33

3. ITALIAN COLONIAL RESIDENCES
3.1. Previous research on Italian colonial residences in Ethiopia

As mentioned in Section 1.2, general information on Italian colonial residences constructed in
Ethiopia was published in the 1992 catalogue, whereas the design and construction features wereintroduced in Rassegna. In Rassegna, Italian scholar Stefano Zagnoni referred to the following fea­tures of ltalian colonial residences in Ethiopia, using official documents written by Italian architects
during the occupation.
1) The prefabricated colonial residences were developed in Italy in the 1930s; these were transferred
to Ethiopia after the occupation. However, it was difficult ro transport many prefabricated colo­
nial residences to Ethiopia because of the high cost (Zagnoni et al. 1992: 20).
2) The Istituto Nazionale per Case degli Impiegati delli Stato (INCIS), under the control of AOI,
constructed the first model colonial residences in Addis Ababa. The residences of lNCIS were
designed by uniting Italian layout patterns and local construction methods; these were later con­structed in many other cities (Zagnoni et al. 1992: 20).
3) At the beginning of the occupation, vernacular materials such as stone and wood were mainly
used for the colonial residences; gradually, modern construction materials such as cement andsteel bars were transported to Ethiopia (Zagnoni et al. 1992: 20).
4) Because of the availability of modern construction materials, INCIS residences were improvedin terms of wall and slab materials. For exan1ple, instead of stones, bricks were used for wall con­struction; reinforced concrete (RC), rather than timber, was used as the slab material (Zagnoni
et al. 1992: 23).
5) To adapt to the Ethiopian environment, Italian architects for INCIS analyzed verandas, pas­sageways, and double ventilation systems with an inclined roof. The veranda was considered to beparamow1t in improving habitability (Zagnoni et al. 1992: 24).
Zagnoni's (1993) studies indicate the outline of construction methods and spatial formations ofItalian colonial residences. However, they do not include specific details. "ll1erefore, it is necessary tofurther investigate these residences.
3.2. Classification ofprincipal structures ofand construction materialsfor Italian colonial 1·esidences

Previously, I described the methods and mate1·ials used in the construction of 352 Italian colonialbuildings in Gondar (Shitara 2006d). Here, l examine the construction methods of 91 Italian colo­
nial residences in Gondar in greater detail.
There were three types of construction methods: prefabrication, masonry, and RC (Table 1). Thesemethods were subdivided into 10 types of principal stmctme. Of 91 Italian colonial residences, 71
residences (77. 9%) were built using the prefabrication method: steel pipe frame with walls of asbes­
tos plate and plywood, steel bar frame with corrugated iron sheet walls, steel bar frame wid1 wallsof asbestos plate and plywood, timber frame with walls of asbestos plate and plywood, timber framewith wooden grating walls, and timber frame with wooden panel walls. Fomteen residences (15.5%)
were constructed using the masonry method: brick walls, cement block walls, and stone walls. Six
residences (6.6%) were made using the RC construction method: RC frame with brick walls. The
proportions of these principal structUres in the fom residential areas are as follows (FJ.g. 7).
Chewa Safar: Of the 35 Italian colonial residences, 20 residences (57.1%) are timber frame struc­tures with walls of asbestos plate and plywood, and six residences (17.1%) are RC frame structureswith brick walls. In contrast, Less than three residences each were built using: steel bar frames withcorrugated iron sheet walls; timber frames with wooden grating walls; stone walls; brick walls; steel
bar frames with walls of asbestos plate and plywood; and timber frames with wooden panel walls or
brick walls. All residential buildings that were built of timber frames with walls of asbestos plate andplywood and those that were built of RC frames with brick walls are only found in this area; thesewere only used for officials' residences.
Kermata: Of the 30 Italian colonial residences, 15 residences (50.0%) are timber frame structures34

Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

Table 1. Classification of principal strucrures ofltalian colonial residences in four residential areas
Construction
methodPrincipal structure

Prefab ri ca tion Steel pipe frame with walls ofasbestos plate and plywood

Masonry

0 (0%)

KermataRafael4 (13.3%) 15 (93.8%)

Auto-ParcoToral

0 (0%) 19 (20.8%)

2 (5.7%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (2.2%)

Steel bar frame with walls ofasbestos plate and plywood

1 (2.9%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (1.1%)

Timber frame with walls ofasbestos plate and plywood

20 (57.1%)

0 (O%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%) 20 (21.9%)

Timber frame with wooden
grating walls

2 (5.7%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

10 (100%) 12 (13.3%)

Timber frame with wooden
panel walls

1 (2.9%)15 (50.0%)

1 (6.2%)0 (0%) 17 (18.6%)

Brick walls

1 (2.9%)Stone walls
RC

Chewa Safar

Steel bar frame withcorruga ted iron sheet walls

Cement block walls

Total

Area

RC frame with brick walls

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (3.3%)2 (5.7%)

10 (33.4%)

0 (0%)

1 (1.1%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (1.1%)0 (0%)

0 (0%) 12 (13.3%)

6 (17.1%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

6 (6.6%)35 (100%)

30 (100%)

16 (100%)

10 (100%)

91 (100%)

with wood en panel walls, 10 resid ences (33 .4%) are stone wall structures, four residences (13.3%) aresteel pipe frame structilles with walls of asbestos plate and plywood , and one resid ence (3 .3%) is acement block wall structure. Most resid ences of timber frames with wood en panel walls are foundin this area; these were used only for sold iers' resid ences. Most resid ences of stone wall structures arealso found in this area; these were used only for civilians' resid ences.
Rafael: Of the 16 Italian colonial resid ences, 15 resid ences (93.8%) are steel pipe frames with wallsof asbestos plate and plywood and one resid ence (6.2%) is a timber frame with wood en panel walls.
Most resid ences of steel pipe frames with walls of asbestos plate and plywood are found in tlus area;
tl1ese were used only for civilians.
Auto-Parco: Of the10 Italian colonial resid ences, all resid ences are timber frames with wood en grat­
ing walls for sold iers' resid ences. This type of structure is found only in this area.
The features of tl1e principal structilles ofltalian colonial resid ences in these foill residential areas
are as follows.
1) The d istribution of the types of principal structille d iffers among the resid ential areas because
the areas were d istinguished by the professions of the occupants: high officials, officials, sold iers,
and civilians. All six of the high officials' villas are RC frame structures, and 69% of officials' resi­d ences (20 of29 resid ences) are timber frame structilles with walls of asbestos plate and plywood .
In contrast, 96% of sold iers' resid ences (24 of25) are timber frame structilles with wood en grating
walls (14 resid ences,56 .0%) and timber frame structures with wood en panel walls (10 resid ences,
40.0%). Of civilians' residences, 93 .5% (29 of 31) are steel pipe frame structures with wallsof asbestos plate and plywood (19 resid ences, 61 .2%) and stone wall structilles (10 resid ences,
32.3%).
2) Most of the Italian colonial resid ences were constructed using the prefabrication method . The
masonry method was not popular, although it was one of the most prominent vernacular con­struction method s in Gond ar.
3.3. Features qfthe construction methodsfor Italian colonial residences

The featilles of the principal structilles and tl1e construction materials for Italian colonial resid encesin Gond ar are as follows.

SHITARA: Construction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

Chewa Safar

Kermata35

Auto-Parco

Rafael- Steel P;pc 11Jamewllh w.JI1 ofAabeoit.os Pl:ue and Ply.o.·ood D Tlmba Plamo with Wall• ufAJ:besios Plalc: :md Plywood � Brick WaUJG RC Frame whh Brid: Wallt-Tun� Flame w1th Woodm Qn�ling W;alls- Sleet Bar fume with Corrupted Lrol\Sbect Wa!Jt
� Cement Block Wall
CJ SiftI Bar Fllme w1th WallSorAsbestos Plllle. and P lywood H Tunba'FlAme wstb WoocbPI!)CI Walls
Fig. 7. Distribution of the types of principal structure ofltalian colonial residences

Prefabrication Method: 'Ute prefabrication method had the advantages of both a shorter construc­tion period and easy transportation. In addition, it was easy to ensure the quality of construction andto repair some parts of the residences.
The steel pipe frame structures with walls of asbestos plate and plywood involved steel pipe pillars
and steel pipe beams, walls of asbestos plate and plywood, a wooden u·uss roof with plywood ceiling
panel, a cement floor, and a stone masonry fow1dation (Fig. 8). The advantage of this structure wasgood thermal insulation. However, the disadvantage was weak durability. Asbestos plate was mostly
used as a material for the outer walls and roof tiles. The asbestos plate used on the outer walls was36

Ni/o-Ethiopitm Studies

5 mm thick, 1 m wide, and 3 m long.
The steel bar frame structures with corrugated iron sheer walls involved steel pillars and steel
beams, corrugated iron sheet walls, a steel truss roof with plywood ceiling panel, a wooden floor, anda steel footing and stone masonry foundation (Fig. 9). Although the construction period was theshortest of all of the principal su·uctures, the thermal insulation was the worst.
The steel bar frame structures with walls of asbestos plate and plywood involved steel pillars andsteel beams, walls of asbestos plate and plywood, a steel truss roof with plywood ceiling panel, awooden floor, and a steel footing and stone masonry foundation (Fig. 10). The advantage of thisstructure is that it required the second shortest construction period. However, the disadvantage
was low sustainability because of erosion. The lengths of steel pillar and steel bean1 were 3 and 2 m,
respectively.
The timber frame structures with walls of asbestos plate and plywood were assembled using wooden
pillars, walls of asbestos plate and plywood, a wooden truss roof with plywood ceiling panel, a wooden
floor, and a stone masonry foundation (Fig. 11). This type of structure had good thermal insulation,
but lacked durability.
1he tin1ber frame structures with wooden grating walls were assembled using wooden pillars,
wooden grating partition walls, a wooden truss roof with plywood ceiling panel, a wooden floor, and astone masonry foundation; the exterior wall was covered by plywood (Fig. 12). 'll1is type of structure
had good thermal insulation, but lacked durability.
'll1e timber frame structures with wooden panel walls were assembled using wooden pillars, wooden
panel walls, a wooden truss roof with plywood ceiling panel, a wooden floor, and a stone masonryfoundation; the exterior wall was covered by clapboard siding (Fig. 13). The durability of this type ofstructure was the worst.
Masonry Method: The masonry method, known as the vernacular construction method in North
Ethiopia, is quite common in Gondar. Historical castles, palaces,(Sl and traditional circular houses<6>were all built using stone masonry.
'll1e brick structures involved the construction of walls using piled-up bricks, a wooden truss roof
with plywood ceiling panel, a cement floor, and stone masonry foundation (Fig.14). Bricks were fixedusing mortar and are 6 cm thick, 24 cm long, and 12 cm wide. The Italian army manufactured a large
number of bricks and constructed a brickyard near Che-Che-La, which is located 2 km from the cen­tral part of Gondar and was the first Italian settlement during the Italian occupation. However, thesebricks were mostly used for partition walls, rather than for the principal structure of the buildings.
The cement block structures involved the construction of walls using piled-up cement blocks, awooden truss roof with plywood ceiling panel, a cement floor, and a stone masonry foundation (Fig.
15). 'll1is structure is uncommon, with only one existing residence built iJ1 thjs way. 'll1e cement
blocks are 10 cm thick, 30 cm long, and 15 cm wide. It was difficult to produce cement in Gondar
during the occupation; thus, all cement was transported from AsmaJ·a.
The stone wall structures involved piling up local basalts, a wooden truss roof with plywood ceiling
panel, a cement floor, and a stone masonry foundation (Fig. 16). Local basalts were mined from thequarry near Qusquam Complexm and came in lengths of 15-30 cm and widths of 5-10 cm. This
structure had good thermal insulation and durability.
RC Construction Method: The RC construction method, which requires the concrete structure to
be produced onsite, was not common for Italian colonial residences in Gondar. The advantage of thisstructure is its potential for creating a variety of shapes and attractive spaces. However, it was difficult
to construct Italian residences in Gondar using this type of structure because of shortages of cement
and reinforcing baJ"S. The Italians collected most of the aggregates from the Angreb R.iver.<8> This was
the first trial of the RC structure in Gondar.
The RC frame structures with brick walls involved RC pillars, RC beams, and a RC floor plate, awooden tmss roof with plywood ceiling panel, and a stone masonry foundation (Fig. 17). Thls struc­ntre had good thermal insulation and strong durability.

SHITARA: Construction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

2m
-

2m

Fig.8.

Fig.9.

Asbestos Pl3te
plywood

Detail of Structute

Sreel prpe

Foundation

2m

2m

Fig. tO.

Fig. I!.

Roof:CTS

Wooden Grating
plywood

Stone Maso

Founda.tion

Detail of Wooden Panel

®

IS IS

2m

0

Fig.l2.

2m

Fig.13.

37

Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

38

Cement Block

1 so• JOO• 1 oo

Brick 120• 240• 60

Cement Floor

tone Masonry fowulation

Stone Masoury Foundalion

2m

2m

0

Fig.l5.

Fig.14.

Roof: Cl'S Inclination- 8.4

Wooden Beam
Wooden Rnner

RC fr:unc

BrickWnU

2m

0

Fig.l6.

RC Frame

A---tt-- RC Floor

Stone Masonry foundation

2m

Principal Structures

Residence No.

Fig 8Steel Pipe Flamewith Walls of Asbestos and Plywood

No.61

Fig 9

SteelBar Flamewith Corrugated Iron Sheet Walls

No.9

Fig I 0 SteelBar Flamewith Walls of Asbestos Plate 8lld Plywood

No.35

Fig 11 Timber Flamewith Walls of Asbestos Plate 8lld Plywood

No.l2

Fig 12 Timber Flamewith Wooden Grating Walls

No.83

Fig 13 Timber Flame with Wooden Panel Walls

No.46

Fig 14 BrickWalls

No.34

Fig 15 Cement BlockWall

No.60

Fig 16 Stone Walls

No.52

Fig 17 RCFramewithBrickWalls

No.l

Fig.17.

SHITARA: Construction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

39

3. 4. Classification ifbuilding types for Italian colonial residences

The 91ltalian colonial residences in the four Italian residential areas in Gondar can be classified into
three building types (Table 2). Of these, 65 residences (71.4%) are detached house style, 18 resi­
dences (19.8%) are row house style, and eight residences (8.8%) are dormitory style.
Detached House Style: The detached house style refers to one residence that is built on one housing
lot. 111e living/dining room, kitchen, toiler/bathroom, and bedroom were typically included, and averanda was often set around the entrance hall.
Row House Style: The row house style refers to two residences that share a wall that are built together
on one housing lot. One household lived in eacl1 residence. The living/dining room, kitchen, toilet/
bathroom, bedroom, and veranda were built in each residence in a manner similar to the detachedhouse style.
Dormitory Style: The dormitory style means that some private rooms for several dwellers were
installed in one building; the dwellers shared a common toilet/bathroom and kitchen.
111e building types of residences in the four Italian residential areas are as follows.
Chewa Safar: Of 35ltalian colonial residences, 28 residences (80.0%) are detached house style, four
residences (11.4%) are dormitory style, and three residences are row house style (8.6%). Most of theresidences were constructed of the detached house style in this area. All dormitory style residences
built in this area were for officials who were bachelors.
Kermata: Of 30 Italian colonial residences, 14 residences ( 46. 7%) are detached house style, 12 resi­
dences (40.0%) are row house style, and four residences (13.3%) are dormitory style. Most of therow house style residences that were built in Gondar are located in this area (12 of 18 residences).
Civilians mainly resided in the row house style of dwelling.
Rafael: Of 16 Italian colonial residences, 13 residences (81.3%) are detached house style and threeresidences (18. 7%) are row house style. Most of the residences were built in detached house style forcivilians in this area.
Auto Parco: Of 10 Italian colonial residences, all are detached house style and were inhabited bysoldiers.
3.5. Classification iflayout typesfor Italian colonial residences

It is possible to recognize the original internal functions of 60 of the 91 Italian colonial residencesin the four Italian residential areas. The internal functions of the other 31 residences are difficult torecognize because of internal changes. Of the 60 Italian colonial residences with clearly recognizable
original internal functions, 30 were civilians' residences (18 detached houses and 12 row houses), 14
were officials' residences (10 detached houses, three dormitories, and one row house), 11 were soldier's
residences (10 detached houses and one dormitory), and five were high officials' villas (three detachedhouses and two row houses; Fig. 18).
There are many rooms inside Italian colonial residences: living and dining rooms, kitchens, bed­rooms, corridors, toilet and bathrooms, verandas, and storage rooms and other spaces (Fig. 18). Table
3 indicates the average area of several rooms ofitalian colonial residences according to the type ofdweller. The features of several rooms are as follows.

Table 2. Classification of building type in four Italian residential areas
RafaelAuto-Parco

High officials

Officials

Civilians

Soldiers

Civilians

Soldiers

Detached house

4 (11.4%)

24 (68.6%)

5 (16.7%)

9 (30.0%)

13 (81.3%)

10 (100%) 65 (71.4%)

Row house

2 (5.7%)

1 (2.9%)10 (33.3%)

2 (6.7%)3 (18.7%)

0 (0%)

18 (19.8%)

Dormitory

0 (0%)

4 (11.4%)

0 (0%)

4 (13.3%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

8 (8.8%)6 (17.1%)

29 (82.9%)

15 (50.0%)

15 (50.0%)
16 (100%)

10 (100%)

91 (100%)

Building type

Subtotal
Total

Chewa Safar

35 (100%)

Kermata30 (1 00.0%)

Total

40

Nilo-Ethiopiatr StudiesIi1 � ;

Both
2

��J

��]

Ver

Off Cor

A 22

A 12

6m

Both

H.O Bolh

4

Cor

Off

�

Both
5

21>n

No

Off

c 15

n

A 35

B 25
llltn

Off Both

17 t

I

B

llltiA)'O\ll. 'l)'pebEj�

lmpotilblt IOR.eeil&nik
theLiyoutTyp&-

Off

Ver

A 45

I

B

m�

linpoaitit 10RtcCISillh
d!tLiyoul 'I'YP'

.

Ver

Civ

A 55

19m

1·� �1

lmpoa:ibleto RecC381USt

Off

Civ

I I'm

m �J

lnJpoalbttiO Recoptltt
the Layou!"')'pe-�] m�
BoUt

Ver
A 54

A 44
6m

t-----1

��J

B

m�

lmpolli.bl.c to R«•i"the Llyout Type.

Off

A 34

A 24

CIV

19M

��]

lalpotablt to R«.rt
thtL«yout'l')'pt

A 14

tmpotllibletORC'COIJiile
U�eLayout Type:

A 53

�

'�

lij�

Sol Ver

A 43

Sm

�

B

19m

Off Both

A 33

Civ

�J ��

I

A 23

1:1�
A 52

lcSon

��m
Both

A 13

l7m

A 42

7m
.__,

H.O.

B

19m

Ver

Off

theUyotn't'ypc:[)I

lmpoaiblotoR«'481lin
lhtUyou11)'p<

A 32

tmpoail:ie to Rccqy.lte

rmpo•thto Recosni•ethe LiyoUJ "l),.e

C

c 41

�

t---l

lmpos:ablttoR�Itt
thtLiyOUIType

ia !
Both

A 31

11111

l-1.0.

ltim

3

A 21

A 11

14..Srn

Ver

Off

A 36

A 46

CIV
B

c 56
ll'ln

tmpl*ible to R.eocosolte

tmpoaitie to 'Rec::ognlae
lbeLiyOUCT)'pe

Both

H.O.

Both

lheLiyoUI T)'pc

Vet

Off

Civ
B
l91n

Vet
A 18

A 28

A 38

B 58

c 48

B

l7.5m
lcnpotlibltiOltKosdte
lbe.LI)•outl"ype

lmposriible to R«csnlse
lheUyoull'ype

Both

Botl1

Off
A 19

10

A 49

A 39

A 29

Impoaibleto R�ile
lheI.AyouiTypeCorlm.polltbl etoR«<8fUttlht�'O\ICT)-pt

lmpollli.bl oto Recoanheltlt Liyoui"I)J»e

�bletollet:qJ�Iu

rtnposdblttOit.KClf1liU
thet...yout�

B 59

Both
A 30

A 40

B

tmpo•bletoReccpltt:the.t..youeTypelh• L..)·out"l)pr

Off
A 20

Civ

17.5m

Civ

A 60

A 50

B

19m
Impossible toRKqJ�In
thtLI)'Out'l'ypt.

B oth

Off

o

Kitchen - Bed ROO!ll - Corridor � T ilet&Bath Room D Veranda
D Living&Dining Room0
r===l-30m
m OthorSpoce.1. Entrance r1 Door
Building Type A : Detached House Style
B : Row House Style
C : Dormitory Style
Sol : Sold1ers Civ · CivthBnS
Resident Type H.O High Officials Off : Officwls

Layout TypeBoth: Veranda&Corridor

Ver
61

Ver Only Veranda Cor Only Corridor No No Veranda&Corridor BothFig. 18. Plan ofltalian colonial residences in fow· Italian residential areas

Civ
A

C.v

41

SHITARA: Construction oflt alian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

62

A 67

��

Both

�"?W�
9m

ew�J

..----..

.-------1

fJI�

Both

Civ Both
9m
t--t

� �J

C1v BoU1

Both

Civ Both

65

A 70
9m

_____,

��

Both
66

Civ Both
A 75

Civ Both

Civ No

B 71

A 76

Civ

Both

bJ�

Ell �
Sol Both

Sol

A 90

A
8.4m
..---,

7.2m
1---l

��

��
I

Civ Cor
A 86

Sol Both6m,.---,

Sol

A 91

A
12m

ll;i�Im�J

b1�
Civ Bothc10.8m,______,I

Civ CorA 85

9nl,___....,

Sol

El�]

b1�

9m
1"-----1

Civ Both

Cor

A 89
7.2m
r-----19m.-------.

A 81

�� ��
Both

Both

Civ BothIOmt-------1

22m

Civ

A 80

! �J

If-]

I

��

1----<

��]Impoaibl:o 10 R«:O@tl
i ac.
Uto IAyour 1)'pe9m1"-----1

Civ
4.Sm,_______,

A 84

��

IOm
..-----.

A
8Am

��J
A 79

11>11
r-------1

Sol

A 88

,_______,

Civ Both

A 74

Id�

Civ Both

'""

��J

9m
t-------1

��

A 83

A 78
t--t

A 69

64

Cor

Civ
9m

A

7.2m
t------1it] �]

lmpollliblc toReccpi1e
the 1-a)•ot.JI "I)'ve�fj

Civ Both
A 73

A 68

IC>n

A 87
8.<1m
.------.

8m

Civ Ver

63

B 82

A 77

B 72
16m

9m
.-------1______,I

Sol CorCiv VerSol

Fig. 18. (Continued)

Table 3. Average areas of several rooms ofltalia.n coloni al residences by dweller type
Dweller rype

Building rype

LivingBed
and dining
room
room

High officials

Detached house
Row house

Officials

Detached house
Row house
Dormitory

Soldiers

Detad1ed house
Dormitory

Civilians

Detached house
Row house

Toiler
Kitchen and barb Corridor Veranda
room

Storage

O th er
space

Total

37.4

71.5

14.5

9.3

29.1

50.5

8.2

2.1

222.6

(16.8%)(32.1%)(6.5%)(4.2%)(13. 1%)(22.6%)(3.7%)( 1 .0%)( 1 00%)27

64.4(30.9%)

148(6.7%)(3.8%)(12.9%)

17(8 .2%)

74 .3

2.5

1.5

208.7

(35.6%)(1 .2%)(0.7%)( 100%)

14.6

20.5

10

5.4

2.7

6.2

0

0

59.4

(24.5%)(34.5%)( 1 6.8)( 9. 1%)(4.5%)(10.4%)

(0%)

(0%)

(1 00%)

28.3

30

2.5

6

6.5

1.3

0

0

74.6

(37.9%)(40.2%)(3.4%)(8.0%)(8.7%)( 1 .8%)

(0%)

(0%)

(100%)

No66(64.9%)

No

6.3

22 . 7

5.3

0.7

0.7

101.7

(6.2%)(22.3%)(5.2%)(0.7%)(0.7%)( 100%)

0(0%)( 100%)

14.6

30.1

9.7

6.3

4.9

(42 .9%)( 13.8%)4.5

0(20.8%)(9.0%)(7.0%)(6.5%)

(0%)

No

112
(70.0%)

8(5.0%)

70.1

5

35

0

0

0

160

(3.1%)(21 .9%)

(0%)

(0%)

(0%)

(1 00%)

16.3

27.7

10.2

4.9

8.8

12.6

0.8

0

81.3

(20.0%)(34.1%)( 1 2.6%)(6.0%)( 1 0.8%)(15 .5%)(1 .0%)(0%)( 100%)

16.9

32.5

9.2

5.2

2.7

9.4

0.5

0

76.4

(22.1%)(42.6%)(12. 1%)(6.7%)(3.5%)(12 .3%)(0.7%)(0%)( 1 00%)Detached House and Row House: m2/household, Dormitory: m2/buildi.ng No: there is no room of this function.

42

Nilo-Ethiopian Studies

Living and Dining Room: All detached houses and row houses used this room for the purposeof dining and togetherness. This room was mostly positioned near the entrance. In high officials'
villas, the room consisted of two rooms joined together. The average area of the living and dining
rooms for high officials (27-37.4 m2) was approximately twice that for officials, soldiers, and civilians(14.6-28.3 m2).
Bedroom: This room was usually used for sleeping in both detached houses and row houses. However,in dormitories, it had multiple purposes. High officials' villas contained three to five bedrooms (64.471.5 m2). l n contrast, residences for officials, soldiers, and civilians (with the exception of dormito­ries) contained one to two bedrooms (20.5-32.5 m2).
Kitchen: Almost all detached houses and row houses had kitchens that were normally positioned
next to the living and dining room. Italians transported cooking equipment to Gondar from Italy
and installed it in the kitchen. The average area of the kitchen for residences of h.igh officials was
somewhat greater than for residences of officials, soldiers, and civilians.
Toilet and Bathroom: Almost all of the residences contained tl1is room. All equipment such as toilet
seats, bathtubs with showers, and water heaters were transported to Gondar from Italy. Some dormi­
tories contained only showers without bathtubs. High officials had two toilets in their residences.
Corridor: This space was set between a room and the main entrance or between two rooms. The cor­ridor was functional for ventilation and to maintain privacy.
Veranda: Most residences had this space next to the living and dining room or the bedroom; its
function was to block out the sunshine. Dwellers could spend time reading or drinking coffee in thisleisure space. High officials' residences had wide verandas, as well as upstairs verandas.
1) The area of detached houses and row houses for high officials was >200 m2 (208.7-222.6 m2).
In contrast, the area of detached houses and row houses for officials, soldiers, and civilians was<100 m2 (59.4-8 1 .3 m2).
2) The comparative relations between the areas of the various rooms in detached houses and row
houses for high officials, officials, soldiers, and civilians are: living and dining room > bedroom >kitchen > toilet and bathroom.
3) The proportion of the total area that comprised verandas and corridors in high officials' detachedhouses and row houses was 35.7% and 43.8%, respectively. 111e proportion of the total area thatcomprised verandas and corridors in civilians' detached houses and row houses was 26.3% and
15. 8%, respectively.
4) The layout of dormitories is diffe rent from that of detached houses and row houses. Approximately
85% of the area of the dormitory is occupied by bedrooms and corridors (officials' dormitory:
87.2%, soldiers' dormitory: 91.9%).
3. 6. Features of.rpatialformationsfor Italian colonial residences

I classified the presence of verandas and corridors in Italian colonial residences according to type ofdweller and building type as follows (Table 4):1) Of 60 Italian colonial residences that have recognizable original internal functions, 49 (81.7%)
have verandas, 45 (75.0%) have corridors, and 36 (60.0%) have both verandas and corridors. Only
two (3.3%) residences have no veranda or corridor.
2) All residences for high officials (five villas) and 88.8% ( 1 6 residences) of detached houses for civil­
ians have both verandas and corridors. All row houses for civilians (12 residences) have verandas.
However, only 25.0% of these have corridors.
I classified the layout of Italian colonial residences according to dweller type and building type(Table 5 and Fig. 19). Seven layout types were classified by the organization of rooms: corridor (C);living and dining room (L&D); veranda (V); and bedroom, kitchen, toilet and bathroom, or otherspace (X). The seven layout types are as follows, where an arrow indicates the spatial direction ofentrance to interior: "C-+X,""L&D-+C-+X,""L&D-+X,""V-+C-+L&D-+X,""V-+C-+X, L&D,""V-+L&D-+C-+X," and "V-.L&D-+X."
C-+X: There is no veranda or L&D in this layout type; this was mainly used for the dormitory style

SHITARA: Construction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gondar

Table 4.

43

Classification of presences of veranda and corridor of Italian colonial residences by dweller type &building type

Dweller type

Building type

Both

VerandaCorridor

NeitherTotal

3 ( 100%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

3 ( 100%)

High officials

Detached house
Row house

2 ( 1 00%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 ( 100%)

Officials

Detached house

6 (60.0%)

2 (20.0%)

1 (10.0%)

1 (10 .0%)10 ( 100%)

Dormitory

1 (33.3%)

0 (0%)

2 (66. 7%)

0 (0%)

3 ( 1 00%)

Row house

1 (1 00%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (Oo/o)1 ( 1 00%)

Detached house

4 (40.0%)

1 (10.0%)

5 (50.0%)0 (0%)

10 (100%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 ( l OO%)

0 (0%)

1 ( 100%)
1 8 (1 00%)

Soldiers

Dormitory
Civilians

Detached house

16 (88.8%)

1 (5.6%)0 (0%)

1 (5 .6%)

Row house

3 (25.0%)9 (75 .0%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 2 ( 100%)

36 (60.0%)

J 3 (21 .7%)

9 ( 1 5.0%)

2 (3.3%)60 ( 1 00%)

Total

Both: both the veranda and corridor. Neither: the residence has neither veranda nor corridor.

Table 5. Classification oflayout type of italian colonial residences by dweller type & building typeD weller

B uilding typ e

C-+X

L&D
-+C-+X

type
High
officials

Officials

v....c.. ......
LD--+X

L&D-+X

v-.c...... v-.L&D
X, L&D

Total-+N

Detached house

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

3 (lOO%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

3 (1 00%)

Row house

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (100%)0 (0%)

2 (100%)0 (0%) 1 (1 0.0%)

Detached house

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

3 (30.0%)

2 (20.0%)

4 (40.0%)10 ( 100%)

Dormitory

2 (66.7%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (33.3%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

3 (100%)Row house

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (100%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (100%)2 (20.0%)

1 (1 0.0%)

10 (1 00%)

S oldiers

Detached house

3 (30.0%) 2 (20.0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

2 (20.0%)

Dormitory

1 (100%)0 (0%)

0 (0%)

Civilians

Detached house

Row house
Total

0 (O%)
0 (0%)
6 ( 10.0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%) 1 (5.6%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (100%)0 (0%) ] J (61.1 %)

6 (33.3%)

0 (0%)

18 (1 00%)

1 (8.3%)0 (0%)

8 (66.7%)

12 (100%)

2 (3.3%) 22 (36.7%) 12 (20.0%) 13 (21.7%)

60 (100%)

0 (0%) 1 (8.3%) 2 (16.7%)
3 (5.0%) 2 (3.3%)

V....C-+X, L&D

C-+X
E.'"mple:No.9 (Fig. IS)

Example:No.67 (Fig. IS)

X

Nwnbtr o!Buildng on Fig.t8

umberOfB\liht.ng on Fig.18
34,75

Example:No.26 (Fig.IS)

NumberotBulldfl8 on Fig.ll
1 ,2,3,5,8,13, 14,15,42,6 1 ,62,63,64,65
66.68,69,70,72,74,79,89

Number ofBuit4ng on Pig.II
2 1,26,35,5 1,52,53,54,55,56,57,
60,67,86

V-+L&D-+C-X

L&D-+c--- x
Example:No.33 (Fig. IS)

x.._�xExample:No.58 (Fig. IS)

L&D X

Number OfBuiJdtlg OD Flg.l8

wnbtr ofBuil<fn& OD fl&U

33,84,9 1

58,59

C: Corridor

V-+L&D-+X

�X
I
L&D-X

9,31,46,82,85,88

�'

Example:No.61 (Fig. IS)

x-x

x-..t ....xx--c--x

L&D: Living&Dining Room

V: Veranda

untbt:r ofBuilctna on Ftg..t8
6,7, 1 0,32,71 ,73,76,78,80,8 1 ,87,90

X: Bed Room, Kitchen, Toilet&Bath Room or Olher Space

0 Living &. Dining Room D Kitchen - Bed Room - Corridor �Toilet! Entrance

V-.LD->C-+X& Bath Room D Veranda � Other Space0

t1 Door30m_r::=;�_Fig. 19. Classification of the layout type ofltalian colonial residences

44

Nilo-Ethiopimz Studies(three of four dormitories).
L&D->C->X: This layout type has no veranda and was used only for detached houses.
L&D->X: There is no veranda or corridor in this layout type; this was used only for soldiers'
residences.
V->C->L&D->X: This layout type was used only for civilians' row houses.
V->C->X, L&D: A total of 36.7% (22 residences) of the Italian colonial residences were of this lay­out type, which constitutes the highest number of any type. Of these, 50.0% were used for civilians'
detached houses (11 of 22 residences).
V->L&D->C->X: This layout type was used for 20.0% (12 residences) of the Italian colonial resi­
dences; this type was used only for detached houses, with the exception of high officials' row houses.
V->L&D->X: 11lis layout type was used for 21.7% (13 residences) of the Italian colonial residences.
It was used in 66.7% of civilians' row houses (8 of 12 residences).

4. CONCLUSION
I n sections 2 and 3, I highlighted the importance of both Italian residential areas and Italian colonialbuildings in Gondar. Hrst, Italian residential areas were segregated from Etlliopian residential areas
during the occupation. Four Italian residential areas were constructed in Gondar at that time, andthese areas were clearly distinguished by dweller type: high officials, officials, soldiers, and civilians.
Second, Italian colonial residences involved three types of construction method, i.e., prefabrication,
masonry, and RC, which I subdivided into 10 types of principal structure. The use of each type ofprincipal structure was distinguished by the type of occupant, i.e., high official, official, soldier, andcivilian. H1gh officials'vi.llas and civilians' residences were constructed before residences for others, andthe above three types of construction methods were recognized in these villas and residences. Third,
Italian colonial residences were classified into three building types: detached house, row house, anddormitory. Italian colonial residences also contained various rooms such as living and dining rooms,
bedrooms, kitchens, toilet and bathrooms, corridors, and verandas. Most Italian colonial residences
had botl1 verandas and corridors, and all of the high officials' villas and most of the detached houses
for civilian had both spaces. Furthermore, Italian colonial residences had seven types of layout, andmost were organized as "V->C->X, L&D," " V->L&D->C->X," or "V--->L&D->X." Fourth, it canbe said that Bosio's proposal for the Gondar urban master plan, which I outlined in 1) to 4) of section
2.1, was accomplished. There is no major discrepancy between my assessment and that of Zagnoni,
which l noted in 1) to 5) of section 3.1.

AC KNOWLEDGEMENTS
I express my appreciation to the colleagues at Gondar City Service Office who cooperated with myresearch and to the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, which gave me the opportunity toresearch Ethiopian historical architecture as a special research fellow. This paper is based on the
results of fieldwork funded by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research by the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ofJapan.

N OTES(1) Ethiopia was occupied by the Italian army for five years; however, it was not colonized. The 1 taJian Colo­nies were Libya, Italian Somalia, a.nd Eritrea.
(2) I conducted nine periods of fieldwork in Ethiopia: five in Gondar (October 2003, February-March 2003,
March 2004, February 2005, and December 2005), one in Jinma (March 2005), one in Harar (August

SIDTARA: Consuuction ofltalian Colonial Residences and Italian Colonial Residential Areas in Gon dar

452005), and one in Addis Ababa (September 2005 and December 2005).
(3)

Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

( 4) "Present Condition ofHistorical Italian colonialbuildings in GondmJ> and "A Study on the Methods and Mate·ri­
als used in the Construction ofItalian Buildings in Gondm: "(5) Th ere are many historical castles and palaces in Gondar that were constructed dw·ing the Gondarine

Period (1632-1769). The main compound, "Fasil Ghebbi," which was built in the central part ofGondar
during tllis time, was registered with the UNESCO World Heritage in 1979. Two other compounds still
exist in Gondar: "Fasiladas' Bath" and "Qysquam Complex."(6) Accord ing to the results of my fieldwork, there are 52 traditional circular houses in Gondar, and most ofthese houses were constructed at least 80 years ago.
(7) The Qysquam Complex consists of"Qysquam Mariam Church" and "Empress Mentewab's Palace." Tt islocated 2.5 km from the central part of Gondar.
(8) The Angreb River flows on the east side of Gondar along Gondar's boundary; the aggregates were col­lected at the riverbank.

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Gli Annali de!!'Africa Italiana. A..nno 2, Numero 4, Roma: A.OI.

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Full er, M.
1988
Building Power: Italy's Colonial Architecture and Urbanism 1923-1940. CulturalAnthropology 3 ( 4):455-487.
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Architettura Italiana d 'oltmnare 1870-1 940. Venezia: Marsilio Editori.
Lo Sardo, E., Massaretti, P. G., Raffone, S., and Talamona, N.
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ArchitettrmJ Ita!iana in Colonia. Roma: IslA.O.
McLaren, B.
2001

Mediterraneita and Modemita: Architecture and Culture during the Period ofItalian Colonization of
North Africa. MIT, Ph.D. cLssertarion .

Shitara, T.
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Present ConcLtion of Historical Italian Colonial Buildings in Gondar. journal of Nilo-Ethiopian

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