Exploring the morphogenesis of Ethiopian cities: a comparative analysis of the urban forms of Dire Dawa city with its central and northern Ethiopian counterparts

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study intends to explore the morphogenesis of Dire Dawa through comparative analysis. Several scholars have claimed that central and northern Ethiopian cities share a common urban form tradition, and this study compares the morphogenesis of Dire Dawa, located on the country’s eastern border, to this morphological thought. The research employs a comparative analysis technique of Dire Dawa’s morphogenesis based on Conzenian urban form elements. The findings reveal that the spatial organization of the case areas of the city deviates significantly from the conventional morphological philosophy of northern and central Ethiopian cities. Thus, the establishment of new ones and the redevelopment and extension of existing urban quarters must consider urban form philosophy in the nation along with the identity and conservation of urban form features. This will enable a well-managed morphological blending that might incorporate significant new concepts with existing local knowledge without having undesirable consequences.