In their recent programme of embassy building in Third World countries, the Dutch are acquiring a reputation for promoting architecture that responds imaginatively to local culture, climate and sensitivities. Collaboration with local architects is also mandatory.This new Dutch diplomatic compound in Ethiopia by the Amsterdam-bsed partnership of Dick van Gameren and Bjarne Mastenbroek follows on from Claus en Kaan's embassy in Maputo (AR November 2004), the civil war-torn capital of Mozambique now slowly rebuilding. The Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa is also not immune to political unrest, with demonstrations taking place last year in protest at the then newly elected government. Such unpredictable civil unease only serves to deepen the frisson of security consciousness already in play post 9/11, and adds to the challenge of trying to create a dignified and genuinely open diplomatic presence.
展开▼
