Analysis of Sustainable Urban Water Front Development by Using Urban Design Principles in The Case of Addis Ababa, Bole Sub City

The development of the areas at the waterfront has major importance facilitating an appropriate insertion of human activities in a threatened and deteriorating environment. The unique qualities of the water spatial interface have regularly meant that waterfront development has been distinct from general urban development. Waterfront was one of the most valuable resources for a country being limited and precious assets. To secure long-term growth of this resource, it was important for waterfront areas to be used strategically to maintain their economic value and enhance their specific features. This paper was analyzed waterfront development along the Kebena stream by application of urban design principles for conserving the waterfront environment. In development strategy aspect, this paper analyzed the original meaning and content of waterfront development. Addis Ababa Bole sub city was then taken as a thematic area to analyze waterfront development using urban design principles. The waterfront sustainable design address issues such as habitats and cultural heritage preservation, water management, and energy and resource conservation. It also explained that the success or failure of a waterfront development should be evaluated through a set of multi-aspect indexes. According to different types of waterfronts, their spatial needs were also specific. The waterfront development area was located near to the inner-city of Addis Ababa which was usually characterized by dilapidation, poor housing, and economic and social deprivation. The main peculiar features of the study area were decayed infrastructure, unplanned streets, buildings, open spaces and a concentration of people with social difficulties.