Ethio European Business School (EEBS), Business Innovation Centre (BIC) | Politecnica Ingegneria e Architettura

The project to locate the Ethio European Business School (EEBS) and the Business Innovation Center (BIC), which are part of the Addis Ababa University, is part of the investment and economic development activities, or Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), devised by the Ethiopian Government and the European Union. The project concerns an area of ​​15,000.00 sqm. within the university campus (located in the north-east of the city of Addis Ababa) and includes the construction of one large building accommodating spaces for educational activities, conference rooms, meeting rooms, and a large learning centre, as well as common areas for the activities of both university departments and their departmental offices.

The building was designed as a single volume divided over three and five levels, interconnected through a triple central volume with the aim of creating an architectural landmark and recognisable symbol of development. The compositional geometry of the building aims for maximum integration with the site’s morphological and natural features, consistent with existing vegetation. The large terraces and green roofs create dialogue and continuity between the building’s interior spaces and the surrounding nature. The projections and orientation guarantee optimal management of sunlight in order to minimise the need for air-conditioning. The entire building actually needs no air-conditioning and the structure of the internal spaces promotes maximum efficiency and natural air circulation.

Internally, the building features a large central space, open over three levels, which acts as a vertical connection through the stairway and the system of walkways intersecting at different levels. The large volume is a dynamic place and offers an ideal environment for innovative learning activities, a launch pad for universities of the future. Large spaces dedicated to hubs, arranged in a continuous manner along the walkways, provide areas in which learning and the sharing of knowledge can be enhanced, areas which can help develop the relationship between college students and the businesses which will be involved in the programs.