Lideta Market

Lideta Market is a contemporary market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was designed by Vilalta in 2016.

Vilalta designed the Lideta market to address local climate issues while also including local traditions: natural light and ventilation are allowed into the building interiors while sheltering it from the sun. To accomplish this, the façade is built with lightweight concrete prefab technology, and the designs are inspired by traditional Ethiopian fractal patterns found in local fabrics.

Also, the passive ventilation system and controlled natural lighting created between the building’s façade and the inner atrium provide the interior area an open-air feel with balanced lighting.

One of Ethiopia’s biggest issues is the frequent power outage. This recurring difficulty was turned into an opportunity by mounting circular-shaped solar umbrellas on the rooftop, providing comfortable shaded entertainment areas.

The roof also serves as a rainwater collection system, draining and storing rainwater in basement tanks before it is filtered and reused for the building’s restrooms and faucets.

photo credit: internet