Italian architectural studio Carlo Ratti Associati has revealed its groundbreaking design for the Grand Fendika Cultural Center in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. The innovative building is designed to "invite the energy of Addis Ababa in" and will serve as both a cultural venue and hotel facility.
Located in the Kazanchis neighborhood of Addis Ababa, the new structure will replace the original Grand Fendika Cultural Center, which was demolished in 2024. The project represents a collaboration between Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA), Grand Fendika's founder Melaku Belay, and both local and global communities committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the area.
The building features a distinctive stepped design that creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. A continuous stair-ramp begins at ground level and winds up to a rooftop terrace, passing through various functional spaces throughout the four-story structure. This design approach aims to blur the boundaries between the building's interior and the surrounding neighborhood.
The comprehensive facility will house rehearsal studios, classrooms, performance halls, artist residency spaces, a cafe, archives, and an open-air stage. The interior spaces are connected by interwoven staircases and double-height areas, while balconies and landings provide additional opportunities for visitors to engage with the programming. Broad street-facing windows will further open the building to the surrounding community.
"We took inspiration from the way Fendika has been naturally engaging with the city around it," explained studio founder Carlo Ratti. "Our design reflects this openness, creating a building that blends the boundaries between outside and inside; it encourages interaction and invites the energy of Addis Ababa in."
The project holds particular significance for the Kazanchis neighborhood, which historically housed numerous music halls that have since disappeared. The original Grand Fendika Cultural Center was among the last of these venues before its demolition in 2024. However, Addis Ababa municipality and Mayor Adanech Abebe offered Belay the opportunity to remain and rebuild in the same location.
"CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati's design for Grand Fendika is wonderful news for Fendika supporters from all over the world!" said Belay. "Carlo Ratti and his team understand Fendika's ethos of bringing people and communities together with the arts."
The new cultural center will feature performance spaces visible from multiple levels within the building, enhancing the sense of connectivity and shared experience. Wide exterior stairs will lead visitors into the building and continue up to the roof terrace, creating a continuous flow of movement throughout the structure.
Carlo Ratti, who serves as curator of this year's Venice Architecture Biennale, recently spoke about the event's evolution, noting significant changes in traditional exhibition formats. He has also been involved in other high-profile projects, including creating the torches for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, which feature an innovative iridescent design.
The Grand Fendika Cultural Center project represents a significant investment in Ethiopia's cultural infrastructure and demonstrates how contemporary architecture can honor local traditions while embracing modern design principles. The building is expected to become a landmark destination that celebrates Ethiopian culture while fostering international artistic exchange.
