PORTFOLIO.ESKINDER

HERITAGE CONSERVATION PORTFOLIO Eskinder Gebeyehu Architect Conservator Gebeyehueskinder@gmail.com +447999933549

About me Hello!

I am Eskinder I am a dedicated Architect Conservator with over nine years of specialized experience in heritage conservation, Damage analysis, developing technical conservation proposals, and management of high-profile restoration projects. Having served at the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, I have led conservation initiatives at different heritage sites, involved in conservation efforts in world heritage sites including Lalibela and Gondar, and conducted critical post-war heritage assessments in northern Ethiopia. My expertise bridges the gap between technical architectural design and strategic project management, ensuring that every intervention preserves the historical authenticity and "Outstanding Universal Value" of the site.

With an academic foundation in Architectural Engineering and an MA in Project Management, I bring a methodical approach to heritage preservation, from conducting detailed risk assessments to developing conservation approach. Through international training in digital heritage tools, sustainable urban mobility, sustainable urban infrastructure, and heritage first aid, I have gained a technical foundation to support complex preservation and development initiatives. These programs have allowed me to approach conservation and modern urban challenges with a balanced perspective. I am dedicated to contributing to the safeguard of cultural legacies through collaborative teamwork, technical diligence, and a sincere respect for the architectural and spiritual significance of historic environments.

Table of Content 1. Portuguese Bridge 2. Hitsan Alem Kindergarten (Historical Building) 3. Debre Sina Monastery 4. Baha Giyorgis Church Gondar 5. Gondar UNESCO World Heritage site 6. Church Museum Design 7. Tourist Information Center Design (Lower Awash Valley World Heritage Site) 8. Tourist Information Center Design (Lower Omo Valley World Heritage Site)

1. Portuguese Bridge Description: This project involved the restoration of the historic Portuguese Bridge located in the North Shoa Zone of Ethiopia. The bridge suffered significant structural damage due to heavy seasonal flooding and centuries of use without formal maintenance.

My Roles: •

As-Built Drawings

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Damage Assessment

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Conservation Approach & Study

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Conservation Design

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Conservation Management

2. Hitsan Alem Kindergarten (Historical Building) Description: As one of the oldest buildings in Addis Ababa, the Hitsan Alem Kindergarten required extensive restoration. The structure had deteriorated significantly due to age, environmental exposure, and human factors.

My Roles: •

As-Built Drawings

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Damage Assessment

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Conservation Approach & Study

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Conservation Design

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Conservation Management

3. Debre Sina Monastery Description: This monastery is one of Ethiopia’s oldest grass-thatched churches and is renowned for its historic wall paintings. The restoration focused on replacing the deteriorated thatch roof with traditional materials and conducting essential floor restoration works.

My Roles: •

As-Built Drawings

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Damage Assessment

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Conservation Approach & Study

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Conservation Design

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Conservation Management

4. Baha Giyorgis Church Description: Located in Southern Ethiopia, Baha Giyorgis is a site of significant historical importance. The church had reached a state of advanced deterioration resulting from natural aging and a previous lack of consistent conservation efforts.

My Roles: •

As-Built Drawings

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Damage Assessment

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Conservation Approach & Study

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Conservation Design

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Conservation Management

5. Gondar UNESCO World Heritage Site I contributed to the development of conservation proposals by collaborating on site-wide diagnostic assessments to identify structural and material vulnerabilities. I participated in defining the strategic framework for restoration, ensuring our team’s planned interventions aligned with UNESCO World Heritage requirements for maintaining historical authenticity.

As part of the technical team for project monitoring and control, I assisted in overseeing on-site activities to ensure they followed the approved conservation guidelines. I collaborated on managing quality standards and timelines to ensure all physical works adhered to Ethiopian Heritage Authority regulations and preserved the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.

6. Church Museum Design I designed a new church museum for Qoma Fasiledes, one of the oldest churches in the South Gondar Zone of Ethiopia’s Amhara Region. My architectural design focused on creating a dedicated space to preserve and display the church's ancient treasures while ensuring the new structure aligns seamlessly with the site’s historic and spiritual context.

The project involved developing a museum facility that strictly adheres to the traditional architectural vocabulary of the region. By balancing modern functionality with authentic, traditional aesthetics, my design provides a secure environment for heritage preservation while enhancing the experience for pilgrims and visitors.

7. Tourist Information Center Design (Lower Awash Valley World Heritage Site) I designed the Tourist Information Center for the Lower Awash Valley paleoanthropological site, focusing on an architectural approach that harmonizes the local climate and natural environment. The project prioritizes a layout that responds naturally to the valley's weather conditions, ensuring the structure is well-integrated into its specific geographic context while employing cost-efficient construction.

The design is deeply rooted in the local vernacular, drawing inspiration from the traditional shapes of regional housing. By mirroring these indigenous forms, the center maintains a strong cultural connection to the landscape, serving as a functional gateway that respects both the heritage and the environment of the region.

8. Tourist Information Center Design (Lower Omo Valley World Heritage Site) I designed the Tourist Information Center for the Lower Omo Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its significant paleoanthropological discoveries and diverse living cultures. My architectural approach focused on environmental integration, ensuring the design responds naturally to the valley's specific climate and landscape.

The project is deeply rooted in the local vernacular, drawing inspiration from the traditional shapes and indigenous materials of regional housing. By utilizing local building materials and authentic forms, the center serves as a culturally resonant gateway that honors the heritage and environmental context of the region.