Organized by 2019
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Translating to mean ‘Together’ in Amharic, the abRen iniative is an outward expression of the innate nature present in the collective at RAAS Architects.
Driven by its social mission of uplifting communities and its vision of becoming a leading African centered architectural residency and a research space, it aptly self-identifies as a ‘canvas for expression’, looking to dissolve any possible and imagined hindrance to youth and gender empowerment.
abRen is envisioned as a platform for architectural design practice, knowledge elevation, and the exploration of new narratives by the convergence of different voices in a practical and creative learning environment.
Through meaningful collaboration, workshops, research, practice and documentation, abRen will strive to accurately capture and represent culture in the ways of life valued in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa.
abRen inative
RAAS
The abRen mentorship program began under the intiative of Rahel Shawl, principal architect at RAAS Architects after receiving mentorship requests from young architecture students and professionals from Ethiopia and the rest of Africa.
In addition, other experienced professionals from all walks of life and friends of abRen have been voicing their desire to counsel, guide and support young graduates.
A sustained high standard of work has allowed RAAS Architects to forge strong ties with different protagonists of the building process, in its 15+ years of existence.
Different stake- holders can be called upon to share insightful information and ideas, offer support and ensure a individual follow-up.
In 2019 abren organized.... nccnic ndiqbcwc.
One week of collective site visiting around the italian heritage with course paricipants and abren community....and one week visiting Asmara.....
Exhibition at the Urban Center with presentations by...
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እ.ኤ.አ. በ 2019 abren
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Gender, Space and Achitecture
Women in Architecture
On Friday February 1, 2019, abRen held its 1st Biannual event “Gender and Architecture” at Taitu Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Following an introduction by Tigist Kassahun and Selina Temesgen on their work on Gender and Space and Gender Equality and mainstreaming respectively, a panel made up of Architects: Rahel Shawl, Marie-Louise Richards, Catherine Sani, Soroor Notash, Floortje van Sandick, and Eva Strocholcova set the tone for a final day of exchange in what had been a week-long event that ran from the 29th of January to the 2nd of February.
On October 26 , 2019, abRen held mncxo qwnc.ck bnodb ndnocn.
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An open discussion on the transition from classroom to professional practice
With And TAITU HOTEL
Helina Biru, W/ro Mebrat Woldetensaie, Rediet Muluneh, Sara Tesfaye, Semawit Ayele
Rahel Shawl
In collaboration with VENUE
DATE & TIME
OCTOBER 26, 2019; 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
15 2012
+ Association of Ethiopian Architects News + Women in Architecture Event Programme
An open discussion on the transition from classroom to professional practice on Saturday October 26, 2019 at Taitu Hotel from 9:00am until 12:30pm (ከጠዋቱ 3:00 ሰዓት እስከ 6:30 ሰዓት) final event programme
abRen
Women in Architecture raasinitiative@gmail.com t.me/abRenInitiative
EvEnt agEnda : session registration and socializing duration time 1 hour
9:00 - 10:00
Invited guests register their name, e-mail, phone number and profession downstairs.
Guests look at the displayed works of students.
10:00 - 10:15 15 minutes welcome and ice breaking activites
The coordinator(s) gives a brief overview of the general flow of the event.
Guests take part in lively activities and get acquainted.
Below are 5 questions to be asked, to lighten the mood and introduce the main topic:
• Do you describe yourself to be a loyal tibs eater or a diehard kitfo eater?
• Do you get your eskista on with Teddy Afro or moonwalk to Michael Jackson?
• Do you religiously watch ጥቁር፡ፍቅር on Kana or ዘመን on EBS?
• Do you wake up instantly to the sound of ጥሩንባ፡ነፊ (known as the death announcer) or continuously snooze your alarm for 30 minutes?
• Do you say you consciously chose to study design or you accidentally fell into it?
• Do you say inspiring mentors are few and hard to find in Ethiopia or they are too modest in showcasing theirs accomplishements?
10:15 - 11:00 45 minutes - 9 mins each experience sharing with speakers and Q&A
W/ro Mebrat will highlight her personal motivation to graduate in Architecture at the age of 70, her message to the youth and women as well as her intention moving forward.
4 young design graduates with different backgrounds will share their own experiences about their readiness for the professional world: how they go about approching the job market, and their reflections and pending questions.
The audience reacts to what they have just heard.
11:00 - 11:20 20 minutes coffee break
Guests network and continue exchanging ideas. They make suggestions for future events.
11:20 - 12:20 1 hour round table discussions
The coordinator sums up quickly the different ideas shared at the previous session.
In smaller groups, questions relating to transitions are discuss for 10 minutes each and documented through words, poetry, visuals, sketches, folding paper, etc. (in 5 minutes)
• Transition of ‘me internally’ : who are you as an individual in design? what’s your purpose, your mission, your contribution? where are you in the work you do?
• Transition of ‘me in society’ : how do you merge your definition of the architect you are and the one understood by society? how do you bridge the gap between the self and the societal pressure of what it is to be an architect?
• Transition of ‘me at work’ : how did university prepare you for professional practice, practical questions, deadlines? how do you reconcile your personal expectations at school and your first job?
Each group shares their key takeaways at the end in less than 2 minutes (for each group).
12:20 - 12:30 10 minutes closing remarks
Guests share what they gained from attending such an event and make suggestions for improvement
The coordinator thanks all those present and the organising team.