1 REINFORCING CITY’S IDENTITY THROUGH DESIGNING URBAN LAND MARK IN

2 WOLAITA SODO TOWN, SOUTH NATION NATIONALITIES PEOPLES REGION,

3 ETHIOPIA.

4 Abstract
5 Urbanization and globalization are the two major processes that posing to, alteration of the
6 urban space and resulting loss of city identities. Absence of urban landmarks poses a major
7 challenge in strengthening city identity in the urban space. Furthermore, landmark in an urban
8 space very important in influencing the sense of identity in city planning and designing. Hence,
9 the objective of the study was to design urban landmark which reinforces the identity of the
10 study town. In order to achieve the above objective, Auto cad software 2007 version, Google
11 earth satellite image, review of related literature and observation were used. As well, the
12 interview was conducted two times with eleven purposively selected experts. The interview was
13 conducted with eleven experts that have different professional backgrounds. Out of them, three
14 were urban planners, three were Architects, two Geographers, two were Sociologists and one
15 was socio-economist. The result of the study shows that the urban landmark that was designed
16 based on the information acquired from the interview. Moreover, wolaita people cultural cloth
17 pattern and Damot mountain were symbolized in the floor and elevation plan of the landmark
18 respectively. Additional, wolaita person's cultural hut was signified in the elevation plan of the
19 landmark. Route one was selected as most appropriate location for landmark. Most
20 interviewees responded that the landmark was embedded with essential elements that reinforce
21 the local character of the city and have a significance role in strengthening the city’s identity
22 of the study town.

23 Key words: City’s identity; design; urban landmark

1. Introduction
24 Identity has always been a popular research subject for various disciplines, such as Psychology,
25 philosophy, sociology, human geography and anthropology. However, urbanization and
26 globalization processes, which have caused a rapid change on our environments, have brought
27 the concept of identity on the agenda of planners and designers in the last few decades
28 (Kaymaz, 2013).
29 Urban identity is defined with the natural and artificial elements and social-cultural
30 characteristics of a city and the environment. The urban identity is formed by such
31 elements in a natural environment as geographical properties, flora, climate, topography and
32 such elements in an artificial environment as buildings, monumental structures, urban
33 regions, paths, squares and urban furniture (Hacıhasanoğlu, 1996 cited in Gülin Ş et al,
34 2015).

35 The components that emerge in time and shape the urban identity are:

36  Identify factors arising from the natural environment (Topography, climate and
37 vegetation)
38  Identify factors arising from society (socioeconomic and socio-cultural characteristics)
39  Identify factors arising from the artificial environment (streets, avenues, squares,
40 monumental architectural buildings, examples of civil architecture) (Beyhan & Ünügür,
41 2005 cited in Gülin Ş et al, 2015).

42 Landmark is a point of reference, but in this case the observer does not enter within them, they
43 are external. They are usually rather simply defined physical object: building, sign, store, or
44 mountain. Their use involves the singling out of one element from a host of possibilities. Some
45 landmarks are distant ones, typically seen from many angles and distances, over the tops of
46 smaller elements, and used as radial references. They may be within the city or at such a
47 distance that for all practical purposes they symbolize a constant direction. Such are isolated
48 towers, golden domes, and great hills. Even a mobile point, like the sun, whose motion is
49 sufficiently slow and regular, may be employed.
50 Other landmarks are primarily local, being visible only in restricted localities and from certain
51 approaches. These are the innumerable signs, store fronts, trees, doorknobs, and other urban
52 derail, which fill in the image of most observers. They are frequently used clues of identity
53 and even of structure, and seem to be increasingly relied upon as a journey becomes more and
54 more familiar (Lynch, 1960).
55 Urbanization and globalization are obviously two major phenomena that affect our social,
56 economic, cultural lives as well as our physical environment. Despite the broad context of the
57 issues related to these two processes, it wouldn’t be untrue to say the major global concern that
58 has arisen from urbanization and globalization, is the sustainability of the environment. On the
59 other hand current studies on sustainability of the urban environments, mainly focus on factors
60 like water, air, energy, and transport while urban identity has received attention rarely. The
61 influence of neo-liberalism and globalization is very prominent in the development of urban
62 population and deterioration of both natural and cultural resources raising the concerns on
63 image and identity of urban landscapes. Urban areas and this consequently affects the identity
64 of urban environments. Hence, management and conservation of local heritage and values have
65 become an important aspect in urban design and planning. (Kaymaz, 2013). Therefore, this
66 paper was an effort to support urban identity, though designing urban landmark in the study
67 town.

68 1.1 Objective
69 1.1.1 General Objective
70 The overall objective of the study was to design an urban landmark which reinforces the
71 identity of the study town.

72 1.1.2 Specific objectives

73 To identify the appropriate location for new urban landmark in the town
74 To design an urban land which reinforces the city identity by symbolizing the study
75 town cultural, natural and architectural element in the design.

76 1.1.3 Research Questions

77 Where is the suitable location for building new urban landmark in the town?
78 What are the major cultural, natural and architectural elements that symbolize the
79 study town?

80 1.3 Scope and limitation of the research

81 The thematic scope of research was confined to explore the appropriate location for new urban
82 landmark in the town and design an urban land which underpins the city identity through,
83 symbolizing the study town cultural and natural element in the design of landmark. In doing so
84 the study was spatial limited to the specified study area with a special focus on the major arterial
85 roads which pass though the study town. Likewise, the study was conducted with cross
86 sectional time frame.

87 One of the main limitations has been problems in terms of acquiring relevant secondary data
88 due to the unavailability organized documents which describes about major cultural and natural
89 elements of the study town. Further, lack of ample time to deal with the issue was a problem
90 for the researcher.
 91 1.4 Significance of the research
92 The outcome of the study also expected to give insight for improved way of strengthening the
93 city identity in the globalized world. The researcher believes, it will be an important document
94 for government officials, urban planners, urban designers and architects because, those
95 professionals are the major actor in shaping the urban space. They involve in the design and
96 implementation process of urban development projects and plans. Thus, the study provides
97 more information about the elements of city identity by assessing from cultural, natural and
98 architectural perspectives. Additionally, it gives the way in which those elements combined
99 and represented structural to reinforce the city identity. Moreover, it also serves as a stepping-
100 stone for those who are interested for further analysis.

101 1.5 Description of the study area.

102 1.5.1 Location, area and Climate of the City
103
104 Soddo city is located 390 KM of south 167 KM of south west of Addis Ababa and Hawassa
105 respectively. Astronomically the city is located 6049” N latitude and 37045’’ E longitude.
106 The total area of the city is about 3,200 hectares. The city is divided into three sub city, 11
107 kebeles and 99 villages (mender). The city is established at the foot of mount Damot and from
108 these mountains; its altitude descends to south directions. The highest & lowest altitude of the
109 town ranges from 2,222-1,600 meters above sea level. The mean annual temperature of the
110 town is 20c0 & the mean annual rainfall is 1,200mm.
111 (www.facebook.com/759794274137874/posts/brief-introduction-towolayita-soddo-
112 citysoddo-one-of-the-oldest-towns-in-the-snn/762262097224425/,Accessed on November 29,
113 2018).
114 The zone has three Agra -ecological zones. Dega (3%) Weynadega (57%) and Kolla (40%).
115 The annual average temperature of the zone is 15.1°C Ephrem et al, 2015). The study town
116 categorized under of Weynadega agro-ecological zone.
117

118
119
120 1.5.2 Demographics
121 Based on the 2018 Population Projection by the Central Statics Agency, the town has a total
122 population of 254,294, of whom 125,855 are men and 128,439 are women. This makes Wolaita
123 Sodo the second most populous city in South Region after Awassa. The majority of the
124 inhabitants were Protestants, with 54.61% of the population reporting that belief, 38.43%
125 practiced Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, 4.76% were Muslim, and 1.28% were Catholic.
126 .(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodo#Demographics,Accessed on November 29, 2018).
127 1.5.3 Cultural clothes

128 Simply put, Ethiopian cultural clothes are the clothes that are made in a traditional, artisanal
129 way and usually reflects the ethnicity and identity of the person wearing it. There are numerous
130 ethnicities in Ethiopia, for example the Wolayta people in the Southern Region of Ethiopia.
131 They are known for the red, yellow and black denguza pattern, so Wolayta people are also
132 known and recognized wearing clothes made from fabrics with this design.
133 (https://www.quora.com/What-are-Ethiopian-cultural-clothes,Acessed on, November 29,
134 2018)

135 1.5.4 History

136 Historically and prior to its incorporation in Ethiopia, it is believed that the Wolaita and its
137 people had administrative areas extending till the Rudolf River in the northern and southern
138 Shewa or the northern part of Ethiopia’s current land mass. The “Damot” administration refers
139 to the system of governance employed by the southern peoples, before being incorporated into
140 the Ethiopian empire. The area under this administration is believed to have been south of the
141 Blue Nile, in places such as: Wolega, South Gojam, Keffa, South Shewa (Enner Gurage),
142 Kenbata, Arsi, Dawuro, Wolaita, Hadiya, Maraki, Mello, Gamo, Gofa, Maalle, Basketo, and
143 Yem. The chosen centralized king of this area was predominantly from Damot Eneriya and
144 Buzamo, made up from the Kanbata, Ganz, Gafat, Kulu, Konta, Wolaita, Marako, Yem, Garo,
145 Azernete-Berber, Enner Gurage, etc. Every district also had its own kings based on their clan
146 hierarchy. (https://allaboutethio.com/wolaita-people-history-culture-religon.html,Acessed on
147 November 26, 2018).

148 1.5.4 Socioeconomic

149 Socioeconomic condition in the last five years, the socioeconomic development of the town
150 was hopeful for the development of the town. The education sector boosted to 15 kindergartens,
151 17 primary Schools, 2 secondary schools, one agricultural college, one technical and vocational
152 Education, training college, one government university (Wolaita Sodo University) and 4
153 Private established colleges. Health institutions in the town include one private referral
154 Hospital, one government hospital, 3 public health centers and many more private clinics and
155 pharmacies. The town also has 7 private, 3 governmental banks. Because of its Centrality, the
156 town has many formal and informal trade activities. According to a survey Conducted by Sodo
157 town trade and industry office, there are 3,000 registered business Activities and about 2,000
158 operators engaged in the informal sector. There are 715 service providing, 1016 retailers, 129
159 light industries of manufacturing, 153 whole sales, 150 transport sector and 30 urban
160 agriculture businesses are operating in the town. (Mefekir, 2017).

161 1.5.3 Service Delivery

162 In Sodo community contributions, sometimes up to an entire month’s salary, have allowed for
163 the construction of 11.2km of inner city asphalt roads as well as a cultural center hosting
164 community events. By directly contracting Micro and Small Enterprises in the construction of
165 12km of drainage lines, cobblestone roads and the public sanitation facility at the Sodo bus
166 Station the city is drastically reducing poverty.
167 (http://ethiopiancities.org/index.php/en/%E1%8A%A0%E1%89%A3%E1%88%8D%E1%8A
168 ,Accessed on November 29, 2018).

169 2. Conceptual framework /Theoretical

170 2.1 Identities and Identity Have the Cities
171 Identity means to distinguish an object from other objects and accept that one as an apart object
172 [Lynch, 1960]. Identity as a cultural and social concept exhibits variety from the point of cities
173 and architectural products.

174 The identity concept from the point of cities and architectural products includes a wide
175 definition covering natural, geographical and cultural products and social life norms. Urban
176 identity, architectural identity and the urban images about them are sometimes formed by very
177 different components in a long period in urban space (Ulu et al, 2004 cited in Yaldız et al,
178 2013). Identity covers many concepts like architectural, social, cultural, political,
179 psychological, emotional, etc. Concepts in a comprehensive way (Littlefield, 2012).

180 Urban identity in as “a meaning loaded unity appeared by the means of a huge process affecting
181 urban image, carrying unique qualities in every city with different scales and interpretations,
182 keeping the improving and the sustainable city concept, shaped by physical, cultural, socio –
183 economical, historical and formal factors, formed by the citizens and their life styles” (Çöl,
184 1998 cited in Yaldız et al, 2013).
185 2.2 Local Identity
186 According to Amundsen (2001, p. 10 cited in Gaffikin and Morrissey, 2011). He identified four
187 typically elements that related to study of place identity, both at the local and regional scale,
188 present, as follows:

189 1. Spatial qualities that distinguish the place from others --- e.g. Location, but also
190 infrastructure, communication and architecture;

191 2. Characteristics or qualities of the inhabitants that distinguish them from the inhabitants
192 of other places – e.g. Values, customs, physical appearance;

193 3. Social conditions and social relations between the inhabitants;

194 4. Culture and/or history, seen as a unifying element that again connects the inhabitants to
195 tradition and again distinguishes them from ‘the other’.
196 These four elements give some indication of the specific content of local identity. The first two
197 elements, summarized as ‘the place’ and ‘local people’, are tangible and reflect social relations
198 and culture and/or history. It is important to understand that local people are a typical element
199 of local identity. An absence of local people will lead to a loss of a sense of local identity.

200 2.3 Structure and Identity

201 An environmental image may be analyzed into three components: identity, structure, and
202 meaning. It is useful to abstract these for analysis, if it is remembered that in reality they always
203 appear together. A workable image requires first the identification of an object, which implies
204 its distinction from other things, its recognition as a separable entity. This is called identity, not
205 in the sense of equality with something else, but with the meaning of individuality or oneness.
206 Second, the image must include the spatial or the pattern relation of the object to the observer
207 and to other objects. Finally, this object must have some meaning for the observer, whether
208 practical or emotional. The meaning is also a relation, but quite a different one from a spatial
209 or pattern relation (Lynch, 1960).
210 2.4 Icons
211 Another term to distinguish landmarks from are icons. Icons have a strong semantics in
212 semiotics. Their image stands for something else. If the icon, an image, stands for a geographic
213 entity, there are some parallels to landmarks. Consider, for example, the Eiffel Tower, which
214 is an icon of Paris, if not of France. Typically being an icon of a geographic entity requires a
215 containment relationship. The Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris because it is in (or part of) Paris,
216 even relatively central, in addition to being highly visible, standing out with a unique,
217 unambiguous shape, and carrying a strong emotional attachment of locals and visitors alike.
218 Hence, icons refer to geographic objects that are landmarks—the geographic objects stand out,
219 are known, are referred to—but not every landmark has an iconic significance. For example,
220 Federation Square in Melbourne is a landmark—probably every person in Melbourne knows
221 it, and it is frequently used in route descriptions—but since it has no clear image it is not an
222 icon. (https://people.eng.unimelb.edu.au/winter/pubs/book-landmarks-sample-(ch-
223 1).pdf,Accessed on November 26, 2018).
224 2.5 Symbolism and Urban Space
225 Symbols are commonly applied to formal iconographic representations. Symbolism
226 encompasses complex conceptual codes and pictorial representations of a worldview that
227 operates on multiple levels and scales. They frequently take the form of images, words, sounds
228 or gestures, and are used to express beliefs, thoughts and theories. Urban symbolism is
229 commonly associated with the enhancement of formal urban figures, objects or pieces of the
230 collection and landmarks (Zappulla et al., 2014 cited in Bala, 2016).
231 2.6 Urban Sculpture: Identity, Meaning, Value
232 Urban sculpture is among the important physical factors which urban designers can use them
233 to help the human and social manifestation. This statue can be analyzed from several
234 perspectives and context. The goal is the first point. This means that the purpose of designing
235 and implementing an urban sculpture is to realize one of human values. Memories and
236 flashbacks, or sign of a tradition, culture and faith is more important for a man or orientation
237 to modern art. The public perception should be considered or art generalities and modernization
238 (Shahhosseini, 2015).

239 2.7 Landmarks

240 Landmark can be a good sign for urban spaces in the cities. Landmark as a word is used in
241 different fields with referring different concept. Linguists as well as urban planners define
242 landmark anything that is easily recognizable. Landmarks generally have defined a country, a
243 culture or a period in the history (Bala, 2016).

244 Landmarks such as distinctive buildings, particularly those of civic status, towers or statues
245 help to provide reference points and emphasize the hierarchy of a place. These are best created
246 at main centers of activity, where they are the focus of converging major streets. Offsetting the
247 angle of the streets whose axes focus on landmark buildings helps to increase their sense of
248 surprise, as opposed to more symmetrical alignments (Davies, 2000).

249 According to Lynch (1960) landmarks are simple physical elements which may vary widely in
250 scale. Lynch (1960) in his book also emphasizes on the point mentioned below;

251 • Landmarks become more easily identifiable.

252 • Landmarks generally chosen as significant.

253 • Landmarks are familiar to the citizens, guideless to the citizens,

254 • Physical characteristic of landmarks based on singularity, unique and memorable in the
255 context.

256 • Subjects might single out of landmarks for their cleanliness in a dirty city, newness

257 In an old city, greatness of size.

258 • Making the elements visible from many locations.

259 • Setting up a local contrast with nearby elements i.e. Variation in setback and height.

260 • Location as a junction involving path decisions strengthens a landmark.

261 • The activity associated with an element may also make it a landmark.

262 • People who used distant landmarks did so only in very general directional orientation or more
263 frequently in symbolic ways.

264 • Landmarks may be isolated, single events without reinforcement.

265 • A sequential series of landmarks, in which one detail calls up anticipation of the next

266 and key details trigger specific moves of the observer, appeared to be a standard way

267 in which these people traveled through the city (Kuipers, 1982 cited in Bala, 2016).

268 2. 7 The Effects of Architectural Works on the Formation of City Identity

269 The city is the spatial association of the past and present citizens of the city, providing the
270 togetherness with the ones who will live there after them. The city identity formed at the end
271 of a process, is a historical concept and formed with the formation of a harmonious and
272 meaningful whole with different periods. Components like geographical location, physical
273 structure, socio – cultural structure, religious facts, climate, topography, trade structure,
274 economic environment, history, culture, roads, streets and architectural works contribute the
275 formation of unique city identities. The identity facts sourced from the human made
276 environment are the characteristics of every arrangement in the city. Any kind of urban
277 components like squares, streets, monuments, etc. In the city can be in these arrangements.
278 Architectural works and buildings – as members of these components – play an important role
279 in the formation of architectural identity of the city. Space in the development of local identity
280 is an identity builder element. For this reason the facts with the highest potential of forming
281 identity and placed in the human made environment are the monumental buildings in that city,
282 building groups and the city fabric formed by togetherness of these buildings (Birol, 2007cited
283 in Efe et al., 2018).

284 2.8 Culture

285 Cultural buildings and public arts can greatly enhance the ambience that celebrates a
286 city’s special character. Large cultural buildings, whether it be theatres, museums or art
287 galleries, not only enrich the citizens’ spiritual life, but also develop cultural identity
288 for the city. Rather than masterpieces from international renowned artists, public arts such as
289 sculptures, art installations, and murals depicting local personalities that are created by local
290 artists better convey a sense of the place (Cheng et al., 2004 cited in Leung, 2014). Using
291 local materials, incorporating treasured signs or other memorabilia help to capture the unique
292 qualities of a place (Brown et al., 2009 cited in Coman et al., 2009).

293 2.8.1 City Gateways and Cultural Messages

294 One of the urban design principles of the citywide dimension is “integrate new development
295 and contribute to distinctiveness” and this will emphasize, retain or enhance the City’s identity.
296 This approach says that gateways and arterial routes provide strong visual messages about the
297 city character, image, and identity (Holmes, 2003 cited in Suparwoko, 2017). City gate (due to
298 their design, structure, and urban setting) can simultaneously be coherent with what should
299 occur around them, and symbolically represent urban messages. They have specific qualities
300 that can evoke a strong feeling for any visitors. City gates deliver silent, non-verbal messages
301 and show the spirit, character, and activities around them. Their image and performance is
302 important and can have substantial emotional effects on visitors (Salama, 2006 cited in
303 Suparwoko, 2017).

304 3. Empirical review: England: Southampton City Centre Urban Design Strategy
305 3.1 Urban Design Themes Developed for Southampton City Centre
306 Landmarks are an important component of a city’s identity and provide a means of recognition,
307 orientation and navigation. This is sometimes referred to as its ‘legibility’ –how the city is read
308 by people on the ground. Southampton’s City Centre has constrained legibility, with only a few
309 distinctive landmarks or buildings/structures that help the reading of the Centre as one moves
310 through it, although the parks play a key role in this.

311 Appropriate locations for new landmark features or buildings could include:

312 • Main points of arrival or orientation.

313 • Areas which generate or contribute to the street level activity

314 • Sites which assist the visual framework of the city (e.g. Main routes and skyline impacts)

315 • Potential high value locations, such as the waterfront and overlooking the parks.
316 • Locations which provide or reinforce local character and identity.
317 (https://www.southampton.gov.uk/policies/1%20front%20cover%20and%20forward_tcm63-
318 366286.pdf). Accessed on November 26, 2018).

319 2.5 Conclusion and knowledge Gap

320 Despite the massive number of studies had been made in the area of urban landmark, few
321 attempts have been made to design the urban landmark which reinforces the city identity in
322 Ethiopia cities and town. Subsequently, this results lack of contextually principles and practices
323 in Ethiopia. Further, there is a huge knowledge gap related to build up a city identity through
324 designing urban landmark. Moreover, no research has been conducted related to the subject in
325 the town. Thus, this paper attempts to design an urban landmark which reinforces the identity
326 of the study town.
327 Research methodology
328 3. 1Methods and Materials
329 Research Methodology is the path to find answers to a research question. It is a practical step
330 through which a researcher must pass in his/her research journey in order to find answers to
331 his/her research questions (Kumar, 2005).

332
333 3.2 Research Methods
334 The qualitative research approach was adopted as research design. It is most appropriate for
335 small samples. The data used in this study have features which can be addressed by the above
336 stated approach. The qualitative research approach was employed, through collecting data
337 through a structured interview, observation and review secondary sources were used.

338 3.3 Sampling Techniques and Sample size

339
340 The research technique is the method that uses to collect data from subjects. Purposive
341 sampling technique was used. These techniques, which belongs to the category of non-
342 probability sampling techniques, sample are selected on the foundation of their
343 knowledge, associations and expertise concerning a research theme.Therefore the
344 researcher used this sampling method to conduct interviews with eleven municipal experts.
345
346 An interview was conducted two times with eleven purposively selected experts who are
347 working in the Wolaita Sodo municipality. The first interview was directed before the design
348 of the urban landmark and the second was conducted after completion of the design. . The
349 interview was conducted with eleven experts that have different professional backgrounds. Out
350 of them three were urban planners, three were Architects, one was socio-economist planner,
351 two were Geographer and two were sociologists. The reasons selecting those above mentioned
352 professionals were the subject under study requires the knowledge related to urban design and
353 social-cultural subjects. Further, some variables under study were technical. From time and
354 financial limitation the researcher determined the sample size to eleven.

355 The interview was conducted with experts’ specific, three urban planners and three Architects.
356 In this case the interview was assisted by Google earth satellite image to provide visual hit for
357 the interviewee about the major arterial routes. Personal observation was carried on to know
358 the existing situation of the area and to support both primary and secondary sources. This helps
359 to obtain more actual information about the existing condition of the area.

360 In relation to designing of an urban landmark, the interview was conducted with two
361 sociologists, two Geographer and one source-economist about the important cultural elements
362 that represent the study town. Besides, two Geographers were asked about the natural elements
363 that unique for the study town. Moreover, the interview was made with three Architects about
364 the vernacular architectural styles that symbolize the study town.

365 By bringing into line the result from the interview, the researcher developed the concept and
366 final design of the urban landmark. For this purpose, Auto cad software was used to design the
367 landmark. More, after completion of the design suggestions and comments were collected by
368 conducting interviews with urban planners and Architects about the role of the landmark in
369 reinforcing the identity of Sodo town. Moreover, internet source was used to get cultural,
370 natural and architectural elements those forwarded by the interviewee.

371
372 3.4 Sources of Data

373 To achieve the specified objective of the study, both primary and secondary data sources were
374 used.

375
376 3.4.1. Primary Data Sources

377 Primary data was collected from Sample experts in the study town. The primary data sources
378 for the research was collected through interview and visual observation. This was obtained
379 from experts via purposive sampling in the study town municipality. Furthermore, personal
380 observation was used by the researcher.

381
382 3.4.2 Secondary Data Sources

383 Secondary data for this research were being taken from published and unpublished document.
384 Additionally, publications, books, journals and website which is related to the issues were used.
385 3.6 Data Analysis and Interpretation
386
387 Data collected through interview was analyzed by categorized in themes. The benefit of content
388 analysis is that it aids in data collected is condensed and streamlined and creates favorable
389 conditions for researcher to structure the qualitative data in a way that fulfills the
390 execution of the study objectives. Both the primary and secondary data that were obtained via
391 the course of the selected instruments was analyzed and interpreted by categorizing in themes.
392 Besides, Auto CAD Software was used in the design of urban land for the study town.
393 Moreover, the quantitative data analyzed and interpreted in narrative and graphic form.
394 3.7 Ethical considerations
395 The study was concerned about certain ethical issues. The researcher gave a letter of permission
396 written by municipal officials to all selected sample participants. The aim of the letter was to
397 reassure participants that their participation in the research is formal. Besides, the selected
398 participants were fully informed by the researcher about the objectives of the study and
399 reassured about their response were kept as confidential and used only for academic purposes.
400 Participants were not harmed or abused, both physically and psychologically, in the course of
401 conducting an interview. They assured by the researcher they have right to exit from interview
402 at any time and no reason. Moreover, the researcher makes an effort to create and maintain a
403 favorable environment for participants.
404
405 3.7 Data presentation
406 Depending on the data type, the quantitative data were presented in photographs, narrative form
407 and graphical (two dimensional drawing).

408 4 Result and Discussion

409 4.1 Identify the appropriate location for new urban landmark in the town
410 4.1.1 Identified route in the study town

411 To select the best location a new landmark in the study town, three major routes were identified.

412 Figure: 1 Route One

 Sodo Municipality Formatted: Space After: 4.3 pt

Old bus station Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

Tona commercial Building Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

Sodo town Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

Administration
New bus station Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

413

414 Source: Google Earth Satellite Image, 2018.

415 Fig: 2 Axial view and street scape on Route One

416

417 Source:https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=wolaita+sodo+picture&chips=q:wolaita+sodo+picture,on
418 line_

419 Figure: 3 Route Two

420

421 Source: Google Earth satellite Image, 2018.

422 Figure: 4 street scape of Route Two

423
424 Source:https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=wolaita+sodo+picture&chips=q:wolaita+sodo+picture,on
425 line-

426 Figure: 5 Route Three

Slum settlement Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

Church Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

Sodo municipality Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

To Areka/Hossana Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

Wolayita zone Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt
construction office

Wolaita Sodo Zone Formatted: Space After: 4.6 pt

police office

427
428 Source: Google Earth Satellite Image, 2018.

429 The researcher narrated the response forwarded by the interviewee in the following manner.
430 The interview was conducted with three urban planners and three architects were asked about
431 the appropriate location of new urban landmark. With exception of one planner the rest was
432 selected the route one as an appropriate location for the landmark. When the researcher asked
433 about the reason for selecting the above mentioned route. Five of them replied that, the route
434 has an axial view that enhance the legibility and referencing local character, because of the
435 well-known buildings found along this route like, “Tona” commercial building and Legaba
436 primary school that was the first primary school in the town. Also, they said that the location
437 has high land value because of the location in the center of the town and well planned
438 infrastructure availability.

439 Besides, the availability of the old bus station found along the route and the route nearness for
440 new bus station are the two important factors that add to street activities such as traditional
441 coffee trading, fruits, vegetables along the roadside. Moreover, stranger peoples who come to
442 Sodo town get the first view of the town on this route. Thus, locating the landmark at this place
443 gives opportunities to the town exhibit its unique identity to the external world. Additionally,
444 they pointed that passenger bus pass through this route to Arba Minch (Arba Minch a tourist
445 town around 150 km far from Sodo town) local and international tourist take a view of the
446 town, so this location is important to display the local identity. Also, they said that, the axial
447 view along the route one vital element which creates visual permeability and reinforcing local
448 character.

449 One planner suggested that route two as an appropriate location for landmark. He pointed out
450 the following reasons for choosing the above mention route. The major reason was the route
451 two most active route and commercial corridor for the town when compared with other routes.
452 Additionally, he said that the second route has high land value, because of it is the commercial
453 corridor compared to other alternative routes.

454 4.2 Designing an urban landmark which creates a city identity by representing the study town
455 cultural, natural and vernacular architectural elements in the design.
456 There many elements which reinforces the city identity, because of time and financial
457 constraints the researcher was confined to cultural, natural and architectural elements. Culture
458 is a unique character of the society which separates one society from the rest. Further, the
459 cultural elements have a greater influence in the highlighting of city identity. In the meantime,
460 the natural and architectural elements have an impact on the shaping the local character.
461 Consequently, the interview was restricted to those ahead mentioned issues.

462 The interview was conducted with one source-economist, two Geographer and two Sociologist
463 about the major cultural elements that symbolize the study town. One Geographer and two
464 Sociologist said that, cultural clothe is the major element that describes the town. One socio-
465 economist said that, economic activity is one vital element that represents the study town and
466 one Geographer said it is dancing style that signifies the Sodo town. The interview was
467 conducted with two Geographers who are working in Sodo municipality, about the natural
468 elements. Two of them said that Damot Mountain is a typical and a giant natural feature that
469 symbolize the town. Moreover, the interview was conducted with 3 Architects to catch their
470 view in relation to the vernacular architectural element that signifies the study town. They
471 responded that cultural hut of wolaita people is a significant vernacular architectural element
472 that characterize the Sodo town.

473 Summary of interview with experts about cultural, natural and architectural elements.

474 Cultural

475 Figure: 6 wolayita cultural clothes

476
477 Source:https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=623&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=B_j3W5C7JcjylwSW9IuQ
478 Bw&q=wolaita+culture+picture&oq=wolaita+culture+picture.

479 Natural
480 Figure: 7 Damot Mountian Figure: 8 View of Damot Mountain on Route One
481
482 Source:https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=wolaita+sodo+picture&chips=q:wolaita+sodo+picture,on
483 line_

484 Vernacular Architectural element

485 Figure :9 wolaita people cultural Hut

486
487 Source:https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=623&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=B_j3W5C7JcjylwSW9IuQ
488 Bw&q=wolaita+culture+picture&oq=wolaita+culture+picture.

489 The researcher collected all the ideas raised by the interviewee and selected the ideas that were
490 reflected by the majority of interviewee. The researcher synthesized and symbolized those
491 ideas in the design of landmark to reinforce the local identity of the town. For this purpose
492 Auto Cad software used. The following pictures show how the cultural, natural and
493 architectural elements synthesized.

494 Cultural natural vernacular architectural

495

496
497 Figure: 10 Floor plan of urban land Mark Figure: 11 Damot mountain Representation Close up view

498
499 Source: Researchers' work, 2018.

500 Figure: 12 Front Elevation plan of urban land Mark

501
502 Source: Researchers' work, 2018.

503 After completion of the design, the researcher conducted in an interview with three urban
504 planners and three Architects about the role of the urban landmark in reinforcing the identity
505 of the town. All of the interviewee said that the landmark a great role in reinforcing city
506 identity of study town.
507 Figure: 13 Final plan of urban land Mark

508
509 Source: researchers' work, 2018.
510 5. Conclusion
511 Urbanization and globalization are the two major phenomena that affect social, economic,
512 cultural lives as well as our physical environment in cities. Now days our urban space is losing
513 its identity because globalization and urbanization. The aim of designing and realizing urban
514 landmarks is to emphasize city identity and way finding. According to the information acquired
515 from the interview, route one was the most preferable location for the urban landmark. Further,
516 the internet was retrieved to get the image of cultural, natural and vernacular architectural
517 elements that summarized from the interview conducted with experts. The design of the urban
518 landmark symbolizes, the Wolayita people cultural clothe pattern, vernacular architectural style
519 of woliata people hut house and Damot mountain on the floor and elevation plan respectively.
520 Therefore, urban landmark which designed by the researcher take into account result of
521 interview and secondary source.After completion of the design interview was made by experts
522 to incorporate their professional comments and suggestion. They said that the urban landmark
523 has a great impact in reinforcing the identity of the Sodo town.

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