Tinsae Tsegahun Mengistu is an architect born and raised in Addis Ababa. She blends her passion for sustainable design, architecture, and a vibrant engagement with the arts.
A graduate of Addis Ababa University with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, she continued her academic journey with a postgraduate focus on 3D printing architecture at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, emphasizing the use of Earth as a sustainable building material. Tinsae's commitment to environmental consciousness is further evident through her participation in the 2023's BASEhabitat International Summer School at the University of Arts Linz. Here, she delved into the intricacies of adobe + earth blocks, rammed earth, earth + fibre, and bamboo construction—exploring applications ranging from simple construction methods to larger scale applications in contemporary architecture.
Her focus extends beyond architectural innovation; Tinsae aims to research and utilize these materials within the context of Ethiopia's social architecture. By integrating organic elements into architectural designs, she strives to create spaces that not only reflect cultural heritage but also address the social needs of communities, fostering environments that promote well-being and inclusivity. Tinsae envisions contributing to Ethiopia's architectural landscape, addressing urgent needs in disaster resilience and sustainable development through innovative and eco-friendly designs.
Image 1: Tinsae’s Final year project on Transitional Disaster Relief Shelter in Somali, Ethiopia.
Image 2: 3D visualization showcasing final year project on Transitional Disaster Relief Shelter in Somali, Ethiopia.
Image 3: IAAC's 3D Printed Earth Student Housing Vision project featuring Marina Nassif, Tinsae Tsegahun Mengistu, Milad Mehdizadeh, and Huanyu Li.