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.
Through three key pillars of community, empowerment and research, this collective aims at defining and visualizing history.
