Abstract

A fence is an integral part of the building and urban design but is mostly considered as a secondary development. The problem related to fence seems simple but have a huge impact on the livability of the urban environment, especially around the public buildings. One of the major problems related to fence is, it is only considered as a defensive architecture and they are structures and sculptures than space. In fact, they are necessary for the selected types of buildings for a developing country like Ethiopia, which hasn’t technological advancement related to defensive architecture. This research aims to enhance the functionalities and uses of fences around public buildings by studying the functionality and the observed problems related to fences in detail. This study explores different advanced design approaches to enhance the functionality of the fence as literature. The research was conducted using a case study approach with different methods and tools such as personal observation, interview, mapping, documentation, and it analyzes through images, tables, and maps. The research finding indicated that there are different problems related to fences around public buildings such as lack of attraction, lack of design quality, not encouraging social interaction, they provide limited purpose, lack of setback, lack of integration with the urban environment, lack of integration with the building, etc. In response to those findings, the study confirms the importance of enhancing the function of fence design to create a livable and lovable urban environment through an advanced architectural approach. The respondent's and professionals' experiences and perceptions were used as input for the research. The study provides a better design approach and prepares acceptable guidelines or standards for future design to make the fence a more functional and attractive place for the public.

Keywords: Advanced design; Interactive; Social interaction;Functionality