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< Back Digitizing Aguda/Afro Brazilian architecture heritage of Porto-Novo Benin through LIDAR scanning & social participation H. Killion Mokwete This study explores the use of LIDAR scanning and community engagement in the digital documentation of Aguda/Afro Brazilian architecture in Benin, as a vital component of the preservation of historically significant structures that face imminent demolition. Researchers from Northeastern University are working together on the project with local research partners from The African Heritage School-EPA in Porto-Novo. A small but significant digital database is developing as a result of several field studies, oral interviews, and digital scanning processes. This digital database is an essential component of a proof of concept pilot project that aims to create region-wide digital documentation and will involve collaborating with students and other local researchers to identify, catalog, and conserve Africa’s local building heritage. This pilot project is envisaged as a test case for potential expansion to other cultural regions with similar heritage buildings such as Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire where local partnerships are being developed. Digital tools and social participation are key to preserving postcolonial architectural heritage in Benin According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the African continent has some 98 designated World Heritage Sites (cultural) and more than half of these can be found in 35 Sub-Saharan African countries. However, many of these sites in Africa (a total number of 93, in 2018) are placed on the List of World Heritage in danger due to threats from extractive processes (mineral and oil exploration), armed conflict, acts of terrorism, climate change, poaching, and uncontrolled rural and urban expansions. Grande Mosque, Porto-Novo, Benin, by odysseesdarchitectures Most heritage buildings in Sub-Saharan Africa can be organized in three categories: pre-colonization (traditional), colonial and post-colonial. These eras provide a base socio economic and historical context which marks events and activities that shaped the urban morphology, geo-social landscape of much of the Africa continent and that of the global South. Traditional era of Sub-Saharan African building heritage can be defined as the period during which feudal African tribes and regions self-ruled and built varying vernacular structures dictated by socio economic status and means of production for each cultural region. The Colonial era in Africa can be defined as the period between the first colonization of an Africa Kingdom by the Dutch in the 16th Century when they colonized parts of the cultural regions of the modern day Ghana (Gold Coast). The colonization period saw the partitioning of African cultural regions into territorial boundaries defined by colonizers interests and colonial structures. The introduced colonial building typologies and urban morphology of urban centers included religions such as churches & cathedrals, trading centers, castles etc. The Post-Colonial era can be defined as the period after decolonization and independence of Sub-Saharan African countries. During this period, independence governmental buildings and other structures were built to signify new beginnings and future aspirations. The Great Mosque of Djenne, Part of Africa’s remaining building heritage that is a UNESCO Protected heritage site photo by zibaloo In this essay, we use culturally-significant sites in the West African nation of Benin as a case study to examine the ways in which digital tools, digital archiving platforms and local social participation may be leveraged to preserve cultural heritage building sites in African postcolonial societies. The focus is on the on the architectural heritage (between traditional and colonial) of the Aguda people and investigate the new ways of leveraging technology towards building heritage preservation, education and local empowerment through social participation. The Aguda of the Bight of Benin is a community composed the descendants of the Portuguese traders who settled in the region in the 1700s; the descendants of the Brazilian traders who came soon after; and the descendants of the retornados, i.e., former slaves who settled in this area upon their return from Brazil. The retornados, researchers put their numbers at anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 were originally from a vast sub-region of western Africa, but upon their return, they settled mainly on the coast between Lagos, Nigeria and Anehó, Togo. Afro-Brazilian architecture in Porto-Novo reflects Aguda influence, yet faces neglect, limited preservation efforts, and climate threats. The Aguda’s influence in Benin’s urban morphology is best found in the City of Porto-Novo, where new typology of building style based on villa & manor designs of Brazil was mixed in with local vernacular to create a style popularly known as the Afro-Brazilian architecture style. This style is exemplified by building on generally two floors, with regular shapes, large verandahs on both sides of buildings with arcades, bays decorated with rich roman-like lintels and usually wooden shutters. The Afro-Brazilians returnees constituted artisans, cabinet makers, bricklayer’s/master builders, tailors, traders, carpenters and other trade skills. In 1897 in Lagos, there were 96 males registered with 6 cabinet makers, 11 bricklayers and builders, builders and master builders, 9 tailors and 21 carpenters, 24 traders and 17 clerks. 23 percent of the Afro-Brazilian populations were carpenters. Carpentry and bricklaying remain the main occupation of some of the Brazilian returnees. Afro- Brazilian houses are in a state of disrepair and suffer from neglect. The necessity for conservation and the salience of cultural heritage is mainly advocated by architects with limited resources towards rehabilitation and preservation. Typical private residence Afro-Brazilian (Sobrados) features two storey dwelling with clay ornate facades, decorated windows, balconies & doors with clay molding, breezeways (open source) Although some steps are being taken to protect heritage sites, Heritage protection in Porto-Novo, with a great successful example of the rehabilitation of the Vodoun sites across Porto-Novo by The Ouadada Cultural Centre) there is still not sufficient resources to undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation of all sites. The lack of resources organizations and advocacy towards building heritage also presents a diminishing role of local community in participating in defining their heritage assets and therefore loss of continuity across generation’s institutional memory. Furthermore, limited legal frameworks such laws towards heritage preservation for pre-development impact assessments make it easy for developers to prefer demolishing without any prior assessments. Benin, like most Sub-Saharan African countries, lacks accessible digitized databases and archive institutions with more African heritage archives being held in foreign institutions such as European, American and Australian universities and museums. The current work being undertaken by the (École du Patrimoine Africain (African Heritage School) lacks scaling opportunities and funding partnerships. Climate change impacts such as higher temperatures, worsening floods, threaten to condemn some African landmarks. There is no comprehensive data on the total number of African heritage spots at risk, but research co-led by Simpson on coastal sites found that 56 locations are already facing flooding and erosion exacerbated by rising sea levels. In Benin, the Aguda architecture buildings due to the material nature are quickly deteriorating due to heavy rains and flooding amongst others. A collaborative digital platform will preserve Benin’s architectural heritage by combining technology, local knowledge, and global partnerships The project’s conceptual framework for this research is centered on what is described by The Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Council of Europe 2005) as ‘Heritage Community’ defined as “cultural heritage is a group of resources inherited from the past which people identify, independently of ownership, as a reflection and expression of their constantly evolving values, beliefs, knowledge and traditions. It includes all the aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time” . This new way of looking at heritage lays the foundations for redesigning relations between all the involved stakeholders. The proposed model for this project centers a partnership between researchers (local and international) and local community knowledge custodians through a social participation framework and leveraging technological tools towards documentation and curating of local building heritage physical and non physical cultural memory. By building on this collaborative platform framework, this research will leverage the following technologies and approaches: Modern 3D capture through LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry technology will be used to document the existing condition of heritage buildings and to create digital blueprints, enabling planners to prioritize preservation activities and furthering opportunities for future building renovations and reuse. Through centering community participation and storytelling, this research will activate community members’ role in celebrating unique cultural heritage embedded in their local built environment and defining and curating personalized building heritage narratives. Leica’s BLK360 Tripod LIDAR Scanner, BLK2FLY drone scanner, Infrared Temperature visualization, Onset Data loggers (Temperature & Humidity)Leica’s BLK360 Tripod LIDAR Scanner, BLK2FLY drone scanner, Infrared Temperature visualization, Onset Data loggers (Temperature & Humidity) By creating a locally hosted and searchable database of heritage buildings, this research will start the first-ever platform for an architectural heritage archive serving Benin and other sub-Saharan African countries. Creating three-dimensional digital models will enable community-based education and academic research opportunities focused on vernacular building methods, offering opportunities for virtual experiential connection, with focused outreach to the global African diaspora community seeking to connect and learn about African heritage. This innovative and interactive platform will be made accessible to local university partners (École du Patrimoine Africain (African Heritage School), who in turn will benefit from new opportunities for technical and socio-cultural teaching and research. The proposed platform will be based on a collaborative model, developed in partnership with local communities who are custodians of culturally significant architectural artifacts. Models, historical records, and local narratives about heritage sites can be shared with diverse local community members, leveraging local press, libraries, and municipal archives. There is a critical need for coordination and technical support from Northeastern University, where researchers and students will serve as partners with community-based organizations, bringing innovative tools for creating a multimedia digital archive, technical expertise, and cross-regional coordination to create and maintain the platform and to carry out ongoing research on traditional building practices and the cultural, historical, and technological significance of diverse architectural resources. A digital platform will document and preserve endangered heritage sites in Porto-Novo, Benin, using multimedia tools and local engagement The proposed digital platform will document heritage sites across sub-Saharan Africa using multimedia tools such as computer-aided drawings (CAD), photographic documentation, written narratives, audio storytelling, hand drawings, models, and other media. It will engage local communities by building their capacity to collect, preserve, and assess the social value of their built environment, fostering sustained participation in preservation activities. Additionally, the platform will serve as an educational resource, providing access to archival data on cultural heritage sites for researchers, educators, community planners, and citizens both locally and internationally. A proposal for a pilot project acting as a proof of concept for the broader research will be based in Benin, in the City of Porto-Novo in Benin and will analyze and document the cultural heritage building which is endangered through urbanization, neglect, climate change and other socio economic threats. Collaborating team: Dr. Franck Komlan Ogou, Dr. Jessica Parr,Dr. Patricia Davis, Bahare Sonaie-Movahed Previous Next

< Back African Cities Magazine 5 October 31, 2024 This issue of African Cities Magazine highlights the role of digital innovation and sustainable design in addressing Africa's urban challenges. In the Special Feature, Rachel Adams of the Global Center on AI Governance discusses AI’s ethical potential for tackling poverty and healthcare. Practical applications include South Africa's BEAM tool for mapping informal settlements, a water management geoportal in Antananarivo, IoT air quality sensors in Douala, and Senegal's Diamniadio Smart City Program. The Urban Planning Innovation section focuses on community-driven solutions, such as Senegal’s Urban Renewal Revolving Fund, which co-finances housing projects, and Nigeria’s Abuja Urban Lab, promoting collaborative waste management. In Architecture Innovation, architects like Nzinga Biegueng Mboup in Dakar and the TwistBlocks® initiative in Nairobi showcase affordable, culturally inspired designs. Across Africa, architects use tools like BIM and 3D printing to create sustainable, Afrocentric architecture. The African Architecture and Urban Heritage section celebrates heritage preservation, from Benin’s LIDAR-digitized Afro-Brazilian architecture to Goethe-Institut Senegal’s sustainable building archive. Lastly, Cities, Pixels, and Colors captures the roles of intermediate cities like Bakel and Kaédi, showcasing their efforts to balance growth with resource limitations, visually celebrated by Leandry Jieutsa and odysseesdarchitectures. Special feature: The potential of digital technologies for urban transformation in Africa Interviews with Rachel Adams, CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance, Diop Dieynaba, Head of Diamniadio’s Smart City Program, and Issaka Maman Lourwana, founder of Digital Niger Transformative projects harnessing digital innovation to address Africa's urban challenges A vision built from earth: Portrait of Nzinga Biegueng Mboup, Architect and cofounder of Worofila Our goal is really finding a way to democratize it and also teach people the very basic notion of good design principles Community-driven projects that empower residents, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable, resilient development across African cities The Urban Planning Innovation section, community-led projects take center stage. Senegal’s Urban Renewal Revolving Fund offers a co-financing model inspired by traditional savings practices, empowering vulnerable communities in housing and infrastructure. Similarly, Nigeria’s Abuja Urban Lab engages stakeholders in creating sustainable waste management frameworks. Digital preservation with sustainable design to celebrate cultural resilience and timeless beauty of Africa's urban heritage The African Architecture and Urban Heritage section celebrates cultural heritage, from LIDAR digitization of Afro-Brazilian architecture in Benin to the preservation of pre-colonial city designs, bridging history and modern urbanism across Africa. English version Version française Previous Next

< Back Talensi traditional houses in Ghana Talensi traditional houses in Ghana are centered on the design and construction of homesteads, promoting their indigenous cultural identity and demonstrating the value of social ties. The construction process involves men constructing and roofing structures, with women covering them. The Talensi community combines innovation, local knowledge, and resources to create low-cost, sustainable communities. The standardized construction schedule ensures transparency and reliability, promoting sustainability and reusability of traditional materials. The traditional building of Talensi is principally centered on the design and construction of homesteads. The architectural circular form of these traditional buildings, its homogenous layout, choice of construction materials, and process promotes their indigenous cultural identity, stands as an embodiment of the value of social ties, represents a substantial projection of hierarchical relations that make up a family or clan. Talensi is an area in the Upper East region of Ghana in West Africa, culturally and administratively termed Talensis. House Building among Talensi is guided by a solid sense of kinship, characterized by a cooperative effort by the clan to which a person belongs. Tengzug village, Nothern Ghana photo by imb.org Traditionally, the homestead is identified as a Talensi man’s focus, source of interests, prime initiatives, deepest emotional connections, values, shelter, and esteem of life. Talensi’s view on house construction is that men put up structures and roof them while women cover the structures for habitation, but the contribution of women is not counted, though the entire construction process involves members of varied ages, social standing, skills, and genders. The fusion of innovation, local knowledge, and resources promotes low-cost and sustainable communities tailored to their specifications. The traditional houses of the Talensi are circular with flat roofs although in recent years there has been the introduction of rectangular forms. The buildings are constructed with mud. Wall construction usually includes hand-molding kneaded laterite into standard spherical sizes and using the balls to construct the wall layer by layer. Finishing also involves a standardized process of plastering the wall surfaces with a mixture of mud, cow dung, and juice from boiled empty locust bean tree pods. The juice acts as a stabilizer, hardener, and waterproofing. As a standard schedule, traditional Talensi construction normally happens in the dry season between December and April. This period is without rainfall and the entire construction process, from site preparation to wall and floor finishing, is planned in this period. The need to standardize the construction schedule within this period is further strengthened by the fact that most traditional construction participants are farmers and would be engaged in farming in the rainy season. The standardized scheduling in the dry season is transparent and understood by all participants, thereby enhancing the reliability of the commitment of the entire team to planned activities for projects. This tends to stabilize the flow of construction activities within the planned duration. Sustainability through the indigenous building culture of Talensi is environmentally friendly associated with less generation of waste. This fundamentally stems from the recyclability and reusability of traditional materials. Another dimension focuses on the ability of the traditional building materials to merge back into the natural environment when they are not in use. Previous Next

< Back Urbanisme tactique : les artefacts urbains comme vecteur de mobilité durable pour une meilleure qualité de l’air dans la ville de Yaoundé Cedrix and Christolle Tsambang Les artefacts urbains, inspirés des symboles locaux et fabriqués en bambou, offrent une alternative durable, abordable et écologique pour un cadre de vie plus sain. Conçus pour encourager la marche et l'utilisation des transports en commun, ces installations éphémères s'intègrent harmonieusement dans l'espace urbain. La fermeture temporaire d'une voie de l'avenue Kennedy a incité les habitants à adopter des modes de déplacement doux, réduisant ainsi les émissions polluantes. Cette démarche souligne l'importance de repenser l'aménagement urbain pour favoriser la mobilité durable et préserver la qualité de l'air. En impliquant les artisans locaux et en utilisant des matériaux biosourcés, cette initiative contribue également au développement économique et à la protection de l'environnement. L'expérience de l'avenue Kennedy démontre le potentiel des équipements urbains pour dynamiser les espaces publics et créer des villes africaines durables et attrayantes. Une meilleure qualité de vie dans les villes africaines passe par la création d’un cadre de vie plus sain en repensant les pratiques notamment en matière de mobilité urbaine. C’est dans cette optique que s’inscrit les artefacts urbains développés par chorus architecture le long de l’avenue Kennedy de Yaoundé au Cameroun à l’occasion de la semaine de la qualité de l’air. Il s’agit d’une scénographie inspirée de symboles locaux obtenus par une combinaison contemporaine de lignes ou de faces en tiges de bambou. Le bambou plébiscité pour ses propriétés et son attrait dans la mutation vers une architecture durable se présente ici comme une alternative verte, accessible, disponible et abordable. Plus que de simples mobiliers urbains, les installations éphémères conçues sont le reflet du lieu. Vue sur l'avenue kennedy réamenagé, 2021, alaray studio Les artefacts urbains ont été conçu pour la mise en place d’une Opération d’urbanisme tactique qui entre dans le cadre de la réalisation des actions à court terme du projet de mise en place des outils de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique dans la ville de Yaoundé. Au cœur de l’enjeu de transition écologique, la qualité de l’air apparaît comme un sujet très important pour la protection environnementale. Mettre sur pied une politique en faveur de la protection de la qualité de l’air doit s’inscrire dans une dynamique globale et nécessite des actions ambitieuses à toutes les échelles, afin de garantir à chacun le droit de respirer un air qui ne nuise pas à sa santé. Le concept de mobilité durable comprend une réflexion sur l’environnement et les problématiques de développement durable en repensant l’aménagement du territoire et de l’espace urbain. Il s’agit de limiter l’empreinte carbone et de réduire les inégalités territoriales dans les zones mal desservies par les transports, en mettant en place des solutions qui favorisent le recours aux mobilités douces. Le dispositif de lutte contre la pollution de l’air dans ce projet s’organise autour de la réduction des émissions atmosphériques causé principalement par le trafic routier, source importante d’émissions d’oxyde d’azote. L’augmentation de l’utilisation des transports en commun engendre un désengorgement sur les routes et réduit donc les substances polluantes dans l’air. Dans le centre-ville de Yaoundé les principaux transports en communs sont les taxis et les bus. Encourager à la marche serait également moyen d’améliorer la qualité de l’air tout en étant un excellent moyen de se maintenir en forme, de s’évader du quotidien tout en respectant l’environnement. Le choix du site n’est pas anodin, l’avenue Kennedy lieu mythique de la capitale est situé en plein cœur de Yaoundé et est un endroit très indiqué pour un projet de sensibilisation car toutes les couches sociales s’y côtoient. L’objectif des artefacts urbains est de contribuer à aménager des espaces urbains favorables à la mobilité douce tout en mesurant grâce à des capteurs la qualité de l’air. Il était donc question de fermer l’accès aux véhicules sur une des voies de l’avenue Kennedy pendant deux semaines afin d’inciter les habitants de la ville à plus de marche à pied et l’utilisation des transports en communs. Afin de favoriser une marche agréable et effective sur une avenue de plusieurs kilomètres tel que celle de l’avenue Kennedy il est important de créer des zones de rupture, de pause : créer des obstacles tels que des mobiliers urbains utiles afin d’agrémenter la marche et la rendre dynamique. Le mobilier urbain est donc tout à la fois porteur d’une approche fonctionnaliste et le vecteur d’une identité du projet. Le mobilier de l’espace public fait d’ailleurs aujourd’hui l’objet d’attentes qualitatives fortes en tant que véritable outil d’aménagement urbain. Il existe dans la définition même du terme « mobilier urbain » la volonté d’harmonisation, d’homogénéisation et d’appartenance : des objets rendant service, venant faciliter et embellir la vie des citoyens d’une ville. Pourtant, il semble que le mobilier urbain lorsqu’il existe est trop souvent le produit d’usages spécifiques très déterminés, qui ne laisse pas suffisamment place à des questions plus larges sur la nature de ces usages mêmes. Chorus architecture a donc designer des artefacts en guise de mobiliers urbains afin de susciter de l’interrogation, de la surprise et de la curiosité pour expérimenter de nouvelles pratiques et mettre sur pied de nouveaux concepts en amenant à remettre en question notre compréhension de la réalité afin de réintroduire l’humain dans l’urbain. Conçus et fabriqués localement avec des matériaux biosourcés de ces artefacts urbains ont permis de développer et mettre en avant le savoir-faire local en intégrant différents types d’artisans, créer des emplois tout en participant à la protection de l’environnement. En optant pour du mobilier en bambou, les artefacts concilient élégance, originalité et engagement contre la déforestation dans une perspective de développement durable. Vue sur une partie de la scénographie, 2021, alaray studio Grace aux capteurs installés dans la zone, il a été clairement démontré que la qualité de l’air à considérablement été améliorer durant ces deux semaines d’études. Ceci permet de constater l’impact sur la circulation automobile dans la ville et révéler l’importance et surtout l’efficacité des aménagements effectués. L’attrait généré par l’installation de ces équipements urbains démontre de la nécessité de réinventer nos villes en mettant un accent sur la conception de détails dans les espaces publics. De plus, des équipements urbains comme ceux-là constituent une plus-value notable pour les municipalités, et ce, quelle que soit leur taille ou leur importance. Si certains éléments présentent un aspect pratique, comme ces mobiliers urbains, de nombreux autres aménagements peuvent permettre de dynamiser la vie communale. Penser des villes africaines durables passent également par la re conception des espaces publics en mettant un accent sur l’intégration des éléments qui interpellent et qui communiquent. Cette expérience à l’avenue permet de constater qu’il est possible d’utiliser le savoir-faire local ainsi que les matériaux locaux pour créer des mobiliers urbains intéressant et respectueux de l’environnement. Previous Next

< Back Portrait d'une des architectes les plus inspirantes du Maroc: Aziza CHAOUNI Aziza Chaouni, architecte principale chez Aziza Chaouni Projects et professeure associée à l'Université de Toronto, partage son parcours en tant qu'architecte. Née à Fès, elle a étudié au Lycée Paul Valéry avant de partir aux États-Unis. Elle y a obtenu un Master en architecture à Harvard et a suivi un programme de bourse. Après une année de recherche sur l'écotourisme dans le Sahara, elle s'est vue offrir un poste de professeure associée à l'Université de Toronto. Elle a commencé à travailler sur l'architecture durable au Maroc et croit en l'importance de l'autonomisation des femmes dans la profession. Aziza CHAOUNI, une designer originaire de Casablanca, a lancé l'initiative MADI pour réhabiliter des bâtiments historiques et organiser des événements socio-économiques et culturels. Elle travaille actuellement sur un projet visant à concevoir des panneaux dans les parcs nationaux en utilisant des matériaux durables et en intégrant des systèmes binaires dans les politiques de gestion de l'eau. « Ma carrière n'a pas vraiment été planifiée, j'ai suivi ma passion et j'ai eu la chance de rencontrer des personnes qui m'ont encouragée et m'ont aidée à prendre les bonnes décisions tout au long de mon parcours. Je pense que chaque expérience nous apprend quelque chose, mais il faut parfois éviter de se mettre dans des situations confortables qui empêchent de grandir. » Née à Fès, Mme CHAOUNI a poursuivi ses études au Lycée Paul Valéry à Meknès avant de partir pour les États-Unis, une destination recommandée par son oncle. Là-bas, il lui semblait tout d'abord naturel de choisir un domaine scientifique, une décision motivée par son intérêt pour la biologie et la génétique. L'architecte a passé son premier été aux États-Unis à travailler dans un laboratoire de recherche, ce qui l'a fascinée, mais pas autant que ses interactions et son travail en groupe. Elle a alors décidé de se concentrer sur l'aspect humain et de se réorienter vers des études d'architecture, alors que son père lui avait conseillé d'étudier le génie civil, un domaine qui l'a aidée dans sa carrière d'architecte en lui permettant de maîtriser tous les aspects techniques de la construction. Mme CHAOUNI a été la première Marocaine à poursuivre un Master en architecture à Harvard, période durant laquelle elle a également suivi un programme de bourse d'un an qui lui a permis de travailler avec Renzo Piano. Après avoir obtenu son diplôme, l'architecte a reçu un prix qui lui a permis de réaliser une année de recherche sur l'écotourisme dans le Sahara. Son voyage, qui a inclus des pays comme le Mali, la Libye, l'Égypte et la Jordanie, lui a permis de visiter de nombreux projets et de changer radicalement sa perception, alors qu'elle étudiait dans un contexte très différent de celui de l'Amérique du Nord. À la fin de son voyage, Mme CHAOUNI a reçu une proposition de recherche de son directeur de thèse à son université, à la suite de laquelle elle s'est vue offrir un poste de professeure associée à l'Université de Toronto. Ce poste avait la particularité de requérir une architecte minoritaire féminine à la demande de l'architecte sino-jamaïcaine Brigitte Shim, qui occupait précédemment le même poste. En tant que professeure, Mme CHAOUNI a connu des années intenses de cours magistraux, de publication d'articles, de rédaction de livres et de remporter des prix. C'est également durant cette période qu'elle a décidé d'ouvrir son propre cabinet d'architecture à Toronto et au Maroc, ce qui faisait partie de ses objectifs. Elle a ensuite commencé son travail sur « l'architecture durable » au Maroc en 2010, à une époque où ce concept était encore méconnu et où l'on se demandait pourquoi il était coûteux. C'est ainsi que Mme CHAOUNI s'est tournée vers des projets de réhabilitation qu'elle considère comme le meilleur moyen de réaliser des constructions durables. « Nous ne construisons pas à nouveau, nous réhabilitons ce qui existe déjà. » SUNU CICES, Aziza Chaouni Projects 2021 « Je pense que nous devons encourager les jeunes femmes à se sentir autonomes dans notre profession. Je pense également qu'il est très important d'avoir des exemples de femmes dans différentes formes de pratique pour les autonomiser, pour transmettre la formation et les connaissances. » Malheureusement, les femmes ne se soutiennent pas beaucoup entre elles, alors que nous avons un réel rôle d'autonomisation mutuelle. Mme Aziza CHAOUNI considère que la profession d'architecte reste majoritairement masculine ; une femme architecte doit redoubler d'efforts dans ce domaine, une pression qu'elle a ressentie de nombreuses fois au cours de sa carrière, une pression qu'elle dit émaner de la femme elle-même en raison de l'existence dans des sociétés patriarcales. « Nous croyons fermement en ce que nous faisons, c'est-à-dire donner la parole au peuple. Je crois que pour avoir une pratique engagée et mener à bien un projet, il est crucial de mener différentes missions en même temps. » L'agence d'Aziza CHAOUNI fonctionne selon un modèle de conception collaborative, impliquant un travail multifacette qui comprend des entretiens avec la population, le développement de jeux et d'outils collaboratifs, la collecte de fonds ou le bénévolat. « Pendant la pandémie, j'ai réalisé qu'il serait préférable d'initier des projets plutôt que d'attendre un engagement d'un client ou du gouvernement » ; c'est ainsi que l'initiative MADI a été lancée par Aziza CHAOUNI, avec Hamza SLAOUI, spécialisé en finance, et Meryem MAHFOUD, spécialisée en communication. L'initiative MADI vise à reprendre des bâtiments historiques, qu'ils soient privés ou appartenant à l'État, afin de les réhabiliter et d'y organiser des activités ayant un fort impact socio-économique et culturel. À l'origine, l'idée de former l'association pour générer des projets est née du projet de réhabilitation du complexe thermal de Sidi Harazem. L'équipe d'Aziza CHAOUNI a eu l'idée d'organiser plusieurs résidences d'artistes. L'une des premières actions de petite envergure de l'initiative a été de transformer le café du Musée Slaoui - situé dans le quartier Art Déco de Casablanca - en un espace de sensibilisation au patrimoine ART DECO, mais aussi d'accueillir des événements littéraires et culturels. Modelling Game Design Your Dream School , Sierra Leone, Aziza Chaouni Projects 2021 « C'est une initiative qui nous a permis d'adopter un modèle proactif et de sortir du modèle traditionnel d'attente du client, de convaincre et de faire des compromis. Il faut être flexible, mais il y a certaines choses sur lesquelles on ne peut pas transiger. C'est un métier très difficile, mais l'architecte doit avant tout devenir un citoyen, et cela nécessite une certaine implication et confiance en soi. C'est une lutte constante pour convaincre les clients autour de nous qu'il faut penser à long terme, qu'il ne faut pas polluer l'environnement et les nappes phréatiques, qu'il faut avoir une citerne pour pouvoir recycler l'eau de pluie et la réutiliser, qu'il faut avoir un système de plomberie binaire... Mais il faut aussi savoir choisir ses batailles, et surtout savoir quand accepter la défaite. Je cherche simplement à réaliser des projets en lesquels je crois et qui ont un impact positif sur la vie des utilisateurs. » En général, nous travaillons souvent avec l'État avec un budget très limité, mais nous essayons d'être aussi innovants que possible dans chaque projet. Nous veillons également à ce que notre moindre intervention contribue positivement à l'environnement. Selon Mme CHAOUNI, le choix de conception visant à créer des espaces de qualité est motivé par la conviction que le rôle de l'architecte est avant tout celui d'un citoyen. Elle rappelle que l'architecture n'est accessible qu'à 1 % de la population, et cite l'exemple de l'Amérique du Nord, où les avocats doivent consacrer certaines heures aux populations qui n'ont pas les moyens de payer les services d'un avocat, d'où la nécessité de faire de même dans le domaine de l'architecture dans une démarche citoyenne, non seulement pour le plus grand nombre, mais aussi pour la faune et la flore. El Menzel Agricultural Center, Morocco, Aziza Chaouni Projects 2021 Cette approche est illustrée par le projet sur lequel travaille actuellement Mme CHAOUNI, en collaboration avec le Ministère des Eaux et Forêts. Il s'agit d'un projet de conception de panneaux à l'entrée des parcs nationaux construits en matériaux durables (pierre et bois), qui servent également d'habitat pour les espèces animales, les insectes et les oiseaux. L'architecte ajoute qu'en ce qui concerne la ville africaine durable en particulier, il est important de revoir toutes les politiques liées à la gestion de l'eau. Pour elle, la question de l'eau est essentielle pour le continent africain ; il est crucial d'intégrer des systèmes binaires dans les politiques de gestion de l'eau, ainsi que de réfléchir à des systèmes de récupération des eaux pour les réutiliser en période de sécheresse, et à des systèmes de traitement des eaux usées. « Une ville durable est une ville qui offre suffisamment de logements sociaux abordables. Je pense que donner accès à un logement à une grande partie de la population permet déjà de supprimer beaucoup d'injustices. Je pense qu'il est absolument nécessaire de revoir toutes nos politiques en matière de logement social au Maroc et en Afrique. Je pense que la ville durable de demain est avant tout une ville plus juste, où chacun a accès à un habitat digne, à des espaces publics de qualité où la population est intégrée dans le développement de sa propre ville et de ses propres espaces publics. Une ville durable est aussi une ville qui n'est pas étendue et qui offre suffisamment d'espaces verts où les habitants peuvent respirer. Enfin, une ville durable est une ville plus juste avec suffisamment d'espaces publics et d'infrastructures et des systèmes de transport accessibles et durables. » Previous Next

< Back African Pre-colonial City-States: Why we need to look back to move forward Heba Elhanafy The African cities we live in today are a result of many years of development, progress, and sometimes distortions. They are a product of colonial powers, poor policies, and ill-capacitated institutions. However, African cities are also shaped by people, cultures, and traditions. The stories of African cities are as old as Africans and their civilizations. For a long time, literature on African cities has concentrated on the post-colonial and colonial periods. It has deprived the world of essential knowledge and understanding of African cities. The lack of research on pre-colonial African cities has created a blind spot in understanding the intricate organizational and governance structure. Those structures resulted in cities that were trade, learning, and culture centers. They had sophisticated urban planning and impressive architecture. Those stories are often overlooked, while the stories of how things went wrong in African cities are frequently highlighted. City-states rose in both West and East Africa. Some evolved into great empires like the Ashanti Empire in West Africa, some controlled trade routes like Zanzibar and Kilwa, and others managed to maintain their anonymity under strong empires like Lagos under the Benin Empire. They also emerged for different reasons. While fertile land and iron mining attracted people to Kano, it was the Indian Ocean trade that shaped most of the East African city-states. Food surplus that was sold and taxed helped form Lagos. While every city-state had its own economic and governance models, which helped in the evolution of those cities, they all have a shared legacy of being indigenous creations sustained by trade, urban agriculture, and a strong connection with rural villages. Those African urban centers were dynamic, complex, diverse, and adapted to each era with different socioeconomic features and governance models. Pre-colonial African City-States were complex, sustainable, and diverse in their structures. City-states in pre-colonial Africa were quite diverse in their formation For instance, cities like Timbuktu and Gao in the Mali Empire grew to serve Saharan trade routes. Timbuktu was divided into different quarters, each serving distinct functions such as trade, education, and residential purposes. The city often established and maintained public routes that facilitated the movement of traders and goods and encouraged more trade. Similarly, the Hausa city-states, such as Kano and Katsina, featured fortified walls and gates, which provided security and controlled access to the city. They included specialized zones for craft production, trade, and residential quarters. Some of those specialized divisions can be seen to this day. On the Swahili east coast, city-states like Kilwa and Mombasa were built with narrow, winding streets that helped to mitigate the coastal heat. Large public spaces and markets facilitated social interaction and trade. The cities used local coral stones in their construction, forming durable and beautiful architectural designs. City growth responded to various purposes: trade, defense, and governance. It reflected a high degree of social and economic organization. Pre-colonial African City-States were centers of trade and economic hubs. Pre-colonial African city-states were vibrant economic hubs. They were often located along trade routes Their location facilitated the exchange of goods, and trade. Cities like Timbuktu and Gao were located along the trans-Saharan trade route. They connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean. Tax money went into building institutions, mosques, and libraries. The Swahili city-states played a major part in the Indian Ocean trading network. They traded ivory, gold, spices, fabrics, and even slaves. For example, Zanzibar and Kilwa controlled trade between the interior of Africa and the other parts of the Indian Ocean basin. These city-states also did business with Persia, India, China, and the Arabian Peninsula. Immigrants from the Arab Peninsula and Persian merchants went to those cities, thus creating a mixture of cultures between them and native people, leading to the development of the unique Swahili culture. View of Benin City as depicted in the 17th century publication by the Dutch writer Olfert Dapper (2020 © Trustees of the British Museum) Pre-colonial city-states were independent and sovereign Pre-colonial African city-states exhibited a diversity of governance structures. Authorities often governed on the city level, not the nation or the kingdom level. For example, the Yoruba city-states of Ife and Oyo in present-day Nigeria were ruled by their own Oba (king). The Oba governed with the support of councils of chiefs and other titled officials, each responsible for specific administrative functions such as finance, justice, and defense. Government officials collected taxes, regulated trade, and kept security. The Swahili city-states along the East African coast were governed by sultans or sheiks who controlled trade monopolies and diplomatic relations. While the governance systems varied across the city-states, they all maintained independence, were well-governed, and were well-supported by these local indigenous governing structures. Pre-colonial African urban settlements have a long and proud past; some still maintain some pre-colonial structures and organizational patterns till this day A number of those city-states, such as Benin City and Kumasi, were destroyed or absorbed by colonization, but many managed to survive. Lagos survived and expanded and is now the largest city in Africa. Some governance structures managed to survive as well. For example, many Nigerian cities still retain their monarchical rulership in addition to democratically elected leaders. Lagos still recognizes the «Oba» (king) as a monarchical ruler. Benin also has an «Oba», Kano has an «Emir», and Sokoto has a «Sultan». Some of the elements of pre-colonial economies can also be seen in former city-states like the Kurmi Market in Kano. If we skip forward to 2024, the state of African cities is deteriorating. Seventy percent of cities are informal, with limited water, sanitation, and electricity access. While, in general, cities have better access to labor markets than rural areas, most jobs remain unproductive, and wages remain insufficient to meet basic living standards. So, how did African cities go from independent, self-sufficient, and productive cities to the cities we have now? Yes, you guessed it right. European civilization uprooted our urban development progress. European colonization was a shock to African systems in general, but it was even a greater shock to our governance and urban systems. New cities, such as Nairobi and Lusaka, were built from the ground up to serve the newly incoming white population. Those cities were designed around segregation (e.g., till 1947, the native population in Lusaka could not access cities without special passports/ permits). They were also designed around control; colonial governments often took seats in major cities, and those cities were entirely under the control of national-level colonial governments. Colonialism also brought a set of building and design regulations, often copied from European laws. The cities were governed, occupied, and designed for European settler populations. Post-colonial leadership did not change much to the governance systems of African cities. In the fifties and sixties, national governments started gaining independence. Native populations flooded the city, searching for better work opportunities and access to services. But colonial approaches towards cities haven’t changed. The newly rising African elite replaced the white settlers. The poor remained in compounds and increased many folds on top of that. The laws remained unchanged; building regulations and impossible permits kept most newcomers from entering the formal market. Most importantly, in an attempt for the newly found independent national governments to form a tighter grip on their countries, they tightened the grip on cities, and local municipalities remained underfunded and incapacitated. As they stand, African cities need significant policy changes to transform into sustainable, productive human settlements. They also need infrastructure, jobs, and capacity building. The needs of African cities are covered well in all the literature, the press releases, the political statements, and the meetings. The United Nations (UN) projects that the world’s urban population will increase by over 2 billion people by 2050. 90% of Urbanization will happen in African and Asian Cities There are tons of new cities in Africa to absorb that urban growth in conception or under construction. Those projects often lack the knowledge of how our cities used to work. They also lack the idea of what our cities can be like.The best way to move forward is by looking at the past and realizing how sustainable, pragmatic, productive, and independent pre-colonial city-states were. If there is a clear lesson from reading into the history of these city-states, it is how a certain level of autonomy over the economics and governance gave room for them to rise and be self-sustaining. View of Benin City as depicted in the 17th century publication by the Dutch writer Olfert Dapper (2020 © Trustees of the British Museum) Previous Next

Découvrons les défis de Kaédi, ville intermédiaire de Mauritanie, en compagnie d'Abou Cisse, premier adjoint au Maire. Explorerons son artisanat textile, les enjeux climatiques des inondations, les initiatives de la Mairie et la participation citoyenne. < Back Kaédi face aux défis : Entre inondations et développement durable" Abou Cisse Abou Cisse, premier maire adjoint de Kaédi en Mauritanie, décrit sa ville comme agro-pastorale et un centre de l'industrie de peinture. Kaédi fait face à de graves problèmes d'inondations, d'assainissement et d'aménagement territorial. Les inondations récentes ont causé d'importants dégâts, déplaçant des populations et détruisant des habitations. La commune, incapable de résoudre ces problèmes avec ses propres ressources, a sollicité l'aide de partenaires techniques et financiers ainsi que de l'État, qui a répondu en envoyant le génie militaire. La stratégie actuelle inclut une approche participative, écoutant et intégrant les solutions des citoyens et experts pour développer une politique d'urbanisation durable, visant un développement intégré et solidaire de Kaédi.

< Back The implication of post-colonial urban growth in the development process of Zaria Urban area-Nigeria Idris Isah Iliyasu The rapid expansion of Nigerian cities in the post-colonial era has been characterised by uncoordinated growth, particularly in newly developed areas, despite initial efforts during colonial rule to implement formal planning regulations. This paper explores this phenomenon, contrasting contemporary urban expansion with the structured foundation of modern town planning established during the colonial period. Using Zaria, a historic city in Northern Nigeria, as a case study, it traces the city’s evolution from pre-colonial times to the present, highlighting the impact of weak public institutions and ineffective policies in fostering unregulated development. Zaria, originally one of the medieval Hausa cities, exhibits a tripartite urban structure shaped by pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial planning influences. The ancient walled city reflects traditional settlement patterns, while the colonial-era planning introduced distinct zones: the European Reservation Area, designed for British colonial officials, and native quarters for African settlers were both developed using modern, though distinct, planning approaches. However, since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the city’s growth has been marked by uncontrolled sprawl on the peripheries of these planned areas, posing significant challenges to urban development. The study identifies weak land administration and informal land acquisition as primary drivers of this unregulated expansion, ultimately creating a paradox wherein the structured planning foundations of the colonial period have been undermined in the post-colonial era. Zaria’s urban evolution reflects the unravelling of colonial planning and the urgent need for inclusive governance Zaria’s new entrance to Emir’s Palace, by Shiraz Chakera on commons wikimedia The colonial period (1897–1960) marks a pivotal chapter in Nigeria’s urban planning history, marking the transition from indigenous spatial organisation to formalised planning introduced by British authorities. The era brought structure and institutional frameworks that reshaped Nigerian cities, including Zaria. However, this legacy has deteriorated post-independence, giving rise to widespread unregulated urban sprawl. This pattern, evident in many Nigerian cities, reflects a broader failure to sustain and adapt colonial planning frameworks to contemporary urban governance and population dynamics. The foundation of colonial planning in Nigeria was laid by policies like the 1917 Township Ordinance, which segregated urban areas along racial and administrative lines. It led to the development of Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) for Europeans and townships like Sabon Gari for non-indigenous residents. Though segregationist, these policies ensured some level of urban order and guided physical development. In contrast, post-independence cities are increasingly characterised by informality and haphazard expansion. This paper investigates Zaria’s physical development trajectory from pre-colonial times to the present, arguing that contemporary urban form reflects the gradual unravelling of structured planning systems initiated during colonial rule. The methodology for this study adopts a qualitative approach based on historical and spatial analysis using Maps. It utilises both secondary data from literature and primary data from field observations conducted in Zaria in December 2024. Secondary sources include academic works, colonial planning documents, and comparative studies from other British colonies, which inform the ideological and spatial frameworks of colonial urbanism. Primary data involved reconnaissance and structured site visits to key urban areas representing Zaria’s three development epochs: the pre-colonial walled city, colonial districts (Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, etc.), and post-colonial extensions. A diachronic analytical lens is employed to trace how urban spatial patterns evolved under shifting political and socio-economic conditions. By triangulating literature and on-ground evidence, the research explores how colonial planning legacies have influenced Zaria’s urban morphology and the governance challenges associated with its post-independence growth. Transformation of Zaria Urban Area Pre-Colonial Period (11th Century – 1800s): Zaria, originally known as Zazzau, emerged as a prominent Hausa city-state in the 11th century. It later became part of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1808. Its urban structure is centred on the walled city (Birnin Zazzau), with radial roads from the Emir’s palace, markets, and Islamic institutions. Zaria played a key role in trans-Saharan trade and Islamic education. Colonial Period (1900–1960): British colonial rule introduced major spatial changes, including the indirect rule system and the establishment of Sabon Gari for southern Nigerian migrants. The introduction of the railway in 1912 further integrated Zaria into national trade networks. Western institutions like schools, churches, and healthcare facilities were introduced. The city was divided into segregated zones, such as the GRA, native areas, and institutional districts. Post-Independence Period (1960–1990s): Zaria’s post-independence growth was driven by the establishment of ABU and related migration. This period saw the development of new neighbourhoods and informal settlements, outpacing planning capacity. Limited industrialisation and inadequate infrastructure contributed to unregulated sprawl. Contemporary Period (2000–Present): Recent decades have seen explosive urban growth, especially in peri-urban areas. The city retains its dual character, with the traditional walled city and Sabon Gari performing distinct socio-cultural and economic functions. However, due to weak planning and development control enforcement, infrastructure deficits and slum proliferation are the main challenges. Colonial Urban Policies and Planning Instruments. British town planning in Nigeria was structured through laws like the 1904 Cantonment Proclamation and the 1917 Township Ordinance. These codified racial and ethnic segregation, especially in cities like Zaria. Sabon Gari housed southern migrants, Tudun Wada catered to non-indigenous northerners, and Samaru developed around ABU. Plan for Colonial Townships in Zaria (1918), Source-Urquhart 1918 Residential clusters in Zaria Urban Area as structured by the Colonial Town Planning Colonial Zaria was spatially divided into the following: The indigenous walled city (Birnin Zazzau), the European/Government Reserved Area (GRA), Commercial/institutional zones, and Segregated townships (Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, and Samaru). Township layout plans from 1914, 1918, and 1939 formalised land uses, road networks, and residential plots. GRAs featured spacious plots, buffer zones, polo grounds, and access to rail and road infrastructure. These components collectively established a blueprint of structured urban form with specialised land uses and ethnic-spatial organisation. Post-Colonial Urban Development and Contemporary Challenges. In the post-colonial era, Zaria’s urban development has become increasingly informal and unregulated. The city’s growth far exceeds the scope of its master plans. Approximately 70% of Zaria’s built-up area today consists of unplanned, often illegal developments. The contrast is stark: colonial areas like the GRA remain under-occupied but well-planned, as can be seen on the attached imagery below, while vast informal neighbourhoods accommodate most of the population. Infrastructure in these peri-urban zones often lacks access roads, potable water, drainage, and electricity. Planning authorities are often reactive rather than proactive, and zoning regulations are routinely violated or ignored. Consequently, the legacy of colonial planning, which for all its segregationist flaws, offered structured growth which has given way to chaotic expansion and spatial inequality. This trend highlights a planning paradox where older, colonial-era sections of the city are more systematically organized than the newer, post-independence extensions. This inverse development trajectory highlights the urgent need for revitalised planning institutions, inclusive urban governance, and investment in infrastructure and services. Zaria’s urban evolution illustrates a broader Nigerian and African dilemma: the erosion of structured colonial planning without sufficient replacement by effective post-independence urban governance. While colonial planning was exclusionary, it introduced spatial order and functional land use. The current challenge is to reconcile this legacy with inclusive, sustainable planning models that can effectively manage rapid urban growth. Addressing urban sprawl and restoring order to cities like Zaria requires strengthening planning institutions, updating urban regulations, enforcing development control and integrating indigenous knowledge systems. The future of Zaria’s urban landscape depends on how well historical insights are leveraged to shape modern urban policy and practice. Weak spatial governance and informal land tenure drive uncontrolled urban sprawl in zaria Uncontrolled urban sprawl is a growing concern in many post-colonial African cities, including Zaria, Nigeria. This phenomenon is widespread across both Francophone and Anglophone African countries, although it appears to be more prevalent in Francophone regions. The primary cause of this pattern is the dominance of informal land development, which significantly diverges from the structured urban planning principles inherited from colonial administrations, especially those influenced by British systems. Over the years, this form of unregulated urban growth has sparked numerous discussions among urban planners and the general public, indicating its longstanding recognition as a critical urban challenge. The core of the problem lies in two interrelated issues: land tenure and land development, both of which are poorly regulated due to weak institutional frameworks. These challenges fall under the broader concept of “spatial governance,” which refers to the institutional and administrative mechanisms that guide land use, urban planning, and development. Where spatial governance is strong, cities tend to develop in a more orderly and planned manner. Conversely, weak governance results in uncoordinated, high-density urban sprawl. Post-Colonial Land Tenure in Nigeria. A key piece of legislation shaping land tenure in Nigeria is the 1978 Land Use Act, which vests all land within a state in the custody of the State Governor. The Governor may issue statutory rights of occupancy for both urban and rural land, typically for 99 years. Local Governments, however, are limited to granting customary rights of occupancy in rural areas for only 30 years. While a formal landholder can apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) under government schemes or convert a customary title into a statutory one, the process remains bureaucratically cumbersome. As a result, most land is still accessed informally through customary tenure systems, which are less secure and often undocumented. This widespread informality means that most land is not subject to official planning controls, weakening the effectiveness of urban development strategies. Due to the weak institutional framework for effective Urban Planning in Zaria, the responsibility for land management and urban planning is divided among several institutions, including the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA), Kaduna Geographical Information System Agency (KADGIS), the local governments of Zaria City and Sabon Gari, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Among these, KASUPDA holds the central mandate for enforcing planning regulations, managing land use, and coordinating physical development within a 20-kilometre radius of the city centre. KASUPDA was created in 1985 to replace earlier colonial-era planning authorities. It operates under various legal instruments, including the 1946 Northern Nigeria Town and Country Planning Law and the federal Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992. These laws empower KASUPDA to implement Master Plans and other development plans tailored to different urban sectors, such as housing, infrastructure, and urban renewal. Despite its legal foundation, KASUPDA, as the apex urban planning and development enforcement agency in the state, faces significant challenges. Notably, Kaduna State has not formally adopted the 1992 federal planning law, which limits KASUPDA’s jurisdiction and effectiveness. This has created administrative ambiguities, jurisdictional overlap, and competition among institutions, particularly between KASUPDA and local governments. As a result, the authority lacks adequate financial and policy support, preventing it from controlling illegal developments or enforcing planning standards effectively. Adobe houses in the old part of Zaria source: traveladventures.com The consequences are far-reaching: despite its technical mandate, KASUPDA often finds itself sidelined, unable to prevent rapid land speculation, unauthorised construction, and chaotic urban growth. This situation is exacerbated by the institution’s limited capacity, both in terms of legal authority and operational resources. Implications for Urban Development: The implications of these governance failures are numerous and damaging. First, the informal nature of land acquisition makes it difficult for authorities to monitor development as it happens. Interventions often occur too late and tend to legitimise unapproved developments rather than rectify them. Attempts to enforce planning regulations, such as demolishing illegal buildings, frequently become politically and socially controversial. Second, the lack of institutional oversight allows for rampant, unregulated land subdivision by individuals, further perpetuating the cycle of unplanned urban growth. This creates disorganised development patterns that severely complicate the provision of essential infrastructure and services, such as roads, water supply, and green spaces. Newly developed areas quickly deteriorate into slum-like conditions due to these deficits. Third, informality also leads to a lack of documentation and record-keeping. Without accurate data on land ownership and land use, planning becomes guesswork. Authorities lack the necessary information to make strategic decisions or enforce zoning regulations effectively. Finally, the prevalence of informal land access encourages “auto-construction» individuals undertaking construction projects without reference to any formal planning schemes or oversight. This results in low-quality developments and increases the risk of environmental and structural hazards. Weak post-colonial governance undermines structured urban planning in Nigeria The dynamics of informal urban expansion are commonly referred to as urban sprawl and are shaped by the interplay of economic, demographic, environmental, and spatial governance factors. The specific nature and pattern of this growth are influenced by how these forces manifest in a given context. Central to this discussion is the role of land and planning administration in determining whether such growth is integrated into formal planning frameworks or allowed to unfold in an unregulated manner. In the colonial period, as exemplified by the case of Zaria, institutional, legal, and administrative mechanisms for land and urban planning were notably effective. Authorities were able to designate areas for development, formalize and document land tenure, and prepare and implement layout plans for designated urban spaces. This created a structured approach to urban expansion that abandoned the planning legacy that had not been sustained in the post-colonial era, despite the availability of more human and material resources and a greater need for the principles of modern urban planning. This paper argues that the erosion of colonial town planning legacies is a widespread phenomenon across Nigerian cities. While the underlying causes are well understood, the efforts to reverse this decline have so far fallen short of what is required. A crucial first step in addressing this issue is acknowledging its existence and raising awareness, which is the objective that this paper seeks to achieve. The insights presented here should inform both urban planning practice and theory, particularly in the Nigerian context and in other regions facing similar challenges. Get the full African Cities Magazine 6 Download the full article here iliyasu-article-african_cities_magazine_6_english-20250826 .pdf Download PDF • 3.40MB Previous Next

Africa Innovation Network is a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We bring together experts in diverse and varied fields to offer sustainable and innovative solutions for a better urban future in Africa. Acerca de Who we are Africa Innovation Network brings together experts in diverse and varied fields to offer sustainable and innovative solutions for a better urban future in Africa. We are a think tank developing new approaches for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities in Africa. We develop initiatives, projects, programs, and materials to support cities to move forward to more sustainable human settlements. Our approach is human-centered and based on frugal innovations. We are developing simple, participative ideas and solutions to make our cities and our rural areas a better place for all. Our work is based on creativity and innovation to propose solutions that help to build a better future in our cities for all. Initiatives of Africa Innovation Network are made to analyze, understand and develop solutions in order to promote sustainable development in our cities. What we offer INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN PROJECTS Through our network of experts and specialists in urban planning, architecture, engineering, transport and mobility, geographic information systems, design, etc. we accompany cities and territories in the creation of more inclusive and sustainable living environments through sustainable planning tools, coaching, capacity building, urban development strategies, marketing tools, strategic plans, etc. COUNTRY/REGION/CITIES MAGAZINES The country magazine uses the same ideology and structure of African Cities Magazine but on the scale of a country, a specific city, or any scale of territory. The aim is to work with local actors to draw up a picture of the dynamics of architecture, urban planning, design, art, architectural and urban heritage. DOCUMENTARY SERIES We produce documentary series on the scale of countries, cities and territories that give voice to the continent’s actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient and inclusive African cities, particularly through the potential of innovation and technological development. Urban planners, architects, designers, artists, engineers and simple city dwellers, our documentary series aims to take stock of the urban dynamics of the target territory, while taking a forward-looking look at the future. Our documentaries analyze the urban dynamics of the target territories and draw the fundamentals to build more resilient and sustainable urban settlements. Let’s Work Together Get in touch so we can start working together. First Name Last Name Email Thanks for your message. We will get back to you soon. Message Send

More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities, the common thread of our actions. More Resilient, Sustainable and Smart African Cities The common thread of our actions. AFRICA URBAN PLANNING IMAGERY Africa Urban Planning Imagery aims to capture, analyze, and promote African cities' mutations through satellite images. The purpose is also to show the history, diversity, originality, and complexity of urbanization in the continent. CITIES PIXELS AND COLORS Cities are a combination of a soul and a body. The body is the infrastructures, buildings, roads, etc. while the soul of the city is related to people, their cultures, and their behaviors. The purpose of the initiative Cities Pixels and Colors is to show the diversity and the singularity of the cities, especially in the African context. All the expression modes are welcome here to show the beauty of our cities. Photography, paintings, sketches, Illustrations, sculptures, etc. URBAN PLANNING INNOVATION How to make our cities more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and improve the quality of life of all ? That is the main purpose of Urban planning innovation. We aim through this initiative to develop and promote innovative solutions contributing to building better places for all. ARCHITECTURE AND INNOVATION The body of a city is the shelter of his soul. With the rapid growth of populations in urban areas, is crucial to provide affordable housing for all, sustainable infrastructures, social facilities, and utilities. To reach these goals we need to develop new approaches and design in order to create inclusive cities. Through the initiative Architecture Innovations, we want to develop and promote original architecture solutions to facing cities’ challenges like climate change, housing for all, social inclusion, etc. AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN HERITAGE Architecture and urban heritage initiative seeks to highlight the richness of the African urban heritage to inspire the making of the modern city. . This is because today’s identity and tomorrow’s innovation are based on the genius of the past. What do you think is missing ? Share your initiatives with us.

Videos Podcast This is a series of video podcasts that address the main key themes in building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities in Africa. The themes addressed are various and include the place of secondary cities, economic models for more sustainable and resilient cities, the place of education and cultural identities, the role of technology and innovation, etc. The format is a short video published each month. What if the sustainable city was of African inspiration? This podcast makes an analysis of the concept of sustainable city in the African context starting from a historical retrospective. Then it analyzes the essence of African sustainable practices through the axes of sustainable development: the economy, the social, the environment, and the culture. Finally, it ends with a questioning of the sustainability model of the African city of the 21st century by presenting some approaches to explore. Urban Mobility in Africa Addis Ababa, there are more than 4 million trips per day, including those made on foot. In the megacity of Kinshasa, with its vast agglomeration of more than 17 million inhabitants, more than 5.5 million trips per day are made. Today, nearly one African out of two lives in a city, and that is as many people who must travel every day. In this environment, mobility will have to deal with major construction sites, low road density and increasing distances to travel. So how can Africa succeed in ensuring sustainable mobility for its cities and metropolises? This is what we will try to understand through this podcast.

A documentary series that gives voice to the continent's actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive African cities. The Round tour aims to take stock of the urban dynamics on the continent while taking a forward-looking look at the African cities of tomorrow. African Cities Round Tour African Cities Round Tour is a documentary series that gives voice to the continent's actors to draw a vision of more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive African cities, especially through the potential of innovation and technological development. Urban planners, architects, designers, artists, engineers, and ordinary city dwellers, the African cities round tour aims to take stock of the urban dynamics on the continent, while taking a forward-looking look at the African cities of tomorrow. Download the brochure IVORY COAST Côte d'Ivoire, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (RCI), is a state located in Africa, in the western part of the Gulf of Guinea. With an area of 322,462 km2, it has an estimated population of 28,088,455 in 2021. The urbanization rate has risen from 17.7 percent in 1960 to over 50 percent in 2018. Among African nations with more than 5 million inhabitants, Côte d'Ivoire is the third most urbanized country, behind Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The urban system is characterized by a predominant city of about 4.5 million inhabitants (Abidjan), a city of about 500,000 inhabitants (Bouaké), three cities of more than 200,000 inhabitants (Daloa, Korhogo and Yamoussoukro the capital), and other secondary cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants. CAMEROON A Central African country with an estimated population of more than 25 million in 2019, Cameroon is one of the countries with the most important urban dynamics in the sub-region. This first documentary addresses the challenges of urbanization in Cameroon and the vision for more inclusive and sustainable cities. Through the eyes of many experts in urban planning, architecture, environment, urban policies, etc., this documentary analyzes the urban dynamics in the country and draws the fundamentals for building more resilient and sustainable urban settlements in Cameroon.