The challenges of traffic congestion, civic engagement and shrinking public spaces are key themes for cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; these same challenges cut across West Africa’s cities, too. November 4-5, African Urbanism participated in the conference “Towards a Roadmap for Sustainable Cities in the MENA Region” in Beirut, Lebanon,… Continue reading Sustainable Cities conference bridges cultures, demonstrates shared experiences on public spaces
Tag: urban planning
Exploring “Oxford Street”: Author Ato Quayson shares insights from new book
Prof. Ato Quayson’s new book Oxford Street: City Life and the Itineraries of Transnationalism explores the history and dynamics of one of Accra’s most popular and globalized streets – the stretch of Oxford Street in the Osu district. Quayson is a professor of English and director of the Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the University… Continue reading Exploring “Oxford Street”: Author Ato Quayson shares insights from new book
On “Town Planning in West Africa”
The more things change, the more they stay the same? A familiar depiction of present-day Accra, Ghana, but this speech was made in 1946: “Accra is a town like Freetown. During the war, its water and electric services have had to do double work, and it has surprised me that they have managed to go on working… Continue reading On “Town Planning in West Africa”
“A Changing Accra”: Residents discuss urban challenges and future in architecture-inspired forum
“When I look at Accra, I see a city that has an identity crisis,” said photographer and blogger Nana Kofi Acquah. “If you look at the city, there’s nothing that tells you where we were, where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.”
After the Kantamanto Market fire, an opportunity for participatory planning emerges
Two weeks ago, fire destroyed the immense Kantamanto Market, the huge open-air market linked to Makola in Old Accra, comprised of hundreds of stalls and kiosks where vendors traded secondhand and firsthand goods. The fire, which started in the early hours of Sunday morning, lasted several hours before the Fire Service managed to put out the… Continue reading After the Kantamanto Market fire, an opportunity for participatory planning emerges
Same Old, Same Old? Kenya to Launch Another One of “Africa’s First Planned Cities”
We know that African cities are growing, and faster, with the continent’s population set to double in number in the next 30 years. The question is, how are African city government planning for it? What’s the human demand for it? And how are planners making sure that these cities develop in a way that is… Continue reading Same Old, Same Old? Kenya to Launch Another One of “Africa’s First Planned Cities”