Sustainable Swahili Architecture; Reconciling Urban Conservation, Tourism and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Urbanisation and globalisation have led to loss of features in many ancient and new settlements in the world, which define their identity. In the East African Coast, such features are fast disappearing. This erosion of the architectural heritage is closely linked with the loss of a socio-cultural identity, resulting in the deterioration of the quality of urban life. Various means have been tried to improve this historic built environment, with the symbiosis of both tourism and heritage places becoming a major objective in the management and planning of historic areas. With sustainable settlement being a global concern, and within the context of the historic urban areas of Lamu and Mombasa Old Towns, this paper explores the current conflicts among the ideas of urban conservation, heritage and tourism, arguing that the most sustainable approach to management of historical areas is the one based on community and culture-led agenda