Implications of Cultural Heritage in Urban Regeneration: The CBD of Dar es Salaam

Abstract

Cultural heritage is an inherent element of the urban landscape that evolves along with the cities. It is widely recognized that a solid coordination in the management of cultural heritage and urban transformation contributes to more effective planning interventions. However, a big gap between both fields still persists. In the Central Business District (CBD) of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the lack of coordination is evident. In recent years, historical buildings have been demolished and high-rise buildings are being constructed, whereas initiatives for protecting the built heritage have emerged and successfully restored emblematic buildings. The present paper, based on a morphological analysis and in-depth interviews, discusses how the interventions for the transformation of the CBD of Dar es Salaam are being implemented and the role that cultural heritage plays in the process. This paper also suggests ways in which cultural heritage can contribute to the urban regeneration of the area, highlighting the relevance of intangible cultural heritage as a fundamental aspect that determines the life and identity of the communities and that has to be carefully considered in order to achieve inclusive and holistic urban regeneration processes.