The research topic focuses on the role of planning in conserving built cultural heritage, specifically in the case of Stone Town in Zanzibar City. This study thoroughly examines how planning practices can enhance the built cultural heritage of the city. Stone Town holds UNESCO Heritage status, highlighting the importance of its cultural assets. However, despite this international recognition, the city faces several challenges, including hyper-urbanisation, climate change, and pressure from the tourism industry. These issues have reshaped the city’s traditional patterns and fabric, negatively impacting both the conservation of its built heritage and the quality of life for its residents. As a result, the connection between the city’s inhabitants and its cultural elements, particularly its built heritage, has been altered.
To facilitate a systematic research approach, this study has been organised into three consecutive phases. The first phase includes context analysis and proposed initial principles; the second phase involves testing the applicability of these initial planning principles; and the last phase ensures desirability and feasibility in the context of Stone Town. Qualitative methods, including a co-design participatory approach, focus group discussions, and expert interviews, have been employed to comprehensively collect data and explore the subject matter.
By utilising these methods, the study aims to propose planning frameworks that effectively address the challenges of conserving the city’s built cultural heritage. The goal is to develop strategies to protect Stone Town’s unique cultural assets for future generations.
The final output of this study will be the proposed planning frameworks, which will illustrate and underscore the role of urban planning in enhancing cultural sensitivities amid rapid urban expansion and climate change. Understanding the intersection of planning and culture is crucial for Stone Town, given its significant contributions to social well-being and the aesthetics of built heritage. This understanding is essential for ensuring the conservation of spatial growth patterns, building materials and techniques, and environmental quality.
