Urbanization and Density in Zanzibar - Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Development from Swahili Houses to Apartment Houses

Abstract: Urbanization and Density in Zanzibar - Recommendations for Sustainable Urban Development from Swahili houses to low-rise multi-storey houses. The rapid urbanization process in Africa is a major challenge for politicians, urban planners and society in general. The archipelago of Zanzibar in Tanzania is in the middle of this process. Traditionally, low and middle income families live in Swahili houses, houses characterized as low rise houses, usually one floor, resulting in urban environment with a horizontal growth instead of vertically. Because this group of population is very voluminous the problem is reflected on the occupation of very large areas of land used for housing. Large parts of the local families have not responded positively to the attempts to deal with density issues increasing the number of homes in low-rise multi-storey buildings. The urbanization process is so fast that the different needs seem to compete with each other, and therefore priorities must be made. We visited the island during the month of April 2012 and we spent three weeks in Zanzibar, living with a local family to make the field study. Apart from observations, and interviews with locals, town planners and experts on the fields, we conducted a survey questionnaire with residents divided in two groups: one living in Swahili houses and a second living in low-rise multi-storey houses. The purpose of this survey was to understand and to be able to analyze the situation, but also to see what opportunities exists to develop neighborhoods and residential areas, so that they better meet the need for sustainable living now and in the future. We also did a climate analysis due to the fact that the indoor climate is important for us humans to thrive and feel well.