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Historic Preservation as Sustainable Urban Development in African Cities: A Technical and Technological Framework

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  • Nathan Teklemariam

    (Department of Political Science, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, 2087 Barre Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

Abstract

Africa is currently undergoing rapid urbanization, which has placed a significant strain on its already insufficient infrastructure. Many cities struggle to meet the needs of their residents through sustainable urban development. This has put urban Africa to a pressing dilemma: the tension between preserving historic buildings and sites, and the drive to modernize and redevelop cities. Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, exemplifies this struggle, as it is currently undergoing a rapid urban transformation underpinned by an urban renewal and infrastructure development project, which has included the demolition of historic buildings in its oldest district, Piazza. This article uses Addis Ababa as a case study to demonstrate how historic preservation can be integrated into urban development strategies. It utilizes Zerrudo’s methodology for historic preservation, encompassing the following four phases: awareness, appreciation, protection, and utilization. It further integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology throughout each phase, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of preservation efforts. It argues that historic preservation not only safeguards cultural identity and heritage, but also brings significant economic benefits, including tourism and job creation. This integrated approach ensures that development and preservation are not mutually exclusive, but rather are complementary aspects of sustainable urban development in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Nathan Teklemariam, 2024. "Historic Preservation as Sustainable Urban Development in African Cities: A Technical and Technological Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:5949-:d:1433807
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank, 2012. "Ethiopia's Tourism Sector : Strategic Paths to Competitiveness and Job Creation," World Bank Publications - Reports 15489, The World Bank Group.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenlong Lan & Junyi Li & Jiayi Wang & Yuxin Wang & Zhendong Lei, 2025. "Cultural Diversity Conservation in Historic Districts via Spatial-Gene Perspectives: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda District, Xi’an," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-34, March.

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