Planning theory in the global south: circulating travelling models from the north or hybrid arrangements?

Abstract

The influence of inherited “Western” urban planning models and paradigm for African cities is not yet fully covered in discussions on planning theory. Research has mainly focussed so far on the colonial legacies in Africa, including housing policies and infrastructure systems. The “improvement in sanitary conditions for the white population” (Mabogunje, 1992) and the “segregation according to race” were key elements of colonial planning (Alexander, 1983) and were translated into colonial urban planning laws and urban planning instruments. These are still visible today in post-colonial legislations. For example, the zoning model and separated land uses categories are still the foundation of most planning legislation of the former British colonies (Watson, 2009). Furthermore, “planning education in Africa is firmly ensconced in the traditions and models of Europe” reflecting planning approaches as “colonial-type master planning systems” (AAPS, 2010). These approaches seem to have failed since African cities mainly develop outside formal planning procedures and statutory land use regulations (cf. Watson, 2003; Harrison, 2006).