Urban Samples. The Reconstruction of the Settlement Model

Abstract

The agogic map of Dar es Salaam is built upon an urban quadrant studied in its geographic and anthropological characteristics. The choice of the quadrant is influenced by the intention to work within a context of informality in proximity to other more structured parts of the city. The chosen urban sample embraces a large variety of informal settling features, and it is close to major infrastructural elements. The presence of these elements constitutes a reference for the modern development of informal enclaves, although a sustainable exchange between all parts requires a revision of the current system of accessibility and spatial orientation. Combining the elements of the anthropological image of the settlement detected in the previous chapter, with Kevin Lynch’s five urban elements of the image of the city, a mental map of the informal district is reconstructed and discussed as a possible structure for the development of an agogic map of Dar es Salaam.