URBAN REGENERATION OF HISTORIC DISTRICT IN METROPOLITAN CONTEXT: CASE OF “OLD BÈ”, A DISTRICT OF GREATER-LOMÉ (TOGO), A SUB-SAHARAN CAPITAL

Year 2022, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 11 - 38, 30.07.2022

Dong Tchedre Neslihan Serdaroğlu Sağ

Abstract

Dealing with the issue of urban regeneration of historic districts in Africa is a paradigm shift. Because in Africa, the essentially physical transformation approach resulting in restructuring, renovation, or urban rehabilitation is still perceptible. Exploring the urban regeneration approach in an old historic district and the context of a metropolitan city is the main objective of this article. Abundant literature brings together research aimed at analyzing the problem of old historic districts and exploring various approaches to solutions that exist. This article aims to report on an experience of researching the digestion of solutions developed throughout this abundant literature and translating it into a unique territory different from that of the other countries. Thus, after the introduction, the context, and the methodology, it will first be a matter of taking stock and planning practices of the metropolitan context through the presentation of the Greater-Lomé. Secondly, we are zooming in on the old Bè. The history, morphology, population, education, health, and religious facilities, superstructures, infrastructure elements, and the current situation of the cultural assets to be preserved were assessed. After the assessment of the assets of the current situation, a SWOT analysis was carried out. Suggestions for interventions that should be prioritized in the regeneration were elaborated. In conclusion, it is possible to say that this article will be a small start for successful urban regeneration in the Old Bè.

Keywords

urban regeneration, historical and cultural district, suggestions for intervention, Old-Be, Greater Lome

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