The Pattern Language Approach as a Bridge Connecting Formal and Informal Urban Planning Practices in Africa

The Pattern Language Approach as a Bridge Connecting Formal and Informal Urban Planning Practices in Africa

Namwanje, Priscilla (Makerere University)
Muñoz Sanz, V. (TU Delft Urban Design)
Rocco, Roberto (TU Delft Spatial Planning and Strategy)

2023

This article explores the use of the pattern language approach in bridging the gap between formal and informal urban planning practices in the African context. This study focuses on a case application within the urbanised region encompassing the Nakivubo wetland located in Kampala, Uganda. As in other cities in Africa with a colonial past, Kampala’s planning system signals a profound gap between a technocratic, European paradigms-based type of planning and the everyday practices of citizens. This results in a “dual city,” with formal and informal communities using resources and spaces differently, leading to spatial segregation and non-implementation of urban plans. To overcome this challenge, the pattern language approach is utilised in this research to link formal and informal practices through facilitating meaningful community participation and integrating tacit knowledge into the planning process. To achieve this, the researchers conducted fieldwork and interacted with the local community in informal settlements to develop informal patterns, while analysing the history and current organisation of formal planning institutions in Kampala to formulate formal patterns. The patterns were used as input for a community workshop, which resulted in a pattern language of wetland management practices and a framework that begins to bridge both formal and informal domains of urban practice. By using the pattern language approach as a tool to understand informal practices and their possible incorporation into a planning process that captures the needs of citizens, this research offers relevant insights into achieving sustainable and inclusive urban environments.

community participation
formal practices
Kampala
informal practices
informal settlements
pattern language

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6dbf9e23-507c-4e58-a4f6-27ccd6767923

https://doi.org/10.17645/up.v8i3.6799

2183-7635

Urban Planning, 8 (3), 212-223

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 Priscilla Namwanje, V. Muñoz Sanz, Roberto Rocco