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Analysing the Dynamics of City Morphology with an Overview of Mbeya City
in Tanzania
Mweteni Idasi Kiondo1 and
*Livin H. Mosha2
1Assistant
Lecturer, Department of Settlement Planning and Designing Technology (SPDT
), College of Engineering and Technology (CET), Mbeya University of
Science and Technology (MUST), P.0. Box 4289, Mbeya, Tanzania. Email:
idasi.kiondo(at)gmail.com.
2Professor
of Architecture, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and
Design (SADE), Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania. *Email:
livinmosha(at)gmail.com.
Received 21 December,
2015
Accepted 9 January, 2016 |
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City morphologies are changing at unprecedented speed and largely
unregulated. The aim of this study is to provide an analysis in
terms of descriptions of urban morphologies through earmarked
buildings in the Central Business District of Mbeya city in Tanzania
before and after the independence. Available theories and concepts
were reviewed to address issues of city morphology but also as a
methodological paradigm of viewing the present Mbeya city
morphology. The research reveals that Mbeya city is developing along
new urban forces such as commercial needs, political influences and
social cultural needs. The study recommends that current development
in formal and informal settlements should be guided and monitored
continuously for more effective urban planning and design. Good
lessons from colonial city morphology such as holistic planning
should be positively considered by urban local authorities.
Communities and stakeholders should be involved in the overall city
morphological development process.
Knowledge on the
dynamics of city morphology serves as an important tool to
understand and conserve city history.
Key words:
Urban morphology,
earmarked buildings,
development, Mbeya, Tanzania. |
