Colors of Stone Town in Zanzibar: From white to black and back again

Stone Town in Zanzibar undergoes natural color transformations reflecting its historical, political, and economic evolution. Initially white during the 19th century, it darkened due to decay by the mid-20th century before being partially restored to whiteness through recent renovations along the coastal strip. This shift highlights gentrification boundaries while also symbolizing ethnic divisions within the city. The study analyzes these color changes as a result of construction, destruction, and reconstruction cycles rather than deliberate design, contrasting with other cities like Tel Aviv or Miami Beach where color is consciously manipulated for urban branding.

Jasiński, A. (2021). Colors of Stone Town in Zanzibar: From white to black and back again. Cities, 117, 103309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2021.103309