Asmara’s cultural integration: bridging the past and the future

Asmara, a UNESCO-listed modernist city in Eritrea, exemplifies how colonial urban heritage can be reappropriated to foster social, economic, and cultural development. The study highlights the successful integration of Italian modernist architecture with local vernacular techniques, such as the 'monkey head' masonry method, which combines rough stonework with wooden beams—a practice rooted in Eritrean tradition. This fusion not only preserves architectural identity but also enriches it with inclusive values, offering a model for heritage conservation. The research emphasizes the need for intergenerational dialogue and community engagement to sustain this process, particularly through participatory workshops that bridge traditional and modern constructive cultures. By doing so, Asmara demonstrates how intangible cultural heritage can be leveraged for sustainable urban regeneration.

De santis, E., & Ciufo, F. (2024). Asmara’s cultural integration: bridging the past and the future. Proceedings Africa24 Conference. https://doi.org/10.4995/africa24.2024.18903