Urban growth and cultural identity; fractures and imbalances in heritage values: A case study of the island of Saint-Louis, Senegal

The island of Saint-Louis, Senegal, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, faces significant fractures and imbalances in its heritage values due to rapid, unplanned urban growth and the overshadowing influence of Dakar. This study identifies key morphological and functional factors that have shaped the city's evolution, revealing how its unique French-influenced gridiron structure and cultural identity persist despite current decline. The research employs a case study approach, analyzing the island's development within its broader territorial context—including the mainland island of Sor and La Langue de la Barberie—to justify its enduring prestige as a heritage site. Findings underscore the tension between historical significance and contemporary urban challenges.

Martínez-Quintana, L., & Cáceres-Morales, E. (2016). Urban growth and cultural identity; fractures and imbalances in heritage values: A case study of the island of Saint-Louis, Senegal. Island Studies Journal, 11(1), 291–306. https://doi.org/10.24043/isj.349