Dwindling Vernacular Architecture of the Swahili Coast: A Cosmopolitan Enclave in East Africa

Swahili architecture, shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade and now at risk of disappearing, remains a dynamic cultural expression despite its dwindling vernacular knowledge. The study reveals that while skilled craftsmen still exist today, their expertise may vanish without intervention, threatening the preservation of this unique regional architectural language. Employing comparative analysis within a case study approach, researchers used qualitative methods—including observations, literature reviews, and focus group interviews—to highlight how Swahili culture has historically incorporated foreign influences while adapting to social, cultural, and aesthetic changes. The findings underscore the urgency of safeguarding traditional building techniques to maintain the authenticity of Swahili settlements, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Gedi, where tourism presents both an opportunity for preservation and a risk of cultural erosion.

Sakr, M. (2025). Dwindling Vernacular Architecture of the Swahili Coast: A Cosmopolitan Enclave in East Africa. ISVS E-Journal, 12(1), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.61275/isvsej-2024-12-01-06