The Sophistication of African Town Planning

Prof. Suzanne Preston Blier of Harvard unearths the ancient plans of Yoruban towns, which were laid out as early as 350 BCE.

1 minute read

September 27, 2011, 1:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Blier presented her findings in Dumbarton, California, and ASLA was there.

Blier explained that ancient Yoruban cities, like Ife (now in Soutwestern Nigeria) were "centrally planned":

"Ife's palace was an 'ancient center, with a garden environment.' The back of the palace was a historic forest used to grow herbs and medicinal plants. Buildings formed a square courtyard in the center where rainwater was collected. In ancient Yoruban culture, when people died, they were buried in their living or bedrooms. She discussed how this was important in the distinction between interior and exterior spaces."

Blier says today the ancient pathways have sometimes become overgrown, and restoring them would breathe new life into Ife.

FULL STORY: The Primacy of Pathways

Sunday, September 25, 2011 in ASLA's The Dirt blog

Land Use Landscape Architecture Africa Nigeria Ancient Cities Yoruba View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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