In the Skin of the City: Spatial Transformation in Luanda

António Tomás' book "In the Skin of the City" explores the history and transformation of Luanda, Angola, focusing on the city's physical and social boundaries and the role of squatters in negotiating its divisions and sociopolitical forces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his captivating book, "In the Skin of the City," António Tomás delves into the rich history and remarkable transformation of Luanda, Angola, the vibrant capital of the nation and one of the oldest settlements established by European colonial powers in the Southern Hemisphere. Through a blend of ethnographic and archival research, alongside his personal experiences growing up in Luanda, Tomás unveils the intricate interplay between the city's physical and social boundaries, known as its "skin." He demonstrates how these boundaries serve as porous and ever-shifting interfaces, connecting the center with the margins, the settler with the Native, the enslaver with the enslaved, the formal with the informal, and the powerful with the powerless.

Tomás centers his attention on Luanda's "asphalt frontier," the colonial line that delineates the planned urban center from the ad hoc shantytowns that surround it. He explores the pivotal role of squatters in the city's historical urban process, highlighting their relationship with the state and their relentless struggle to secure rights to the city. Squatters, in their interactions with the state and their quest for recognition, embody the very essence of negotiating Luanda's divisions and the sociopolitical forces that shape them. By illustrating how Luanda continually redefines its skin, Tomás presents fresh perspectives on understanding the dynamics of urbanization in cities across the global South.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Tomás offers a comprehensive exploration of Luanda's past, present, and potential future. He sheds light on the city's complex social dynamics, economic challenges, and political complexities, providing a nuanced understanding of the forces that have shaped its development. "In the Skin of the City" is not only a valuable contribution to urban studies but also a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that cities, like individuals, are constantly evolving and adapting, and that understanding their "skin" is crucial in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478018155