Amu Fakhri Yangu - Manual for activating public open spaces in heritage settings

The manual was created as a part of the Amu Fakhri Yangu: Kawanda La Ustawi project (Amu My Pride: Space for Prosperity), which was implemented from June 2024 to February 2025. The project aimed to promote the role of heritage and community participation in public space activation.

In August 2024, we conducted a series of activities that culminated in the activation of Lamu’s main public open space – Mkunguni Square. We focused our efforts on a space that was in principle already functioning well. However, our goal was to explore various ways to engage the community in a process centred on urban heritage, highlighting its values and importance for potential improvements to the space itself.

Amu Fakhri yangu - Heritage & Play

Over the course of three weeks, we explored urban heritage from the community’s perspective, conducted training in traditional crafts, and discussed the challenges of growth within the context of a World Heritage Site alongside various stakeholders. Prior to engaging in the activation of the public space, we conducted a series of preparatory steps to better understand the needs of the community and the open space.

These steps, along with the lessons learned from the process, have been encapsulated in this manual and presented in an exhibition at Lamu Fort. While we dedicate this manual to the community of Lamu, we also hope it serves as a valuable resource for professionals and communities in other areas facing similar challenges.

The manual is available free for download in English and in Swahili:

Manual - English

Manual -Swahili

The project Amu Fakhri Yangu is funded by Creative Industries Fund NL (Stimuleringsfonds)

Exhibition launch at Lamu Fort