| ISBN | 9789987081172 |
| Pages | 152 |
| Dimensions | 270 x 140mm |
| Illustrations | Colour Illustrations |
| Published | 2011 |
| Publisher | Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Tanzania |
| Format | Paperback |
Street Level: First Edition
Drawings and Creative Writing Inspired by the Cultural and Architectural Heritage of Dar es Salaam
by Sarah Markes
Street Level was selected as 2012 Honor Book for Older Readers by the Children's Africana Book Award program, affiliated with the African Studies Association.
Street Level is a collection of drawings and creative writing illustrated and compiled by artist Sarah Markes. It pays homage to the dynamic city of Dar es Salaam – its architecture, inhabitants, and natural environment. The book’s aim is to both document the contemporary life of Dar – its colourful population, street vendors, transport, and cuisine – as well as to raise awareness of the threats to its heritage and environment from rapid and erratically regulated redevelopment.
Karen Moon, an architectural historian, provides historical background through a fascinating introductory chapter and captions to the architectural illustrations. Heritage conservation and regeneration specialists Simon Odunga and Jeremy Cross outline some of the complexities of architectural conservation in the city.
This is the first edition of the book which was published in 2011. It was described by MG Vassanji as, “A truly delightful book, a must for those who love Dar and care about its history."
Find out more about the project here.
Reviews
“If Street Level were no more than a homage to the architecture of Dar it would have been a very significant achievement in its own right. But it is much more than that…This is a book to treasure for its fine illustrations and its sympathetic portrayal of Dar es Salaam in its many aspects.”
""a unique and exceptional resource for middle and high school students. The creative prose and appropriate illustrations will be helpful in teaching about urban life in East Africa."
"If Street Level were no more than a homage to the architecture of Dar it would have been a very significant achievement in its own right. But it is much more than that…This is a book to treasure for its fine illustrations and its sympathetic portrayal of Dar es Salaam in its many aspects."
"a unique and exceptional resource for middle and high school students. The creative prose and appropriate illustrations will be helpful in teaching about urban life in East Africa."