As I was saying (I've always wanted to use that line 😁 ) that...
Contemporary city planning feels off because we incorporated outward-facing planning in inward-facing cultures…

Watch here: https://youtu.be/OfPVed5x6d0 or keep reading 👇👇

...Context...

The way the courtyard system was used traditionally, whether I-shaped, U-shaped, H-shaped, or detached.
Living spaces were spread-out & built (with their backs) along/shielding the boundaries, but the doors & windows faced and opened towards the courtyard.
📍 Family, play, and interaction... Life intentionally placed internally, as part of the building.

But with the modern style...
Setbacks frist, living spaces are compacted inside, open/play/interaction area now outside (detached from) the building.
📍 Windows are outward-facing and setbacks make courtyards almost impossible.

...So...

The traditional African planning organized space around people, relationships, and shared living.
👉 The Ubuntu “I am because we are” lifestyle.
Informality was a feature that helped everyone grow together with the rest of the community... Adapting our growth to our resources.

But the contemporary city planning flipped that logic.
🚩 Formal, imported, and deeply individualistic.

And...
We copy-pasted this (wholesale) to cultures that never existed that way. Employing planning that ignores income, density, and their informal economies.

And the outcome is as expected.

When you ‘mismatch’ a forward-facing system on an inward-facing culture, the culture pushes back.
The people improvise and avoid compliance. And always choose the ‘familiar’ informality over ‘alien’ formality.

.

Most modern cities reflect this.
🟢 Yet, African cities can’t abandon planning. They can't grow or survive without it.

The way out is for planning to become responsive.
For planning to understand, acknowledge and accommodate culture.

To meet people where they are, absorb informality intelligently, and still guide growth with structure and discipline.