Abstract With nearly five centuries of history and major war-related impacts in the second
half of the twentieth century, Luanda has recently been subject to outstanding changes that
make the capital of Angola an important urban case study for Africa. Today, the city is not
only an evident materialization of the oil wealth being channelled into reconstruction after
decades of civil war but also reflects and translates the diverse perspectives of its residents
and policy makers regarding the city and urban life. As it is reconfigured, it also transforms
the mentalities and daily lives of urban dwellers and policy stakeholders, reinforcing the idea
of improvement and modernity.
DW Angola
Development Workshop Angola