The stories in this book are of two cities, told in an intimate fashion, focusing on urban built environments.

Talking Cities Urban Narratives from Dar es Salaam & Berlin was published this year.

It is a collection of stories from an exchange programme between students of Technical University of Berlin and Ardhi University in Dar es Salaam, over two summer schools in 2016, by 32 student authors.

It was edited by Diane Barbe, Richard Besha, Anne-Katrin Fenk, Rachel Lee and Philipp Misselwitz. The book explores heritage in urban spaces through real life anecdotes from residents of different parts of Berlin and Dar es Salaam.

In the story, Adding up to a Skyline, from Berlin, the author writes “The piece of paper I am holding might soon be a huge, colourful drawing on a train, hurtling through Berlin’s districts or it could be the flash of colours in a monochrome area. It might not have the chance to exist for long…and if someone looks up precisely when the train drives by, their memory of Berlin’s skyline will contain that piece of human intervention. And it will be living and dynamic proof of the impossibility of transforming the city into an obeying system.”

From a Dar es Salaam student’s story Lost Access: “I remember the open field in which we used to play, picnic and just relax with our families… Just now, I realise how important this space was for me growing up, for my whole family… I can’t help but wonder where the kids in my neighbourhood will go play, where the mamas will chat and cook, now that the field of my childhood is gone.”

The resident of Sinza was reminiscing about the memories of open space from his childhood. A space that now houses a tall building.

Talking Cities is not a literary gem with regard to language. You may spot a few grammatical errors. However, what makes it rich is it’s clever style of short prose covering diverse storylines — making it an interesting read.

The book takes on the threat of loss of heritage in our urban settlements, like the demolishing of public spaces that affect people’s businesses and their families.