Public Space in Flux: A Contextual Typology for Pre-War Greater Khartoum

This study presents a typological framework for public spaces in pre-war Greater Khartoum, Sudan, addressing the lack of localized classification systems for Sudanese and African urban contexts. Through an analysis of 64 public spaces, integrating insights from literature, field surveys, and interviews, the research identifies four key typologies: formal public spaces, informal and insurgent public spaces, privately owned civic spaces, and public–private spaces. This framework captures the complex interplay of historical, cultural, social, and economic factors shaping Khartoum’s public realm. It highlights the coexistence of colonial-era planned spaces with emergent informal and contested areas, reflecting the city’s dynamic urban landscape. The study contributes to the debates on public space in African cities by offering a contextually sensitive approach beyond Western-centric models. It provides valuable insights for urban planning and policy development in Khartoum and similar rapidly urbanizing African contexts, emphasizing the need for inclusive, adaptive, and culturally responsive public space management strategies.