Sustainable Urban Integration of Dala Hills Through Heritage Landscape Design

Abstract

The Dala Hills, once a hub of Kano's urban civilization, are facing neglect, encroachment, and ecological decline due to rapid urbanization. The research problem is balancing the preservation of Dala Hills' cultural and ecological heritage with the demands of modern urban development. This study adopts a qualitative landscape and heritage design approach to explore pathways for the sustainable reintegration of Dala Hills into Kano's urban framework. Using stakeholder interviews, spatial appraisal, and historical analysis, the research identifies design opportunities that align cultural heritage with ecological restoration and community well-being. Findings reveal that the absence of heritage-sensitive planning and weak institutional collaboration have contributed to the site's deterioration. The study recommends the creation of inclusive public spaces, the adaptive reuse of cultural landscapes, and the integration of green infrastructure for climate resilience and tourism enhancement. By embedding Dala Hills within a broader urban sustainability framework, the research demonstrates how heritage-led landscape design can transform it into a multifunctional space, serving as a cultural landmark, ecological refuge, and civic hub. The paper concludes that strategic policy alignment and participatory planning are essential to reposition Dala Hills as a living heritage within the evolving urban fabric of Kano.