In the Skin of the City, Spatial Transformations in Luanda

António Tomás's "In the Skin of the City" offers a nuanced exploration of Luanda, Angola's capital, focusing on its spatial transformations since independence.

The book delves into the city's historical development, shaped by Portuguese colonialism and the subsequent struggles for urban space.

Tomás uses the metaphor of 'skin' to represent the city's porous boundaries, highlighting the constant negotiation between different groups and power dynamics.

He examines the role of squatters in shaping Luanda's urban landscape and challenges conventional understandings of urbanization in the Global South.

The book's interdisciplinary approach combines ethnographic research, archival work, and personal experiences to provide a rich and insightful account of Luanda's complex history.