Advantages of Informal Settlements // Learning from Slums_Shantytowns_Squatter cities

I was interested in further exploring opportunities for the urban scenario (terrain vague) that our group had proposed as a possible solution to the emergency refugee situation. I found the article "Learning from Slums" by Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow from the Boston Globe, which suggests that, while there are numerous problems surrounding the concept of the slum, modern cities could certainly learn a thing or two, if we can just separate the laudable aspects from the negative ones.

The article prompted me to reflect on the unique qualities of these 'informal settlements' and how these strengths could be applied to the specific mobile scenario of terrain vague.

Urban_

// Urban Proximity

// High Density

// Economic Opportunities not found in rural environment _ greater access to jobs + education

// Mixed Use

Sustainability_

// Occupation of the land _ lightness

// Sustainable Materials otherwise going to landfill

// Pedestrian Friendly

Community_

// Participatory Practices _ strong sense of community

// Layering that occurs over time _ trace

// Ability to integrate poorer immigrant population into area by creating openings for a community to evolve

Mobile_

// Mobile "squatter" scenario offers a low/no rent option _ most refugees low income/no money for property, therefore providing temporary solution while they "set themselves up"

Public art by French photographer/street artist JR covering a favela in Rio, Brazil

TED Prize Winner JR & INSIDE OUT from TED Prize on Vimeo.