Lessons of Informality

Felix Heisel

ISBN 10: 3035606692 / ISBN 13: 9783035606690

Published by Birkhauser, CH, 2016

About this Item

Informal settlements made up of corrugated iron shacks and other materials are a ubiquitous feature in the megacities of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In response to the enormous influx of migrants from the countryside, the informal city experienced a phenomenal growth. While rightly criticized for their lack of hygiene and for their low-level living conditions, these shelters nevertheless provide planning strategies and possibly even a roadmap to a resilient city in an emerging territory. The unregistered economic activities associated with them proliferate in a similar way and basic urban services are increasingly provided informally. Examples of these economic phenomena are microloans, bottom-up insurance or professions such as the "Kuré-Yalew" (refuse collector), who acts as an "urban miner" and thus contributes a valuable service to the community by recycling materials.

Seller Inventory # LU-9783035606690

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lessons of Informality
• Publisher: Birkhauser, CH
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3035606692
• ISBN 13: 9783035606690
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 827 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Informal settlements made up of corrugated iron shacks and other materials are a ubiquitous feature in the megacities of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In response to the enormous influx of migrants from the countryside, the informal city experienced a phenomenal growth. While rightly criticized for their lack of hygiene and for their low-level living conditions, these shelters nevertheless provide planning strategies and possibly even a roadmap to a resilient city in an emerging territory.

The unregistered economic activities associated with them proliferate in a similar way and basic urban services are increasingly provided informally. Examples of these economic phenomena are microloans, bottom-up insurance or professions such as the "Kuré-Yalew" (refuse collector), who acts as an "urban miner" and thus contributes a valuable service to the community by recycling materials.

About the Authors

Felix Heisel, ETH Zürich

Bisrat Kifle, Chair of Architecture & Design, EiABC, Addis Ababa.

Felix Heisel, ETH Zurich

Bisrat Kifle, Chair of Architecture & Design, EiABC, Addis Ababa