Our network event "Upgrading Informal Settlements through Socio-ecologic Infrastructure Provision" will take place on Thursday, 25 March 2010, 16:30 - 18:30, in meeting room W2-15, in the course of UN Habitat's World Urban Forum 5.
In this event, we will discuss the different challenges and opportunities for infrastructure provision in informal settlements. Today it is recognized that functioning infrastructure is the major contribution in the process of upgrading: basic infrastructure (access, energy, water, sanitation, drainage, waste, food), social, cultural and recreational infrastructure (community centers, schools, medical centers, sport facilities, public open space, playgrounds, sport fields), economic infrastructure (markets, plazas, commercial streets, light industry). In order to ensure their long-term maintenance, the way they are planned, installed and organized with the community is of major importance. Our network event will discuss different strategies, comparing government organized and community based projects on different scales.
Seven projects will be presented and discussed by project teams and respondents:
- Konkuey Design Initiative: Productive Public Space in Kibera, Nairobi
- Bureau E.A.S.T: Rescuscitating the Fez River, Fez
- Prof. Undine Gieseke: Urban Agriculture as an Integrative Factor of Climate-Optimised Urban Development, Casablanca
- Flavio Janches, Max Rohm: Playspaces in Vila Tranquila, Buenos Aires
- MMBB: The Antonico River in Paraisopolis, São Paulo
- Urban Think Tank: Grotão in Paraisopolis, São Paulo
- Alejandro Echeverri: The Library Parks of Medellin
http://www.unhabitat.org/categories.asp?catid=584
After the 4th IABR, the urbaninform exhibit "Squat. The Informal City under Construction" is travelling further:
March 12 - DEPOT, Istanbul, www.depoistanbul.net
April 6 - Museo da Casa Brasileira, São Paulo, www.mcb.org.br
We will keep you updated! More detailed information on these group shows soon! Urbaninform Members, thank you for your commitment!