Slum Regeneration and Sustainability: Applying the Extended Metabolism Model and the SDGs

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which slum redevelopments have been successful in improving the sustainability of human settlements. Sustainability is measured in two ways: through the Extended Metabolism Model that looks at resource consumption, wastes, and liveability outcomes; and, through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study compares the sustainability of informal slum settlements in Addis Ababa with high-rise slum clearance apartments; such clearance is the model mostly used for the world's informal settlements. The results show very little difference in resource consumption and waste produced but show liveability outcomes are mixed: Economic benefit is substantially improved in the high-rise areas due to becoming part of the formal economy, but community networks and trust are substantially lost when people transfer from the slums. This paper suggests that slum policy could be shifted from the Modernist high-rise slum clearance approach to a more organic, community-based renewal of the slums themselves in which infrastructure for energy, water, and waste can be brought in. New technology that fits into community-based governance structures allows such infrastructure to be a viable option, as well as enabling formal economic benefits. Some hybrid approaches may be needed in many slum improvement programs.

Slum Upgrading: Can the 1.5 °C Carbon Reduction Work with SDGs in these Settlements?

“…Although this is more uncertain in its progress and outcomes it is designed to build on the social capital of the community rather than remove it. Jacobs (1961) was able to show that the Le Corbusier's modernist approach was socially damaging to the fine-grained community structures of the old, organic urban fabric and hence destroyed the local economy as well as its walkability Teferi & Newman, 2017).…”

“…Two approaches seem to be prevailing with slum regeneration: one approach is urban renewal based on slum clearance and transfer to high-rise dwellings; the other is urban regeneration based on in situ upgrading of infrastructure using solar energy and other communitybased distributed infrastructure (Satterthwaite, 2004(Satterthwaite, , 2016Teferi & Newman, 2017;The World Bank, 2012;UN-Habitat, 2003). Data from three existing slums have been compared to two urban renewal high-rise complexes where residents were transferred from slums (Teferi & Newman, 2017).…”

“…Data from three existing slums have been compared to two urban renewal high-rise complexes where residents were transferred from slums (Teferi & Newman, 2017).…”

“…About 120,000 new residents are added to the city every year. Most of this takes place in the slum areas where around 80% of Addis Ababa inhabitants' live (Teferi & Newman, 2017). Arat Kilo is an old, socially mixed slum settlement, where formal and informal structures coincide.…”

Indonesian Housing Policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

“…Thus, the million homes program is a great effort from the government to overcome the shortage of houses and providing the affordable houses for low-income families in Indonesia, but the quantity must be accompanied by quality, that is to build a home which is sustainable. According to Teferi and Newman (2017), the development of policies concerning urban revitalisation currently has been evolving from total clearance and eviction approaches to a laxer, more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable approach. Thus, nowadays sustainability is a concept that is being warmly discussed and applied by stakeholders.…”