Towards the Sustainable City: A Model to Transform the Informal Into Formal

Abstract

Urban regeneration has been viewed as a path to a more sustainable city. In contrast with developed countries, where urban regeneration is seen as a renewal and adjustment to new trends, in developing countries it presents an opportunity to start from scratch. Aside from the pressing social-economic issues, several authors identify critical aspects in these informal settlements, these including: they are usually the only viable solution to transform the lives of the poorest in a meaningful and cost-effective way; and improvised solutions are within context and can use local resources and thus promote a more sustainable outcome. Thus, cities in developing countries can become a paradigm for urban development. This paper develops and discusses research on urban regeneration for developing countries based on the transformation of the informal into formal, within the framework of the sustainable city. A model to enable this transformation is presented. This model is designed at several scales, from policy to the actual physical transformation of the urban environment, creating a sequential process from concept to the implementation. The methodology combines a theoretical and empirical approach through the analysis of case studies and practical implementation. Public and private sector roles and actions are clearly defined and their physical results presented. Resulting urban options and the principles within the framework of the sustainable city as an inclusive "metabolism" based on social-economic and environment factors are discussed. The model is currently being implemented in the Oé-Cusse Region, in East-Timor, through a neighbourhood scale plan.

Housing Planning for Informal Settlements: Pante-Macassar (East Timor)

“…The urban informality, the lack of infrastructures and a weak economic sector characterize this territory. Within the housing plot, all daily activities take place, resulting in a society and economy based on agriculture and small business [11]. Also, land tenure is based on unclear customary law [12].…”

“…Also, land tenure is based on unclear customary law [12]. Within this situation is possible to affirm that informality, a weak network of infrastructures, precarious housing and low income characterize Pante Macassar [11]. Other references say that "On the building stock, housing is very precarious due to the bad quality of material and building systems.…”

“…In developing countries, development investments are mostly focused on cities because they are the areas that lead to economic and social transformations [11]. In the city of Pante Macassar, land uses management is mostly responsibility of the Regional Secretariat for Spatial Planning and Cadaster.…”

Urban Design Solutions for the Environmental Requalification of Informal Neighbourhoods: The George Dimitrov Neighbourhood, Maputo

“…Multiple factors determine the emergence and spread of this mode of urban production, particularly (i) the incapacity of the state to respond to housing needs [10]; (ii) rural exodus and the unequal distribution of wealth and resources [11]; (iii) the explosion and increase in urban attractiveness [12]; and (iv) extreme natural events and civil wars [13]. Despite their multiple shortcomings and physical precariousness, informal settlements are a key resource for addressing poverty [14].…”

Architectural Design: Sustainability in the Decision-Making Process

“…To achieve this goal, it is necessary to change the current approach of architectural practice towards more sustainable strategies in building design. This means that the practice of architects should be re-designed to accommodate a better understanding of the effects of climate change in a rapidly urbanization process and an economic crisis [6].…”