Lessons of Informality: Architecture and Urban Planning for Emerging Territories. Concepts from Ethiopia
Felix Heisel (editor), Bisrat Kifle Woldeyessus (editor)The potential of informality
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.
- Ethiopia is one of Africa’s "economic tigers"
- Interdisciplinary team of authors from urbanism, sociology and architecture
- Including a DVD with "_Spaces", a series of documentaries on Addis Ababa