An urban design framework of informal development stages Exploring self-build and growth in informal settlements
The Routledge Handbook of Urban Design Research Methods. Thematic section 'Informality.' An [ Urban Design Framework of Informal Development Stages: Exploring Self-Build and Growth in Informal Settlements Jota Samper PhD (0000-0001-8864-2873) - ORCID ABSTRACT A recurrent framework of defining informal settlements (IS) is in the singular goal of reaching formality. As such, development agencies define " slums [ " as areas that "lack" expected features of the formal city (e.g., durable housing, sufficient living area, access to improved water , access to improved sanitation facilities and secure tenure ). Forcing the lack of ( formal ) framework overlooks the processes that make these urban forms and communities who live there different from traditional western perspectives of city-making and urban design. Communities' self-build processes and the areas' constant growth are indeed informal settlements' most salient morphological fe