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“Urban Resiliency & the Challenge of Coordinating Climate Adaptation Strategies at Different Scales,” Assessment and Presentation, Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure Workshop on Infrastructure Resilience II, April 2016

Abstract

In 2016, Mona Serageldin and I2UD developed the workshop presentation “Urban Resiliency & the Challenge of Coordinating Climate Adaptation Strategies at Different Scales.” The workshop on Infrastructure Resilience II: Advancing Planning and Design Tools was organized by the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure under the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Documents include the presentation and presentation text.

Learn more about current research on climate resiliency improvement strategies at I2UD’s main site: “AI Climate: A Decision Making Tool for Climate Resilience: Using AI to Identify Climate Change Hazards in the Cities of the Global South.”


[Excerpt: Presentation Text, by Mona Serageldin, for “Urban Resiliency & the Challenge of Coordinating Climate Adaptation Strategies at Different Scales”]

“Urban Resilience is a cornerstone of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and will be at the center of the discussions at the Habitat III conference. Climate experts and environmentalists are developing tools to assess the regional manifestations of climate change, but reliable prediction tools at the local level are still lacking. Professor Charles Kennel and his colleagues have demonstrated that multiple environmental stress factors interact with local micro-climate and ecological systems to produce different effects at different locations and hence different levels of exposure. They advocate regional assessments as a basis for local action.”

“Settlements in risk areas will differ in location, urban patterns, social characteristics, sources of livelihood and cultural particularities which in combination will shape vulnerabilities to climate change related effects. The focus on informal settlements will highlight the social dimension of exposure to the risks associated with climate change, which are often aggravated by human action. We will present two cases, Arusha, Tanzania and Cartagena, Colombia to illustrate the challenge of resilience building.”

“City and community responses to past weather events provide a good indication of the technical and managerial capacity of local authorities and the ability of vulnerable groups to protect themselves and their assets. Local resilience requires dynamic urban planning and management and an observatory capable of monitoring change in selected environmental indicators and mapping the spatial configuration of affected areas and systems. This task is facilitated by access to aerial photography and GIS. Land issues are critical to the effectiveness of local adaptation strategies, but their impacts tend to be underestimated.”

Project Year:2016
Project Type:Workshop; Presentation
Geographic Regions:Arusha, Tanzania / Cartagena, Colombia
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Alejandra Mortarini; Barbara Summers
Sponsors:Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2016_04_001
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“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

Abstract

In 2015, a team from I2UD contributed to the Planning for Climate Adaptation Program of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and USAID, working with four municipalities in the Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macorís, and Las Terrenas.

The projects focused on three main objectives:

  1. Improving the technical and management capacity of municipal planners;
  2. Incorporating climate change adaptation considerations into the municipal planning process; and
  3. Supporting the scale-up of climate resilient land use planning best practices to other municipalities in the Dominican Republic.

Documents include two official reports, an overview of I2UD’s involvement including curriculum, case studies, and scope of work, and NOAH case study and timeline.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2015-2016
Project Type:Risk Assessment and Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Dominican Republic
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier; John Driscoll; Oriol Monfort; Jim Kostaras; Alejandra Mortarini; Barbara Summers
Sponsors:USAID; International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_10_002

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Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region: Papers on “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

Abstract

In 2016, the Institute for International Urban Development (I2UD), led by Mona Serageldin and François Vigier, acted as main contributor to a report, “Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” implemented under the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

Topics include “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome.” Documents are a range of preliminary draft materials, expert group meeting materials, and full report. Presentations are from Expert Group Meetings in Beirut and Cairo, and for the May 2017 ICNUP Conference. Two draft issue papers from 2015 were presented at the Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016.

Project Year:2015
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Beirut, Lebanon and Cairo, Egypt (Meeting Locations) / Quito, Ecuador (Conference Location)
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; FrançoisVigier; Barbara Summers; Maren Larsen; Johann Friedl
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS)
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_10_003

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Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

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“Arusha City Resilience Index Pilot Program” for the Tanzanian Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Arusha, Tanzania, 2015

Abstract

The “Arusha City Resilience Index Pilot Program” established an accessible, evidence-based definition of urban resilience in Arusha, Tanzania, culminating in the publication of the City Resilience Framework in July 2015.

The City Resilience Index (CRI) from 2015 aimed to measure and assess to what extent a city is achieving its resilience goals. The CRI was developed by International Development non-project branch of Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd with support from the Rockefeller Foundation. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development in Arusha, Tanzania was one of five municipalities to participate in the CRI pilot program to test the feasibility and utility of the Index in different contexts around the world.

As part of the Program, I2UD staff performed an initial review of the Index to develop a work plan for the pilot program and to contextualize urban planning in Arusha. The team managed a task force of local authorities to collect qualitative and quantitative data related to the four dimensions of resilience: (Health and well-being, Economy and society, Infrastructure and environment, and Leadership and strategy). Finally, I2UD experts analyzed data collection outputs to produce an internal report assessing the indicators and data collection process and provided recommendations for improving the Index. I2UD also interviewed key community stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines, and facilitated a stakeholder workshop to perform a qualitative assessment of urban resilience in Arusha.

Documents include a CRI Introduction, an I2UD Schedule, and a Master Plan Stage II “Socio-Economic Report” and “Preliminary Visioning and Programming Report”. Supporting documents include a Technical Working Group Meeting Agenda.


[Excerpt: CRI Introduction, July 2015]

“Urban populations are facing increasing challenges from numerous natural and manmade pressures such as rapid urbanization, climate change, terrorism and increased risks from natural hazards. Cities must learn to adapt and thrive in the face of these diverse challenges – they must learn how to build resilience in an uncertain world. Armed with this knowledge and understanding, governments, donors, investors, policy makers, and the private sector will be able to develop effective strategies to foster more resilient cities.”

Project Year:2015
Project Type:Workshop
Geographic Regions:Arusha, Tanzania
Reports:
Authors:Andrew Charles (Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd); Alejandra Mortarini; Barbara Summers
Sponsors:Rockefeller Foundation
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_08_001
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“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, 2014

Abstract

I2UD produced a regional assessment report of National Urban Policies (NUPs) in Arab States in 2014, to describe and analyze contextual factors and the evolution of policies in major Arab states. The assessment included five in-depth case studies of NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, which reflect the geographical diversity in the area, as well as current policy objectives, opportunities and challenges in implementation for the region.

In a related report from April 2016, Mona Serageldin and François Vigier addressed a broader scope of NUPs, including European and global factors, in a paper titled “National Urban Policies and the Role of Sub-National Governments.”

Case study analysis focused on cross-cutting themes of compact and connected cities, inclusive cities, and climate-resilient cities. The final outputs included these case studies, a regional synthesis report, and a table of country profiles in relation to national urban policies.

Documents include an initial expression of interest, inception report, case studies for each country, final assessments, an executive summary, annexes and methodological notes, and an additional memo on informal settlements in Egypt.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2014
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Egypt / Jordan / Morocco / Saudi Arabia / Sudan
Reports:

Case Studies:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Maren Larsen; Lucie Charles
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2014_08_001

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Galleries 6-7: Egypt: Cairo and Helwan (1986, 1990)

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“Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework,” Development Strategy for Cartagena, Colombia and Condega, Nicaragua, 2012

Abstract

In 2012, I2UD assisted the municipalities of Cartagena, Colombia and Condega, Nicaragua to develop a “Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Framework” to inform their urban planning. The projects provided context for research on physical and social climate change vulnerabilities in informal settlements in Colombia and Nicaragua.

In partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, the I2UD study team addressed changes in land policies to foster adaptation measures and facilitate their implementation, to assess social vulnerabilities, and to make institutional considerations. Reports demonstrated that lack of enforcement for housing or service regulations, poor quality construction, and environmental degradation increased vulnerabilities to climate change in both regions. Although the two municipalities had undertaken risk assessments, neither had specifically addressed the special vulnerabilities in informal settlement areas to floods and landslides resulting from climate change.

Documents include the final report from January 2014, followed by earlier concept papers, research presentations, report elements on Cartagena and Condega, and a curriculum outline. The final report is available in English and Spanish.



[Excerpt: Final Report, “Increasing the Resilience of Informal Settlements to Climate Change in Two Latin American Cities: Condega and Cartagena.” I2UD, January 2014.]

ABSTRACT
“The conceptual framework for the research is based on the documentation of climate change effects and adaptation approaches by the International Panel on Climate Change but it focuses on risks in informal and lower-income settlements. It adapts basic guidelines that apply fundamental principles found in current climate and urban planning literature to these settlements. Despite IPCC warnings, many cities in the developing world are taking a reactive approach to climate change, only addressing impacts when they become emergencies. A strategic approach fostering adaptation is needed to address the multiple dimensions of risk faced by urban settlements, particularly lower-income communities, and build their resilience. Underlying causes of vulnerability include the lack of developable, serviced urban land, unplanned urbanization and limited public resources, all of which arise from ineffective management of land as a valuable asset, a creator of development potential and a generator of public revenues.”

“Two case studies document and evaluate the strategies adopted by the cities of Condega, Nicaragua and Cartagena, Colombia to reduce climate change related risks in informal and lower-income settlements, and assess remaining sources of risk. The proposed land-based policies, instruments, and projects – some conventional and some more innovative – are intended to better prepare the communities through both remedial and preventive adaptation measures.”

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Risk Assessment and Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Cartagena, Colombia / Condega, Nicaragua
Reports:
—
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Warren Hagist; Carolina Morgan; Alejandra Mortarini; Mauricio Rodriguez Gomez; Luis Sevilla Fajardo; Alfredo Stein
Sponsors:Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2012_10_001
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“Belize Municipal Development Plan,” Urban Growth Plans, 2012-2014

Abstract

Between 2012-2014, the I2UD team worked to improve the urban planning capacity of Belize, by developing Municipal Development Plans (MDPs) for seven municipal governments: Corozal, Orange Walk, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio & Santa Elena, Belmopan, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda. The project was sponsored by the World Bank and the Belize Social Investment Fund.

The method of the project was based on the 2015 UN-Habitat Cities and Climate Change Initiative: Planning for Climate Change Toolkit. I2UD’s contributions outlined baseline social and economic data, used to generate cadastral and land utilization databases. The plans supported building urban planning skills among local authorities to upkeep infrastructure development plans over time, with examples from economic capital improvement programs. Key goals included:

  • To Develop comprehensive municipal development plans to improve land use planning and livability within their territories;
  • To Identify strategies that promote the development of local economic activities;
  • To Improve local revenue generation to finance public improvements through an efficient collection of locally based fees and taxes;
  • To Improve the efficiency of local financial management; and
  • To Engage the participation of stakeholders and community groups to ensure that proposed plans and investments targeted priority needs.

Documents include expression of interest, inception reports, strategy reports, workshops and presentations, progress reports, and guidance manual reports from 2012 through 2014.

Project Year:2012-2014
Project Type:Comprehensive Plans
Geographic Regions:Belize
Reports:

Supporting Documents:

Templates:

First, Second, and Third National Workshops:

Progress Reports:
Authors:Marion Cayetano; Lucien Chung; John Driscoll; David Dunbar; James Kostaras; Maren Larsen; Borja Lopez; John McGill; Jan Meerman; Ian Morrison; Juan Pablo Bocarejo; Mona Serageldin; Linda Shi; Elda Solloso; François Vigier
Sponsors:World Bank; Social Investment Fund (Belize)
Categories:Urban Planning; Urban Finance; Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2012_10_003
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“Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Sustainable Cities Initiative,” Local Development Strategy for Durrës, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Pristina and Skopje, with Co-PLAN Albania, 2012-2013

Abstract

This project was undertaken in 2012 as a joint venture between I2UD and the Albanian firm Co-PLAN, as part of the World Bank-Austria Partnership Program for Strengthening Local Governments in southeastern European countries.

The program featured an assessment of Social Sustainability frameworks of five Balkan cities: Durrës, Albania; Banja Luka and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Pristina, Kosovo; and Skopje, Macedonia, as part of an effort to increase the knowledge and awareness of social accountability among city stakeholders and to strengthen the integrity of public services. Local teams in each of the five cities worked in close collaboration with the I2UD and Co-PLAN team.

Documents include a Short Proposal, with a Full City Profile report and Inception Report. Following, there are a Focus Group Summary, Social Accountability Note Framework and Index Concept Note. From March 2013, there are City Synthesis Profiles for Sarajevo, Prishtina, Skopje, Durrës, and Banja Luka. Finally, see a Final Reflections Report, a Regional Workshop “ICTs and Social Inclusion” Presentation, and a Regional Workshop Summary from April 2013.

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Albania / Bosnia and Herzegovina / Kosovo / North Macedonia
Reports:
—

—

—

—
Authors:John Driscoll; Carolina Morgan
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building; Urban Planning
  
ID:2012_09_001

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“Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders,” Research for UN-Habitat Report, 2014

Abstract

In 2014, Mona Serageldin, Elda Solloso, and Gil Kelley contributed to background research papers for an edition of the UN-Habitat publication “Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders.” The 188-page report sought to help local leaders to develop and communicate urban planning initiatives and to follow best practices in light of rapid urbanization.


[Excerpt:] Table 4.1, Adapted from research by Dr. Serageldin (page 97):

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders (Final Report, September 2014)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Pablo Vaggione; Carolina Morgan; Elda Solloso; Gil Kelley
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; Siemens; Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2012_00_002
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“Technical Assistance to Lesedi Local Municipality,” Design Framework for South Africa’s Neighborhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG), Gauteng Province, South Africa, 2011

Abstract

In 2011, South Africa’s Lesedi Local Municipality contracted I2UD and engineering firm Worley Parsons RSA to provide technical assistance to the municipality, sponsored by South Africa’s Neighborhood Development Partnership Grant (NDPG).

The technical assistance proposal also developed strategic, sustainable plans and an urban design framework for four economically distressed townships within Lesedi Municipality. I2UD formulated development and urban design strategies to revitalize, upgrade, and take advantage of the strategic locations of communities in South Africa’s Gauteng Province.

Documents include an overview presentation, inception report, field report, and stakeholder meeting notes, and a Turn-Around template for Pre-2011 Priority Areas.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2011
Project Type:Comprehensive Plan
Geographic Regions:Lesedi Local Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa (Ratanda, Impumelelo, Kwazenzele, and Jameson Park)
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Carolina Morgan; Alejandra Mortarini
Sponsors:Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme (Republic of South Africa)
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
ID:2011_08_001

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“Climate Change in the Local Development Agenda: Promoting Resilience Through Enhanced Understanding of Early Threats,” I2UD Report on Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin for the 5th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, June 2009

Abstract

In 2009, I2UD wrote a report for the Fifth World Bank Urban Research Symposium analyzing the threats posed by climate change—flooding, extreme weather events, pollution, and coastal erosion—using example studies from Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin.

I2UD’s team, led by Mona Serageldin, addressed how climate change strategies must simultaneously address immediate threats, long-term economic health, and important political issues. The report highlighted how resilience strategies were essential in order to build urban preparedness, especially for municipalities with limited resources to protect their economies, housing infrastructure, and service delivery provision. I2UD defined a need for direct urban expansion away from vulnerable areas, and offered to craft development strategies with action plans to address the local challenges of climate change.


[Excerpt: Introduction, p. 1]

“This paper discusses the responses of city authorities to the current and future threats posed by climate change in Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin, two port cities facing increasing shoreline erosion, saltwater intrusion and flooding of low-lying areas. Each city has taken some actions to address these challenges but neither has yet developed an overall strategy to build resilience to climate change.”

[Excerpt: Summary]

“Experts have named Alexandria, Egypt and Cotonou, Benin as two cities facing high risks due to the impacts of climate change. City authorities are taking actions to build resilience to the most pressing threats, but they must also employ their limited resources to address economic development, employment generation and service provision. Strategies to address climate change must therefore be linked to immediate threats and politically and economically important issues. In both cities, land management policies and plans must focus on directing further urban expansion away from the most vulnerable, low-lying areas. Moreover, regional development strategies and action plans are needed to address impacts that spill over jurisdictional boundaries and promote coordination.

Key Words: Climate change, resilience, Alexandria, Cotonou, land management.


[Excerpt: Conclusion, p. 15]

“The dynamics of urban growth and land markets make appropriate responses difficult and expensive. As Alexandria and Cotonou grow, vulnerable populations continue to settle in risk-prone areas and future resettlement is even more difficult to contemplate due to the lack of suitable and affordable land, lagging infrastructure and inadequate public transportation. Decision-makers need to adopt land management strategies that will guide growth away from the most flood-prone and hazardous areas. This will require partnership with private developers and NGOs to increase the supply of affordable land for urban expansion and in the case of Cotonou organizing links between formal and informal service providers to extend services to newly urbanized areas yet to be reached by infrastructure networks. It will also require sustained action to control pervasive corruption in the administration of permits issued by subdistrict offices and in the inspectional services that allow violations to continue unabated.”

Project Year:2009
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Alexandria, Egypt / Cotonou, Benin
Reports:Fifth Urban Research Symposium 2009: “Climate Change in the Local Development Agenda: Promoting Resilience Through Enhanced Understanding of Early Threats” (Final Report)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Erick Guerra; Christa Lee-Chuvala
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2009_00_002
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“Continuity and Change” by Dr. Mona Serageldin, Topic Paper for 48th World Congress, International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP), 2004

Abstract

In 2004, Mona Serageldin prepared remarks in a report titled “Continuity and Change” for a topic panel on “Governance for Urban Change” at the 48th International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP) World Congress in Oslo, Norway. Serageldin’s paper addressed change in urban zones and the value of consistency to preserve cultural heritage, in relation to urban dynamics and large migratory flows.

Documents include the report, as well as another IFHP panel presentation by Serageldin, titled “Managing Dynamics on Development and Change.”


[Excerpt: Introduction, “Continuity and Change,” Dr. Mona Serageldin, 2004]

“Culture is now recognized as an important dimension of development. Professor Amartya Sen has convincingly demonstrated this link from the standpoint of an economist and a philosopher. Culture and Development both embody concepts of continuity and change but attitudes vary regarding the value placed on the legacy of the past and the role this legacy should play in shaping the future. Cultural continuity provides a coherent framework which can integrate change while providing anchors that shape identity and references that affect social behavior.”

“The inability to manage change creates disruptions that tend to aggravate cleavages along ethnic, religious and class lines. It also affects governance in that it tends to encourage the transfer of imported models and the establishment of technocratic structures as an expedient solution. Yet devoid of cultural significance, these structures can neither motivate participation nor provide modes of empowerment and end up undermining the development of local institutions.”

“Dr. Ismail Serageldin has argued that the management of change in developing countries which have experienced sudden culturally disruptive transformations requires restoring the coherence of the socio-cultural framework so that it can evolve by incorporating new elements, adapting and responding to new challenges and generating new opportunities. This implies restoring some degree of continuity.”

“This presentation focuses on two major challenges to continuity confronting local authorities in both developing and developed countries: (1) Dealing with increasingly complex urban dynamics and (2) Coping with unprecedented mobility and large migratory flows.”
____

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Project Year:2004
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Oslo, Norway (Conference Location)
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2004_09_002

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“Environmental Health Factors in Housing,” Design Study for the Rapid Urbanization of Low-Income Settlements in Urban-Fringe Districts, 1989

Abstract

“Environmental Health Factors in Housing” was a study from 1989 by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (the Unit) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design that addressed the link between rapid urbanization and rapid densification of low-income housing settlements in economically struggling cities.

The report addressed the environmental hazards, poverty, disease, and housing conditions emerging in areas around housing developments that had been built recently but lacked adequate infrastructure for socio-economic longevity and community health. The Unit presented its aim to form a model for affordable, practical design criteria, attuned to both economic and social factors for urban-fringe districts.

Documents include working reports from April, July, and August 1989, a study summary, and a research strategy and methodological guidelines document by Rafique H. Keshavjee and Orville Solon from December 1989.



[Excerpt: Study Summary, I. Overview, July 1989, p. 2]

“Most urban settlements in lower-income countries, whether they are new settlements built by the government, established informal communities or new squatter areas, are subject to tremendous pressures of population growth and economic and physical change. The greater the pressure for development, the more rapid the transformations brought about by this maturation process. This continuous growth and change can rapidly transform their original physical forms beyond recognition and alter the community’s social and economic functions. The process is further intensified when governments introduce improvements such as water, sewerage, basic services and housing. For example, carefully planned housing projects designed according to standards which assume a segregation of commercial and residential activities will find that, overtime, these activities will occur simultaneously in the same area.

The need of low-income families to generate additional income and living space results in the construction of new rooms and apartments which were often not anticipated in the original design of the site or its infrastructure. In such cities as Karachi, Dhakka and Cairo, where housing shortages are high, additions to structures can reach over six stories in less than five years, raising densities from under 400 to over 1,000 persons per hectare. The most dynamic aspect of transformation within a community affects housing, small scale commercial establishments and the disappearance or overuse of communal open
spaces.”

…..

[Excerpt: Study Summary, III. STUDY DESIGN, July 1989, p. 7]

“The purpose of the Study is to develop practical, affordable design criteria which are responsive to the social and economic dynamics of low-income settlements. It will focus on aspects of housing and community design which have received little attention in the past. Most notably, the long-term impact of rapid growth in low-income urban settlements and the effect of the resulting transformation of housing and environmental conditions on the health of the residents. The definition of this linkage and the development of appropriate environmental design criteria, will allow decision makers to choose physical improvements that will maintain their positive impacts as a community matures.“

Project Year:1989
Project Type:Environmental Climate Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Rafique H. Keshavjee; Orville Solon
Sponsors:World Bank; Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:1989_07_001
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Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from 1989, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” presented the urban evolution of Rabat, Morocco from 1987 through the early 1990s. Hosted by the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the seminar covered Rabat’s urban development experience as a case study for Seminar attendees. Professors Francois Vigier and Mona Serageldin led the sessions, research, and discussions.

Seminar materials focused on analyzing methods to accelerate the release of land for urban development in Rabat, and to discourage imbalanced city growth patterns. The studio covered the application of standards that balance climate requirements, socio-cultural needs, and affordability, the creation of cost-efficient designs to support the economic life of projects, and the use of politically-feasible mechanisms to improve cost recovery and affordability. This topic was repeated in Urban Design Studio curricula from 1989 to 1993.

Documents include a seminar syllabus and overview report; a full report, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” with text by Mona Serageldin, supported by the Seminar’s research team; and a final student report on urban planning in Rabat.



[Excerpt: Syllabus, Overview, Spring 1989, Mr. Vigier, Ms. Serageldin, pp. 1-2.]

“Urban Housing in Rabat, Morocco,” An Overview:

“Urban areas of Third World countries are growing rapidly as a result of a high rate of natural increase of the population and of migration from rural areas. In older areas, usually highly accessible to a broad range of job opportunities, continued population pressures is causing a densification of the housing stock which is deteriorating rapidly from lack of maintenance and subdivision into smaller units. Their infrastructure systems are utilized well beyond their design capacity, creating an increasingly unsanitary environment and threatening the structural soundness of buildings. More recently, governments have had to cope with a dynamic private sector whose activities have proved difficult to control.”

“At present [ca. 1989], the urban fringe is developing rapidly as squatter and informal settlements, ranging in quality from little more than shacks to sound housing for moderate income households striving to improve their standard of living, are built illegally. Currently accounting for sixty to eighty percent of housing starts, these fringe developments present an unprecedented challenge to planners and public officials concerned with preventing urban sprawl and maintaining control over the dynamics of growth in order to provide efficiently the necessary infrastructure and services.”

“Planning and Design Issues. High rates of urban growth necessitate forceful public interventions to direct the development of the urban fringe and improve the functional efficiency of older districts. Located in both older areas and on the urban fringe, large-scale projects are being undertaken to upgrade the infrastructure, extend the capacity of transportation systems, provide public amenities, and build mixed-use developments.”

“Yet, the prevalence of poverty has overtaxed the ability of governments to provide adequate public services or enforce even minimum sanitary standards of housing for the majority of urban households. Government housing policies have sought to reconcile three potentially conflicting objectives:

— “A commitment to improve the standard of life of a population largely unable to afford safe and sanitary housing on the open market.”

— “The desire to utilize planning and design standards reflecting international norms as the means to provide an acceptable level of amenities in both older areas and the developing urban fringe.”

— “The necessity to keep public subsidies at a manageable level in the face of the rising demand generated by the rapid growth of the urban population.”

Al Quds City Model House, for Casablanca, showing Front and Side Elevation, Sections, Ground, First and Second Floor, and Foundation building layouts. Original Source: Ministry of Housing and Land Development
Graphic Map showing the Distribution of Urban Settlements, Morocco, showing data for large settlements in Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, Sale, Tangier, and Tetouan.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1989
Project Type:Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:Rabat, Morocco
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Samir Abdulac; Fathahah Debbi; Agnes Deboulet; Isabelle Ouetta; Jennifer Wayne; Hung-Song Oh; Randa Tukan
Sponsors:Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
Categories:Design Studios; Education
  
ID:1989_01_001

Related I2UD Projects

Gallery 10: Morocco: Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat (1983-1993)