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“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

Abstract

I2UD produced a research paper titled “Inclusive Cities and Access to Land: Housing and Services in Developing Countries.” The World Bank-supported project addressed how global disparities in income, wealth, and opportunity, experienced worldwide, have contributed to social exclusion and spatial segregation in cities in the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, Central America, and Western Asia.

The final report—authored by Mona Serageldin and I2UD staff, and published in 2016 by the World Bank—documented examples of successful inclusionary policies, programs, and initiatives by public agencies and NGOs with a special focus on cities in Latin America and the Middle East. The report discussed the difficulty in organizing integrative projects. It underscored the shortcomings arising from acting on one dimension of inclusion while ignoring others.

Documents include a workshop presentation from January 2014, with a final draft from April 2014, along with the final report from February 2016.


[Excerpt: Index for the Final Report: “Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries.”]

The Growing Importance of Inclusion in Urban Areas
1.1 Defining Inclusion
1.2 Measuring the Dimensions of Exclusion: São Paulo’s Exclusion/Inclusion Indicator Mapping

2. Trends Affecting Social Inclusion in Urban Areas
2.1 Demographics
2.2 Mobility and Migration

3. Infrastructure and Public Services: A Powerful Tool to Promote Social Inclusion
3.1 Rethinking the Approach to Slum Upgrading and Regularization of Informal Settlements
3.2 South Africa’s Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program (MIG)
3.3 Access to Public Services: Social Missions in the the República Bolivariana de Venezuela

4. Restoring the Social Function of Public Space
4.1 Rio de Janeiro’s Favela Bairro Program

5. Access to Land: A Critical Factor at the Core of Inclusion and Exclusion
5.1 Regularizing Tenure in Informal Settlements: Impacts on Social Inclusion
5.2 Impacts of Property Registration on the Inclusion of Informal Settlers
5.3 Integrated Projects to improve the Living Environment: The Role of State Agencies 16
5.4 Egypt’s Informal Settlements Development Facility (ISDF)

6. The Erosion of Inclusive Options for Affordable Housing
6.1 Affordable Housing and Spatial Segregation in Chile
6.2 Looking to Rental Markets as Instruments of Inclusion

7. Generating Revenues to Finance Urban Improvements: Land-Based Financing
7.1 Cuenca’s Improve Your Neighborhood Program

8. The Right to the City
8.1 Implementing the Right to the City in Brazil
8.2 National Legislation and Local Implementation: Colombia’s Policies of Decentralizing the Improvement of Lower Income Settlements
8.3 An Emerging Urban Agenda in the Middle East
8.4 Recife, Brazil (ZEIS)

9. NGOs and CBOs as Strategic Partners in Driving the Implementation of Inclusionary Programs
9.1 Grassroots Initiatives: A Rights-Based Approach
9.2 SEWA
9.3 CODI, Thailand

Concluding Remarks
References
Appendix 1: Indicators of Urban Exclusion and Inclusion in São Paulo, Brazil
Appendix 2: Property Tax and Registration in Middle Eastern Countries
Appendix 3: Statistical Appendix
Appendix 4: Resources

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Project Year:2014-2016
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Latin America and Middle East / Venezuela / Recife and São Paulo, Brazil / Chile / Colombia / Mexico / Syria / Egypt / Morocco / Tunisia / South Africa / Thailand
Reports:
—
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Sheelah Gobar; Warren Hagist; Maren Larsen
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2014_04_001

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Gallery 4: Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano (1992-1993)

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

Gallery 16: Venezuela: Caracas (1989)

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“The Unplanned Areas Upgrading and Employment Enhancing Programme in Egypt,” Needs Assessment and Activity Design Study for Informal Settlements in the Cairo and Giza Governorates, Egypt, 2011-2016

Abstract

Between 2011 and 2016, I2UD worked with the Egyptian Government, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and Social Fund for Development (SFD) to create a risk assessment study for four informal settlement areas in Egypt: ‘Izbit Khayrallah and Al Zawya al-Hamra in the Cairo Governorate and Mīt ‘Uqba and Ard el-Lewa in the Giza Governorate.

In October 2012, I2UD submitted an Expression of Interest for consultancy on a project in Egypt, titled “Redevelopment and Upgrading of Selected Unsafe and Unplanned Areas in Cairo and Giza Governorates.” I2UD posited that Egyptian authorities could evaluate current informal settlements as key components in the Greater Cairo Plan to forestall future development of unregulated settlements.

From 2015-2016, I2UD partnered with the Tarek Waly Center (TWC) and Environmental Quality International (EQI) on the “Needs Assessment and Activity Design Study.” The study reviewed policies and institutions that impact the delivery of services in four informal settlements. I2UD and TWC identified the types of micro-finance services, emphasized community participation via assessment, and conducted outreach training for community members.

Documents include a 2012 Expression of Interest, I2UD’s Deliverables No. 1 through No. 4 in multiple volumes, and a January 2016 presentation for the Cairo Governor, titled “Investment Programme for Izbit Khayrallah and Al Zawya Al-Hamraa, Cairo: The Unplanned Areas Upgrading and Employment Generation Programme in Egypt.”

Project Year:2012-2016
Project Type:Risk Assessment and Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Cairo, Egypt / Giza, Egypt
Reports:

—
Full Document List:
Deliverable 1:
Deliverable 2:
Deliverable 3, Volumes 1-5:
Deliverable 4:
Authors:Tareq Abdalla; Wafik Arif; Mohamad Ashraf Al-Sayed Afifi; Abd el-Aziz el-Sayed Abd el-Aziz Mosa; Emad El-Din Nabil Al Bayoumi; John Driscoll; Emad Farid; Tarek Hamed; Maren Larsen; Enas El Mudaris; Mounir Neamatalla; Bruce Purdy; Shimaa Shaheen; Elda Solloso; Barbara Summers; Tarek Waly; Tariq Zulficar
Sponsors:French Development Agency (AFD); Social Fund for Development (SFD); European Union
Categories:Urban Finance
  
ID:2012_10_004

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

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State of Arab Cities, UN-Habitat Report & Conference, “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference for Sustainability in Arab States,” 2012

Abstract

In 2012, UN-Habitat launched the first State of Arab Cities report and conference to address urbanization trends and challenges in the four major Arab and Middle Eastern regions: Mashreq, Maghreb, Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Southern Tier Countries (defined below). With Mona Serageldin as team leader, I2UD contributed a significant body of research for the conference, “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference for Sustainability in Arab States.” The conference was hosted by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) and the Kuwait Knowledge Development Regional Centre.

The I2UD team compiled urban housing and demographic data for nations in Maghreb and Mashreq. The I2UD team reviewed 180 documents for each region, covering topics such as the following:

  • “Population and Urbanization;”
  • “Growing Role of Economic Cities;”
  • “Urban Development and Housing Conditions;”
  • “Transportation and Mobility;”
  • “Urban Environmental Challenges;”
  • “Urban Governance Systems;”
  • “Transnational Migration;” and
  • “Emerging Urban Issues and Innovations.”

Documents include I2UD’s inception report, progress report, a I2UD board meeting presentation on the project, and a conference presentation (from the “Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference for Sustainability in Arab States,” from Kuwait, May 2012). The final report for the 2012 UN-Habitat State of Arab Cities lays out urban development and migration issues in the Middle East and North Africa, including I2UD’s contributions. Additional materials include data on regional food and water security, energy security, and air pollution.

Maghreb includes Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia; Mashreq includes Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria; the Gulf Cooperation Council includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates; the Southern Tier includes Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Excerpts, Final Report, “State of Arab Cities,” December 2012
Project Year:2010-2012
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Middle East / North Africa
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier; Mona Serageldin; María-Luisa Fernández; Kendra Leith; Linda Shi
Sponsors:UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2010_07_001

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“State of African Cities,” Research for Regional Chapter on North African Cities for UN-Habitat Reports, 2008 and 2010

Abstract

In 2008, a team from I2UD prepared research for regional chapters on Northern Africa for the first UN-Habitat “State of African Cities” report. Topics covered demographics and urban growth, cities as engines of economic growth, urban poverty and housing conditions, environmental challenges in urban areas, and urban governance. Countries addressed in the North Africa regional chapter included Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Sudan.

Documents include I2UD’s North Africa regional report for the 2008 State of African Cities report, as well as two full State of African Cities documents from 2008 and 2010.

Project Year:2008-2010
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:North Africa
Reports:
—
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Erick Guerra
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2008_03_001

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“Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches,” Planning Strategy Report on Albania and El Salvador, 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, 2007

Abstract

A 2007 research report by I2UD, “Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches,” was presented at the 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium in May 2007 in Washington, D.C. The planning strategy examined the provision of land tenure security and basic infrastructure to marginalized groups in Albania and El Salvador. It encouraged a blend of community participation and cooperation among local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and bilateral and multilateral organizations.

Documents include a synthesis of the Symposium published by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), “Beyond Titling: Summing up ‘Urban Land Use and Land Markets.'”


[Excerpt: Delivery of Security of Tenure, Summary]

“Incremental approaches to improving tenure security based on community participation and partnerships between local authorities, NGOs and bilateral and multilateral organizations can be effective in fostering social inclusion and facilitating access to urban land:
— In Albania, the Urban Land Management Program addressed the explosive development of informal settlements around Tirana by establishing a demand-driven program for the provision of basic services and engaging residents in the process of planning for community development.
— In El Salvador, the Fundación Salvadoreña de Apoyo Integral (FUSAI) has provided housing solutions to communities located on vulnerable or hazardous land through an integrated package of land provision, mutual-help housing construction and small housing loans. Despite the differences in context, both programs delivered security of tenure and provided basic infrastructure services to marginalized groups.”

Key Words: Security of tenure, infrastructure provision, informal settlements, social inclusion.

[Excerpt: Preface to Beyond Titling, by Thomas Melin, Head of Division for Urban Development at Sida]

“The Urban Research Symposium 2007 was held for the fourth time in Washington DC, USA, between May 14th to 16th 2007. The title of [2007’s] Symposium was Urban Land Use and Land Markets. These themes have preoccupied donors, multilateral organisations and civil society for decades but research is still insufficient due to the complexity of the issues.”

“Formal land delivery systems have often been inadequate to meet growing urban populations’ demands for secure tenure. The “informal land delivery system” – squatting, illegal subdivision of plots and pavement dwelling – has been the only answer. In order to improve poor people’s livelihoods, we need to better understand how the full continuum of informal and formal land markets operate; how new solutions to secure land for poor people can be developed; and how land can be used sustainably.”

Project Year:2007
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Tirana, Albania / El Salvador
Reports:
Authors:John Driscoll; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Dritan Shutina; Felicity Chan; Carolina Morgan
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2007_00_001

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“Historic Center of Mexico City” Diagnostic Summary, Technical Assistance for Mexico City, Mexico, 2003

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design conducted a technical assistance study in 2003 aimed at identifying the place and function of the Historic Center within Mexico City’s multinuclear urban structure. The Diagnostic Summary documented the social, economic, and environmental conditions that challenged its integration and development as part of the living city. The study’s main authors were François Vigier, Liz Meléndez San Miguel, Luis Valenzuela, and Elda Solloso.

The report discussed physical deficiencies in Mexico City, Mexico, such as infrastructure, proposed to be addressed in future development plans. Working off the strategic analysis by which the interest and capabilities of key players could contribute to regional revitalization, CUDS located municipal structures helpful for developing a preservation strategy. Documents consist of a diagnostic report with annexes.

[Excerpt: Table of Contents page 1 (3), Diagnostic Summary and Annexes]

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Project Year:2003
Project Type:Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:Mexico City, Mexico
Reports:Historic Center of Mexico City: (Diagnostic Summary and Annexes, June 2003)
Authors:Liz Meléndez San Miguel; Elda Solloso; Luis Valenzuela; François Vigier
Sponsors:Historic Center Foundation (Mexico City)
Categories:Historic Districts
  
ID:2003_02_001

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Design Studio 1997: “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted a Design Studio in Spring 1997, “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” led by Mona Serageldin and John Driscoll. The studio focused on strategies for urban and regional development for less developed nations, within the context of a globalized economy with cities being the engines of growth.

Documents include a workshop overview with objectives and schedule, a reserved materials list, and a bibliography.


[Excerpt: Syllabus Introduction, ‘Strategic Planning and Local Development,’ Spring 1997]

“The seminar will examine strategies for urban and regional development within the context of a globalized economy where cities are the engines of growth. Fierce competition, unavoidable interdependence, fast paced technological change, widening income disparities and environmental degradation are creating new challenges that urban development strategies must address.”

“Concepts and methods of strategic planning as a framework for participation, decision making and resource allocation will be examined focusing on the complementary roles of public and private actors in planning, financing and managing urban development activities in different economic, institutional and cultural settings. Case studies will illustrate proactive strategies to promote urban development, regenerate functionally obsolete areas and revitalized marginalized neighborhoods.

The seminar will examine the expanding scope of public/private partnerships and discuss the changing role of public agencies, private investors, NGOs and community based organizations in the rehabilitation of the built environment and the provision of housing and urban services. Case studies will illustrate sustainable initiatives focusing on the structure of the interface between city, community and the local business sector. The case studies will also highlight critical roles for urban planners and designers in leading and nurturing initiatives relying on empowerment.”

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Project Year:1997
Project Type:Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Seminar Location) / Cairo Metropolitan Area, Egypt
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; John Driscoll
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Design Studios; Education
  
ID:1997_01_001

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

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ITP 1994: “Revitalization in Older Urban Spaces,” Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, Boston, South Boston, and New Haven (US); Montpellier (France); and Cork (Ireland) with Case Studies, International Education Programs, 1994

Abstract

Curriculum components from the 1994 International Training Program (ITP), “Revitalization of Older Urban Spaces,” included case studies for developments in Science Park, in New Haven, Connecticut; Dorchester Bay Enterprise Park; Cork’s Historic Center; Montpellier’s Eurocite Technopolis; the Boston Megaplex; South Boston’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Facility; and the Upham’s Corner Commercial Revitalization Projects.

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Project Year:1994
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Boston, Massachusetts, US / New Haven, Connecticut, US / Cork, Ireland / Montpellier, France
Reports:
Authors:Barry Shaw; David Knowles; Bob Haas
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Training Program; Education
  
ID:1994_07_001

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Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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Design Studio 1993: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Rabat, Morocco, Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from Spring 1993, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” was led by Professors François Vigier and Mona Serageldin. The seminar focused on informal housing and the fringe region around the old city sections of Rabat, Morocco.

The seminar report includes the following five chapters on urban development in Rabat, Morocco, circa 1992:

  1. National Background
  2. The Process of Urbanization
  3. The Housing Sector
  4. Rabat-Salé: The Capital City, and
  5. The Southern Fringe of Rabat

Section 5 on the Southern Fringe contains an expansive study of squatter settlements, historic regions, and upgrading in Rabat, with details on squatter regions and upgrading activity zones, including an analysis of the social and economic impact of housing projects underway. A final section (5.5) details case studies of Doum and informal housing in Takadoum and La Butte.


[Excerpt: Table of Contents fo Rabat’s Urban Fringe, October 1992]

This document presents an overview of the Design Studio, authored by Vigier and Serageldin in October 1992, for use in the Spring 1993 Design Studio curriculum. This topic was reused from the Design Studio from 1989, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,”  Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco, Seminar Curriculum (Project ID: 1989_01_001).

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Project Year:1993
Project Type:Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:Rabat, Morocco
Reports:1993 Design Studio: Rabat’s Urban Fringe (Report)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier
Sponsors:Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
Categories:Design Studios; Education
  
ID:1993_00_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.

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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

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