ah ha! considerations
money & prioritization
money!
Getting things fixed and working around the house are the first priority and cost less.
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Aesthetics concerns are only considered when more money is involved.
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incremental cheap improvements
$
more expensive renovation/extension
$$$
manpower!
When dwellers are considering a renovation, 3 factors are considered when deciding who is building it:​
level of complexity, money and knowhow
self-building becomes the only choice
professional assistance of architects and engineers are usually a no go because of how expensive these services can be for a low-income household.
self-built by people or by community effort
1
self-built by a hired mason or construction worker
2
1
If the renovation is a quick and easy fix, dwellers might consider doing it themselves.
Or in the best case scenario, solidarity comes to place when someone from the family or friends network knows someone in the settlements who can help with it for free.
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2
When things get more complicated and more expensive, they consider hiring a person who knows what they are doing.
This person can be a mason who works in the formal sector as a construction worker, and is looking for extra money.
governance!
sharing construction knowledge and techniques
community unwritten rules
neighbors negotiations
air rights
day-to-day life in an informal settlement involves
the mafia
the city
may control who stays and who has to leave
may be an ally or an enemy depending on who is elected
durability!
Depending on the location of an informal settlement, their built environment can look either temporary or permanent.
Weather, materials available and construction techniques can be relevant factors for the dwellings aesthetics.
temporary x permanent
usually made of recycled materials
simpler construction
usually made of new and/or recycled materials
more robust constructions using materials that last longer, such as masonry, bricks, concrete, etc.
building height!
1
2
Depending on the location of an informal settlement, the building height can vary from single detached homes to low-rise buildings.
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Up to 3 levels tend to be self-built
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Formally built buildings can be infilled with self-built dwellings that usually do not super pass the formal buildings' height.
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building coverage!
1
2
Depending on the location of an informal settlement, the building coverage can also vary.
The most common scenarios the 100% lot coverage
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Spaced dwellings might happen in specific locations
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