Congratulations to UI Assocaties Philipp Horn and Melanie Lombard!
The module takes a novel focus to urban informality, a phenomenon that is increasing in cities globally, yet remains a challenge for planning. To explore patterns and causes of informality, and assess strengths and limitations of diverse theoretical approaches, it applies a new three-part framework of living, working, and governing informally. It analyses the success of different real-world planning responses to informality, defining planning inclusively to incorporate government-led, donor-led, and community-focused initiatives. It takes a global approach, incorporating theory and practice from Southern contexts where informality is well-established, whilst acknowledging the increasingly prevalent nature of this issue in the global North.
The module's pedagogical innovation rests on its problem-based learning approach supported by critical interrogation of planning theory and practice via alternative representations (including films, novels and photography), co-created resources, and repositioning of community knowledge.
This is an optional module available to undergraduate students on MPlan Urban Studies and Planning, and postgraduate students on MSc Urban and Regional Planning, MA Urban Design and Planning, MA International Development, MSc Environmental Change and Development, and MPH (Master in Public Health) International Development here at School of Geography and Planning. The related book "Urban Informality: An Introduction" seeks to inspire teaching staff, students, activists, and practitioners interested in teaching, studying, and addressing informality.