"Organization type ": Organización sin fines de lucro

Johannesburg Housing Company

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Johannesburg Housing Company

Mismatches Location
Policies and regulations Local policies Public-private initiatives
Financing Supply subsidies
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships Private promotion Favelas/Slums

Main objectives of the project

When addressing informal settlements and the relocation of their residents, the common solution often involves outskirts due to their affordability. Typically, a large proportion of slum dwellers gravitate towards the outskirts of cities. However, Johannesburg has adopted a different approach. In efforts to rejuvenate its downtown area, the city has embraced an alternative strategy. Through the utilization of a non-profit institution, Johannesburg has implemented social housing initiatives within its city center. By repurposing abandoned or deteriorating buildings, the city has not only revitalized its downtown core but also provided much-needed social housing options.

Date

  • 1995: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • SHRA
  • Promotor: JHC

Location

Continent: Africa
Country/Region: Johannesburg, South Africa

Description

In South Africa, a significant portion of tenants reside in informal settlements, with over 400,000 housing units constructed on unauthorized land lacking basic services and vulnerable to environmental hazards like floods and fires. Between 2001 and 2011, the number of shacks erected in the backyards of existing dwellings surged by 55%, totaling more than 700,000 units. Despite the existence of the Social Housing Policy since 1994, the establishment of the regulatory authority (SHRA) in 2010 marked notable progress. The Minister of Human Settlements pledged the delivery of 1.5 million new housing opportunities by 2019.

Social housing projects are financed through a blend of government funds, debt, and up to 10% from for-profit private capital. The national government, via the SHRA, subsidizes up to 65% of capital costs and allows subsidized units for tenants meeting specific monthly family income thresholds. These subsidized units must constitute between 30% and 70% of all mixed projects.

Investment opportunities include the Social Housing Institution (SHI) model, where non-profit entities or owners undertake projects inclusive of social housing. Currently, around 83 SHIs have been established, delivering approximately 33,000 units nationwide. However, while the number of institutions is on the rise, the rate of unit development hasn't matched, leading to financial challenges for many. Only six out of the 83 institutions are financially stable, with an additional 25 potentially viable.

In Johannesburg, two SHIs have demonstrated remarkable success. One such entity is the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC), founded in 1995, which has pioneered an innovative affordable housing model with efficient building management and exemplary customer service. It has facilitated the development of over 4,293 rental housing units, providing homes for more than 19,478 individuals. JHC's efforts have played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Johannesburg, transforming dilapidated or abandoned buildings into modern architecture units. The company utilizes two components of the rental housing policy: urban restructuring zones declaration and the Inner City Property Scheme (ICPS), formerly known as the Bad Building Program.

Initial funding provided to JHC enabled it to establish a solid capital base necessary for large-scale social housing development in the downtown area. By the late 2000s, JHC had a portfolio comprising nine renovated buildings and two new construction projects. The organization's cost management strategy ensures each building covers its operating costs, including interest on operating income.

Contrary to traditional urban regeneration strategies focused solely on economic growth, JHC's approach emphasizes building improvements, renovations, and new constructions to increase the city's housing stock by approximately 10% while rejuvenating rundown structures to provide affordable rents and decent housing. However, the future of social rental housing faces challenges, particularly regarding the diminishing availability of affordable land in restructuring zones.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Pedregulho Housing Complex Restoration

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Pedregulho Housing Complex Restoration

Mismatches Security Functional adequacy Services Cultural suitability Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations National policies Local policies
Urban Design Services and infrastructure Quality Liveability Regulación Técnica Participatory processes
Promotion and production Public promotion Self-management
Ownership and tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

The restoration of the Pedregulho Housing Complex exemplifies the power of community involvement and strategic planning in revitalizing historic architectural landmarks. Led by the Pedregulho Neighbors Association and architect Alfredo Britto, the project addressed decades of neglect and deterioration, guided by a comprehensive restoration plan. By balancing the preservation of architectural character with contemporary demands, such as parking and security, the project not only restored Pedregulho to its former glory but also empowered residents to take ownership of their living environment. This successful restoration effort stands as a testament to the importance of community engagement in preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Date

  • 2010: Construction
  • 2004: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Pedregulho Neighbors Association
  • Architect: Alfredo Britto
  • Promotor: Companhia Estadual de Habitação do Rio de Janeiro

Location

Continent: South America
City: Rio de Janeiro
Country/Region: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

Description

Constructed between 1946 and 1948 in São Cristóvão, a neighborhood north of Rio de Janeiro, the Pedregulho Housing Complex provided 522 units for low-income municipal employees, featuring a comprehensive range of facilities and social services. Designed by architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy, the complex adhered to urban principles outlined by the International Congress of Modern Architecture (CIAM), complemented by landscape design from renowned architect Burle Marx. Despite being a prominent example of modern Brazilian architecture, Pedregulho was part of a larger initiative by the Rio de Janeiro Department of People’s Housing, inspired by post-World War II British city reconstruction efforts. Inaugurated in 1950, the complex initially served as a relocation site for residents of informal settlements. However, by the 1960s and 1970s, neglect, disorderly occupation, and wear and tear led to its decline. Although recognized as a cultural monument in 1986, Pedregulho received minimal investment until 2002 when residents initiated a renovation campaign.

Led by the Pedregulho Neighbors Association and architect Alfredo Britto, the renovation efforts began in 2004 with the introduction of a Strategic Restoration Plan. TThe strategic guidelines encompassed several key aspects: maintaining the complex's architectural and urban character, adhering to its original intentions while restoring functionality, preserving existing materials and characteristics if compatible with proposed uses and restoration costs, and addressing contemporary demands and needs without compromising overarching restoration criteria. These contemporary demands include provisions for parking, television antennas, outdoor clotheslines, housing complex security, and garbage collection.

Restoration work commenced in 2010, addressing technical, social, and financial challenges, including residents' continued occupancy during renovation. To foster community involvement, job opportunities were provided to residents, with association leaders mediating between technical and resident concerns. Social workers facilitated ongoing dialogue and highlighted the complex's cultural value.

The restoration of Pedregulho reflects the broader need to revitalize existing housing complexes facing qualitative deficits over time. Community involvement was integral to the project's success, preventing unwanted gentrification and ensuring the active participation of original residents. A permanent maintenance committee further sustains resident engagement, underscoring their commitment to preserving their homes for the future.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

The Empty Homes Initiative, Ireland

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The Empty Homes Initiative, Ireland

Mismatches Vacant housing
Policies and regulations National policies Local policies
Financing Financial actors Public funding Supply subsidies Demand subsidies
Promotion and production Participatory processes

Main objectives of the project

Amid Ireland's housing crisis, Peter McVerry Trust's Empty Homes Initiative stands as a beacon of hope. By repurposing vacant properties for social housing, they address homelessness and housing shortages. Backed by advocacy efforts and financial support from the charity and government, initiatives like Repair and Leasing and Buy and Renew make significant strides in revitalizing communities. Their impact resonates through policy changes and increased public engagement, cementing their role as a key stakeholder in Ireland's social housing policy landscape.

Date

  • 2015: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Peter McVerry Trust

Location

City: Dublin
Country/Region: Dublin, Ireland

Description

Ireland grapples with a housing crisis fueled by soaring demand and stagnant construction rates, despite a vast number of vacant properties scattered across urban and rural areas. The situation has led to over 10,000 people facing homelessness while over 182,000 residential units remain unoccupied. In response, Peter McVerry Trust, a prominent non-profit housing association, initiated the Empty Homes Initiative in 2015 to tackle this paradoxical predicament.

The initiative, spanning 14 counties and conducted in collaboration with local authorities, aims to repurpose vacant properties for social housing, particularly targeting areas with acute housing shortages. Through a blend of advocacy and action, Peter McVerry Trust engages in public outreach, media campaigns, and policy lobbying to raise awareness and prompt solutions. Financially supported by the charity and the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government, the initiative utilizes schemes like the Repair and Leasing Scheme (an interest-free loan of up to €40,000 to bring the vacant property back into use for social housing) and the Buy and Renew Scheme (funding to purchase the empty property and bring it back into use) to revitalize empty properties for social housing purposes. In their website, one can find all the projects they have done.

The advocacy efforts of Peter McVerry Trust have yielded notable policy changes, including the inclusion of an Empty Homes Pillar in Ireland’s Housing and Homeless Strategy, the implementation of vacant homes reuse strategies, and the appointment of dedicated officers in local authorities. Additionally, the initiative has spurred discussions on measures like an empty homes tax and increased utilization of Compulsory Purchase Orders. Public awareness and engagement have also surged, reflecting a concerted effort to address Ireland's housing crisis at multiple levels.

The Peter McVerry Trust serves as a prime illustration of a stakeholder deeply involved in shaping social housing policy. Not only does it actively advocate for change, but it also takes tangible steps to address housing issues on a national scale.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Collectief Goed, Antwerp

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Collectief Goed, Antwerp

Mismatches Price Functional adequacy Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations Public-private initiatives Participatory processes
Promotion and production Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

With a scarcity of affordable housing in Flanders, Collectief Goed stands out as a beacon of hope for families in need. By acquiring and renovating vacant homes through a cooperative approach, they've provided secure, affordable housing for 35 large families since 2015. Their emphasis on tenant participation and empowerment underscores their commitment to addressing housing inequality and fostering community ownership

Date

  • 2007: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Collectief Goed
  • De Ideale Woning

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Antwerp, Belgium

Description

In Flanders, approximately 180,000 children are trapped in poverty, facing the harsh reality of inadequate housing options. While purchasing a home is out of reach for these families, finding decent and affordable rentals in the private market is equally challenging. With only 6% of the housing market consisting of social housing, the demand far exceeds the limited supply, resulting in a staggering waiting list of 130,000 families. As a consequence, many families are forced into substandard living conditions—crowded, deteriorating homes that pose health risks, inflate utility bills, and exacerbate stress levels, leaving little capacity to tackle additional challenges.

Recognizing this dire situation, De Ideale Woning, a social housing company in Antwerp, spearheaded the creation of Collectief Goed, a cooperative aimed at enhancing the living standards of low-income individuals. In collaboration with three other organizations, Collectief Goed embarked on a mission to provide affordable housing with a strong emphasis on tenant participation and empowerment. Their strategy revolves around acquiring, renovating, and renting vacant houses tailored to accommodate large families on modest budgets.

Collectief Goed is born out of the initiative of individuals who have personally experienced the hardships of poverty. They confronted various issues, foremost among them the lack of affordable and suitable housing, and united to address these challenges collectively. Through their efforts, Collectief Goed has substantially improved housing conditions for its members, offering completely renovated homes with secure, long-term, and affordable rental contracts. This newfound stability serves as a cornerstone for addressing broader societal issues. Moreover, Collectief Goed collaborates closely with tenants, fostering their self-development and empowerment.

In the face of a severe shortage of affordable housing, many properties lie vacant. Collectief Goed seeks to remedy this by acquiring, renovating, and making these properties available to vulnerable families at affordable rates through an innovative cooperative housing model. To keep renovation costs low without compromising quality, Collectief Goed employs creative renovation techniques and engages technical schools and social economy workers in the process. Additionally, materials are procured collectively, and the project leverages various subsidies and premiums. Importantly, tenants are actively involved in every stage of the process as shareholders in the cooperative.

Financing for Collectief Goed's initiatives comes from a mix of sources. The founders initially invested startup capital, supplemented by private investors who purchase shares. Properties are acquired in exchange for shares and subordinated loans, while bank loans finance renovations. Tenant rent serves as another revenue stream. With a target of owning and renting out 75 homes to break even, Collectief Goed has made significant strides since its inception in 2015, providing quality, affordable housing to 35 large families with limited incomes. The relevant part, as we mentioned, is that these families are not just tenants; they are integral members of the cooperative, with opportunities to become shareholders and co-owners, demonstrating the efficacy of the model in preserving social housing stock and catering to underserved demographics. Importantly, residents feel deeply connected to their homes and the cooperative, reinforcing the sense of community and ownership.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Housing For The Fishermen Of Tyre, Beirut

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Housing For The Fishermen Of Tyre, Beirut

Mismatches Location Cultural suitability Diversity Vulnerable groups
Urban Design Quality Liveability Inclusion Equity
Promotion and production Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership

Main objectives of the project

In response to economic, social and cultural challenges of Tyre’s access to housing, the Al Baqaa Housing Cooperative was formed by fishermen, who secured land outside the city center with the help of the Greek Orthodox Church. Collaborating with architect Hashim Sarkis, they developed a housing project tailored to their needs, emphasizing equality among units and providing private outdoor spaces for all residents.

Date

  • 2008: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Hashim Sarkis
  • Promotor: Al Baqaa Housing Cooperative
  • Association for the Development of Rural Areas in Southern Lebanon (ADR)

Location

Continent: Asia
Country/Region: Lebanon, Tyre

Description

Tyre, an ancient coastal city situated south of Beirut, has grappled with maintaining its infrastructure amidst persistent chaos and conflict. Among the hardest-hit are the local fishermen, who have faced significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict with Israel, preventing them from engaging in deep-sea fishing. Despite being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984 during the Lebanese Civil War, the city faced new regulations on coastal construction, leading to overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions for the fishermen.

In response to these challenges, the fishermen established the Al Baqaa Housing Cooperative and secured a parcel of land outside the historic city center through a donation from the Greek Orthodox Church. Collaborating with architect Hashim Sarkis, they developed a housing project tailored to their needs.

Given the unpredictable context and the distance from Tyre's residential neighborhoods, the housing complex's design incorporates a prominent building along the site perimeter. This building not only serves as a boundary but also organizes the surrounding streets and lots, creating internal roads and open spaces. Pedestrian circulation is facilitated through openings in the linear mass, creating variations in building volumes that blend with the surroundings.

The fishermen's primary concern was equality among units, particularly in terms of views and outdoor spaces. Consequently, the units were designed differently based on their location. The project comprises 80 two-bedroom units, each with approximately 925 sq. ft. of interior space and half that in private outdoor areas, organized into three types of housing blocks or clusters.

A defining feature of the project is the central open space, characterized by a rectilinear spiral arrangement of buildings surrounding it. This space includes paved areas, a shared water tank, and planted gardens, with trees marking entrance paths between buildings, enhancing the connection between the central space and external streets.

In a decade-long collaboration with the cooperative, Sarkis developed a modern housing system that accommodates the fishermen's needs and budget while fostering a sense of community. Through thoughtful architecture, landscaping, and urban planning, the project exemplifies the transformative potential of design in mitigating conflict while honoring community values.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Neighborhood Upgrading Program (NUP), Trinidad and Tobago

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Neighborhood Upgrading Program (NUP), Trinidad and Tobago

Mismatches Financing Segregation
Policies and regulations National policies Governance Public-private initiatives
Financing Public funding Indirect opportunities Sustainable development financing
Promotion and production Favelas/Slums

Main objectives of the project

The Neighborhood Upgrading Program (NUP) in Trinidad and Tobago targets enhancing living standards and housing conditions for low and middle-income households residing in squatter settlements. Comprising three key components, the program emphasizes regularization and enhancement of squatter settlements, provision of housing grants, and strengthening institutional capacities within the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. With criteria ensuring fair distribution and ongoing evaluation, the NUP, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), emerges as a successful initiative addressing dire housing needs and promoting social and environmental considerations.

Date

  • 2017: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
  • IDB

Location

Continent: South America
Country/Region: San Fernando

Description

Trinidad and Tobago faces a housing deficit exceeding 100,000 units, compounded by significant squatting on state land, affecting up to 19% of the population. In response, successive governments have initiated various programs aimed at formalizing informal settlements and providing occupants with secure tenure. To address the ongoing housing needs, two partnership programs with the private sector have been launched. These involve collaborations with medium and large contractors under the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), as well as the Infill Lots program, which engages small contractors to build on vacant lots within HDC-owned developments. One of the main programs, though, is the Neighborhood Upgrading Program (NUP).

The primary objective of the NUP is to enhance the living standards and housing conditions of low and middle-income households residing in squatter settlements. This is achieved through a multifaceted approach that includes infrastructure upgrades, provision of home improvement grants, and facilitation of incremental housing construction or purchase. Additionally, the program aims to foster the creation of equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The NUP comprises three key components. Firstly, it involves the regularization and enhancement of squatter settlements, focusing on infrastructure improvements and regularization of land tenure for occupants. This aspect is overseen by the Land Settlement Agency (LSA), which operates under the authority of the State Lands (Regularization of Tenure) Act of 1998 and is tasked with legalizing illegal occupation at 254 designated sites across the country. Secondly, the program offers housing grants administered by the PMCU, which provides financial assistance to eligible low-income individuals for various housing-related purposes such as home improvements, construction, or purchases. Lastly, the NUP includes efforts to strengthen sectoral and institutional capacities within the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and its affiliated agencies. This involves activities such as acquiring necessary hardware and software, automating program reports, and engaging in regional and international forums to exchange best practices in housing and urban development.

To qualify for grants, applicants must meet specific criteria including income limits, citizenship, property ownership or permission, and no prior benefit from housing grants. The program offers financial assistance for home construction or purchase, with varying amounts based on income levels and regional property values. Beneficiaries are selected through a random process and undergo verification interviews to ensure accuracy.

Though formal evaluation is ongoing, the IDB deems the NUP successful, having reached numerous families in dire housing need, often living in poverty. The program emphasizes social and environmental considerations and has demonstrated reasonable unit costs compared to similar initiatives. Replication of the program across Trinidad and Tobago is viable given established procedures and capacity. The Land Settlement Agency oversees squatter settlement regularization, while the Ministry has developed internal capabilities to administer housing subsidies independently.

Financing remains a challenge for project expansion, but the IDB expresses continued willingness to support such initiatives, having already provided three consecutive loans for housing and related projects in the country.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Census of homeless people in Belgium

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Census of homeless people in Belgium

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact

Main objectives of the project

Belgium, in alignment with the Lisbon Declaration of June 2021, is committed to tackling homelessness by 2030, emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies. The King Baudouin Foundation, along with research teams and local authorities, has developed a standardized methodology for counting homeless individuals, spanning urban and rural areas. Initial findings surpassed expectations, totaling over 16,000 individuals. The data informs annual reports accessible to all, while qualitative interviews aim to deepen understanding and inform effective solutions.

Date

  • 2020: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • King Baudouin Foundation
  • LUCAS KULeuven

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Belgium, Leuven

Description

In June 2021, Belgium endorsed the Lisbon Declaration, pledging to address homelessness by 2030 through systemic measures. A key aspect highlighted in the Declaration is the necessity for these measures to be grounded in accurate data to effectively guide policymakers.

Since 2020, the King Baudouin Foundation has been actively involved in collaboration with research teams from UCLouvain and LUCAS KULeuven, along with over 100 local authorities, in devising a standardized methodology for counting individuals experiencing homelessness in Wallonia and Flanders. The Foundation aims to extend this methodology nationwide to ensure consistent and recurrent counts across Belgium. The Netherlands has also expressed interest in this approach, which was successfully piloted there earlier this year.

The initial census took place in Leuven and subsequently expanded to Limburg, Ghent, Arlon, and Liège. This methodology goes beyond merely tallying individuals sleeping on the streets; it encompasses the entire spectrum of homelessness classifications outlined in ETHOS Light. This broader approach considers individuals residing in institutions, unconventional dwellings, or temporary accommodations with family, friends, or acquaintances. Thus, the census delves deeper than surface-level assessments.

In 2022, efforts were made to extend the census beyond urban centers to encompass rural areas as well. In Flanders, six zones were involved: Boom-Mechelen-Lier, Bruges Arrondissement, Midwest, Middenkust, Kempen Zorgregio, and Waasland. Counts were also conducted in the German-speaking Community, Tournai, and Walloon Brabant. The combined tally from these areas exceeded 16,000 unhoused and homeless individuals, surpassing initial expectations. However, this data now provides a basis for informed action.

The findings are published annually in a comprehensive report accessible to any interested administration or individual citizen. Moreover, the census team is now conducting interviews to gain insights into the pathways to homelessness. This qualitative approach aims to inform the development of innovative solutions.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

State of Homelessness (US)

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State of Homelessness (US)

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations National policies Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact Evictions

Main objectives of the project

The National Alliance to End Homelessness produces the influential "State of Homelessness" report, using HUD data to assess and analyze homelessness nationwide, while also evaluating emergency services and risk factors that might lead to homelessness.

Date

  • 2023: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • National Alliance to End Homelessness

Location

Continent: North America
Country/Region: United States of America

Description

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to eradicating homelessness in the United States. Utilizing research and data, they seek solutions to homelessness, collaborating with federal and local partners to establish robust policies and resources supporting these solutions. Subsequently, they assist communities in implementing these strategies. Annually, they produce the "State of Homelessness" report.

This report relies on data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to offer an overview of homelessness in the U.S. on a given night in 2022 and highlight emerging trends. Drawing from HUD's Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and Housing Inventory Count data, the NAEH organizes and analyzes the information.

Through this process, the NAEH obtains a count of homelessness in each U.S. state while also evaluating the state of emergency services and assistance available to homeless individuals. This comparison between the number of people experiencing homelessness and the aid accessible to them is crucial. Additionally, they consider risk factors contributing to homelessness, such as rent burden, which helps forecast potential increases in the homeless population.

In summary, the NAEH's "State of Homelessness" report stands as the premier nationwide assessment of this pressing issue, providing invaluable insights into the state of homelessness across the country.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Ixtepec Reconstruction

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Ixtepec Reconstruction

Mismatches Security Climate change
Policies and regulations Building capacity Participatory processes
Urban Design Services and infrastructure Environments Quality Liveability Participatory processes
Promotion and production Private promotion Innovation Materials Self-management Self-promotion Self-construction

Main objectives of the project

In September 2017, Oaxaca, Mexico, experienced its most devastating earthquake in history, severely damaging the traditionally constructed homes of indigenous communities. However, the intervention of the local NGO Cooperación Comunitaria (CC) revolutionized the situation, rallying the community to construct homes capable of withstanding earthquakes while utilizing traditional techniques suited to the local climate and culture. This initiative stood in stark contrast to the approach of state and federal governments, which aimed for a rapid, market-driven reconstruction. Their plan involved demolishing affected homes and providing a 120,000-peso card to construct standardized prototypes, disregarding the needs of the population, local organization, and the cultural and climatic context of the region. In response, CC has worked alongside affected communities, supporting processes of social reconstruction, fostering solidarity and self-organization, and respecting their cultural traditions and way of life.

Date

  • 2017: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Cooperación Comunitaria

Location

Continent: North America
Country/Region: Mexico

Description

In 2017, the devastating earthquake in Oaxaca struck the indigenous community of Ixtepecano, prompting the municipal government to initiate demolition, replacing traditional architectural heritage with modern, inadequate housing. However, the intervention of local NGO Cooperación Comunitaria A.C. brought about a significant transformation.

The initiative began within the community itself when the Ixtepecano Committee, a local organization, reached out to Cooperación Comunitaria A.C. to aid in rebuilding homes. CC conducted thorough assessments of the damage and vulnerability of families, including mapping exercises. Through assemblies and meetings, a reconstruction model was collaboratively developed with the families. As part of the technical assistance and social support process, CC revived traditional construction methods with the communities, emphasizing the use of local materials to reduce ecological impact and make self-construction of housing feasible. Traditional housing styles such as Bajareque, Adobe, and brick and rope were recovered and reinforced to withstand earthquakes and strong winds without compromising cultural and climatic suitability.

Recognizing the importance of economic recovery alongside housing reconstruction, traditional ovens and kitchens were integrated into the rebuilding process to revive local women's livelihoods. An Arts and Trades Centre was established to train individuals in traditional building techniques for kitchen construction. Additionally, local maize varieties were reintroduced for staple totopos production, while workshops on construction skills, disaster risk management, and natural resource utilization were conducted. Notably, 107 women have revitalized their businesses through the restoration of 196 traditional ovens and kitchens, contributing to household economic recovery. Model kitchen proposals developed in community design workshops, education on natural resource management for 247 individuals, and training for 73 builders on reinforcement techniques further enhanced community resilience.

The project has restored and reinforced 58 traditional houses, built 22 new reinforced houses, reinforced 90 kitchens with the bajareque cerén construction system, constructed 256 comixcales and 27 bread ovens, along with 2 community centers and 2 dry toilets. This reconstruction process underscores the effectiveness and necessity of traditional collective work and mutual support approaches. Activities reinforcing community organization, such as integral community diagnosis and participative design, along with technical knowledge transmission and training on risk management and housing rights, are integral parts of the project. Continuous evaluation of housing conditions, usage, and maintenance ensures sustainability.

This project exemplifies how community empowerment can counter government displacement and update traditional structures to meet 21st-century needs, emphasizing resilience. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of cooperative and communal economic structures alongside housing restoration to ensure affordability.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Kampung Susun Produktif Tumbuh Cakung, Jakarta

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Kampung Susun Produktif Tumbuh Cakung, Jakarta

Mismatches Location Security Functional adequacy Services Vulnerable groups Climate change
Policies and regulations Regulation Participatory processes
Urban Design Services and infrastructure Environments Quality Liveability Inclusion Equity Participatory processes
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership

Main objectives of the project

In response to Jakarta's sinking crisis, Bukit Duri residents faced eviction in 2016. Deemed illegal, this sparked a movement led by Ciliwung Merdeka, empowering residents to demand their rights. The result? Kampung Susun—a cooperative where former residents manage their space, integrating living and economic activities, defying traditional public housing norms, and fostering community resilience and cohesion.

Date

  • 2020: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: PT. Jaya Konstruksi Manggala Pratama Tbk.
  • Architect: STUDIO AKANOMA
  • Promotor: Jakarta City Hall
  • Promotor: Ciliwung Merdeka

Location

Continent: Asia
Country/Region: Indonesia, Jakarta

Description

Jakarta is confronted with a significant threat: the city is sinking, resulting in more frequent floods and substantial portions of the city being submerged. The most vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of this issue. In 2016, seventy families in Bukit Duri, Jakarta, were forcibly removed from their homes as part of efforts to address the city’s chronic flooding problems. However, the eviction was subsequently deemed illegal. In 2017, the State Administrative Court ruled that the eviction lacked legal justification and that the residents were entitled to compensation. Volunteers from the organization Ciliwung Merdeka collaborated with the residents, spanning from children to adults, to empower the community through various programs aimed at fostering solidarity and self-reliance. These initiatives encompassed educational programs for children, public health education, waste management, economic empowerment, art and culture education, disaster response and mitigation, as well as spatial planning and architecture. Additionally, they collectively advocated for government recognition that impoverished citizens deserved adequate living conditions and demonstrated that viable alternatives to eviction existed.

One such alternative materialized in the form of the Kampung Susun new residence and cooperative, where residents themselves assume responsibility for the neighborhood's upkeep. Tenants are not required to pay rent but are obligated to contribute a maintenance fee to the cooperative, which also has the capacity to provide residents with business capital. The design process began with identifying spaces tailored to the economic development needs of former Kampung Bukit Duri residents, the majority of whom are engaged in the informal business sector and own small enterprises. The design concept emulates the urban settlement model, featuring small houses with dedicated economic spaces, giving rise to the term "kampung susun." Notably, Kampung Susun stands out from Jakarta's conventional public housing projects, known as rusunawa, which typically lack provisions for business activities. Each residential unit in Kampung Susun encompasses both living and economic spaces, with communal areas on the ground floor enabling residents to engage in commerce. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to expand their living quarters vertically, facilitated by a mezzanine level within each unit.

Measuring 36 m2 in total, with 21 m2 designated for private use and 15 m2 allocated for business or workspace, each residential unit is designed to accommodate growth. This innovative approach to urban settlement, known as Kampung Susun Produktif Tumbuh, or growing, productive stacked kampong, addresses the challenges of densely populated urban environments and the limitations of traditional housing construction. Beyond serving as mere dwellings, Kampung Susun fosters a sense of community where residents can engage in economic activities and foster friendly interactions, recognizing the distinct characteristics of urban settlement inhabitants compared to those residing in the outskirts of the city.

The case is undoubtedly a resilient solution to an unprecedented climate problem. Bottom-up and from the community, it solves a huge challenge of obtaining public housing in an adverse context, promoting the productive economy of its residents.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España