The Informal City

The informal city refers to areas within urban environments where people construct housing and infrastructure without formal planning or official approval. Often emerging rapidly due to migration and economic pressures, these zones may lack proper services like sanitation, roads, and legal recognition. While they can foster community resilience and affordability, they also pose challenges related to safety, access to utilities, and future development. The informal city highlights how urban growth often outpaces official plans, requiring innovative approaches to improve living conditions while respecting the organic development of these neighborhoods.