Processes of Participative Neighborhood Improvement in Informal Settlements: Integration proposals in Ibagué (Colombia)

Authors

  • Ingrid Vargas D Universidad de Granada
  • Eduardo Jiménez M Universidad de Málaga
  • Alejandro Grindlay M Universidad de Granada
  • Carlos Torres T. Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Abstract

Rapid urban growth has caused, among other things, the increase in number of informal settlements in Latin American peripheries. In many cases, an increasing inequality results in socioeconomic residential segregation, generating gaps among the different groups of a community. This phenomenon is expanding in Latin America. In cities of considerable size, experiences from integration and improving interventions in slum areas are mostly enriching. However, what kind of strategies should be used in intermediate cities, with low financing possibilities and limited budget? This article analyzes the development of these processes in Ibagué, Colombia, and tries to find applicable strategies derived from a university cooperation project. The article establishes an approach to the aspects that contribute towards the formation of informal settlements and its possible links to socioeconomic residential segregation. It also studies, by using Las Delicias neighborhood as reference, the development of slum areas in Ibagué. The article concludes proposing a cooperation project for neighborhood improvement in those areas.

Author Biographies

Ingrid Vargas D, Universidad de Granada

Colombian. Architect and Diploma of Advanced Studies in Urbanism, Spatial Planning and Environment. Urbanism and Spatial Planning Researcher. Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering, Universidad de Granada.

Eduardo Jiménez M, Universidad de Málaga

Spanish. Architect and Diploma of Advanced Studies in Urbanism, Spatial Planning and Environment. Assistant Professor and Researcher. Higher Technical School of Civil of Architecture, Universidad de Málaga

Alejandro Grindlay M, Universidad de Granada

Spanish. Dr Civil Engineering. Master in Urbanism and Specialist in Spatial Planning and Environment. Assistant Professor, Urbanism and Spatial Planning Researcher. Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering, Universidad de Granada

Carlos Torres T., Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Architect and Master in Urbanism, Diploma of Advanced Studies in Urbanism and Spatial Planning. Associate Professor and Researcher. School of Architecture and Urbanism, Habitat, City and Territory Institute. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Editor of Bitácora Urbano Territorial Journal. Faculty of Arts, School of Architecture and Urbanism, Universidad Nacional de Colombia.