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The settlements examined in Urban Independent represent radically different methods of envisioning community, outside of the regulations imposed by society. Representatives from each community were asked to respond to five questions that explore the motivations and implications of their projects. Every two weeks, a different community's answers will be posted on this site, beginning with East Wahdat and ending with Rural Studio.
August 15 - August 28
Responses from Dr. Khaled Jayyousi
Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Amman, Jordan
In 1980, such informal settlements as East Wahdat, built by squatters on privately owned land, comprised one quarter of new housing developments in the city of Amman. Because the occupants had no legal right to build and lacked secure tenure, no public or private investment in basic infrastructure, schools, or health facilities had been provided. The East Wahdat Upgrading Project, sponsored by the Government of Jordan, aimed at improving living conditions for residents of informal settlements. Rather than forcing relocation or razing their homes, this plan took advantage of the substantial investments that the residents already made in their homes, and created a process for the illegal residents to become homeowners. Residents were involved in the upgrading process, from the design and construction of their homes to decisions regarding infrastructure and community resources.
August 29 - September 12
Responses from Steve Lerner
Burning Man, Blackrock, USA
In cooperation with David Van Brink, Steve Lerner creates geometric living structures all based on a minimalist aesthetic. They began creating the shelters for their participation in the Burning Man festival, and these structures are now replicated and used widely by various artists and participants of Burning Man. These structures rely on the principles of geometry for their strength, and use ordinary and inexpensive materials for to create shade and wind protection.
Barefoot College
September 13 - September 30
Leidsche Rijn
October 1 - October 11
Rural Studio
October 12 - October 27
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