Aprendiendo de la informalidad. Participación comunitaria y enfoque situado como marco para la reconstrucción

Abstract

Taking into consideration two characteristics, which can be found in informal models: the standpoint theory and the community participation, this research suggests a theoretical reflection on how urban design strategies can be re-thought within natural disaster contexts. The following approach understands reconstruction as a socio-spatial process. This means that rebuilding cannot be focus exclusively on physical rehabilitation. Actually, the action of rebuilding should promote permanent links and bonds between community and the inhabited place. This particular reading is based on the capacity of the urban design process to open up an affective field. Acting within emergency contexts implies then, to widen the traditional project programme. According to this, architectural or urban project will be defined as a relational system, organized by the requirements found on the ground itself. The dual reality emergency-opportunity –which can be associated both to natural disaster scenarios and informality– enables a field where this conceptual approach to urban design based on social demands can be practiced.