Policy Press

Urban Informality

An Introduction

By Melanie Lombard and Philipp Horn

Published

May 1, 2024

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529219173

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 1, 2024

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529219166

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

May 1, 2024

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529219180

Dimensions

240 x 172 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Urban Informality

This book is the first to provide an introductory overview to the concept of ‘urban informality’, taking an international perspective across the global North and South. It explores theoretical understandings of the term, and looks at how it affects ways of living, such as land use, housing and basic services, working lives and politics.

Using a broad range of material to bring the topic to life, including non-conventional sources – such as fiction, poetry, photography, interviews and other media – the book helps students, practitioners and scholars develop learning and research on this topic. The book also includes interjections from diverse voices of practitioners, community activists and regional experts.

Melanie Lombard is Senior Lecturer in the Urban Studies and Planning Department at University of Sheffield, UK. Her research explores aspects of urban informality, relating particularly to housing, land and place, through a focus on urban residents’ everyday constructive activities, in cities in Latin America, Africa and the UK. She has published widely in journals and contributed chapters to several edited collections.

Philipp Horn is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Sheffield, UK. His research focuses on inclusive urban development, indigenous urbanization, youth rights, and participatory planning in the global South, with a regional focus on Latin America. He has published numerous journal articles, books, book chapters and working papers.

Introduction

Part 1: Conceptualising Urban Informality

Representing Urban Informality: A Multi-Voice Chronology of Informality Debates

Part 2: Urban Informality as a way of life

Informality as a way of living in the city

Informality as a way of working in the city

Informality as a way of governing the city

Part 3: What to do about informality

Top-Down

Bottom-Up

Emerging Alternatives

Conclusion