Beyond materials: The construction process in space, time and culture in the informal settlement of Mathare, Nairobi
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Author / Producer
Date
2021
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
The informal settlements in the Global South, mostly comprising of inadequate building solutions, are growing rapidly, therefore calling for more sustainable construction interventions and upgrading strategies. Within this context, this study considers that appropriate construction strategies are capable of engaging with the local economy, affected by endemic poverty, therefore contributing to the improvement of the settlement's socio-economic and physical conditions at once.
A deeper understanding of the settlements construction process, actors, and key factors influencing material use, acceptance, and distribution, is therefore needed, and is here presented for the case of Mathare, in Nairobi. The study is based on field-based qualitative and quantitative data collection through semi-structured interviews and mapping, and through the adoption of methods as stakeholders analysis and supply chain mapping.
The following insights have emerged from the study:
1) different client groups have access to different building materials;
2) the distribution of materials inside the settlement is strictly related to stores and building sites accessibility;
3) the local adoption of materials is highly impacted by the availability of space both at the supplier store and on the building site;
4) contextual cultural factors can have a major role in the construction organization. as for the case of ethnicity influencing roles distributions in the construction sector.
The study insights are of relevance for the practice, specifically to inform project managers and policymakers involved in construction projects in the informal settlements about local material supply and demand constraints. Specifically, the study highlights the need to consider the availability of stocking space alongside the supply as well as on-site.
Finally, it shows the validity of adopting a mixed-methods approach, looking at the settlements through a socio-technical approach.
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Publication status
published
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Book title
Journal / series
Volume
6
Pages / Article No.
100071
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Informality; Supply chain mapping; informal construction; Stocking space; Sustainable development; Appropriate technologies; Local development; Informal economy; Local building culture; Socio-technical approach
Organisational unit
03972 - Habert, Guillaume / Habert, Guillaume
02655 - Netzwerk Stadt u. Landschaft ARCH u BAUG / Network City and Landscape ARCH and BAUG